122 DRY-FARMING 



fact, Burr has clearly demonstrated for western 

 Nebraska that over 50 ])er cent of the rainfall of the 

 spring and summer may be stored in the soil to the 

 depth of six feet. Without question, some is stored 

 also at greater depths. 



All the evidence at hand shows that a large portion 

 of the precipitation falling upon properly prepared 

 soil, whether it be in sunnner or winter, is stored in 

 the soil until evaporation is allowed to withdraw it. 

 Wlaether or not water so stored may he made to 

 remain in the soil throughout the season or the j^ear 

 will be discussed in the next chapter. It must be 

 said, however, that the possibility of storing water 

 in the soil, that is, making the water descend to 

 relatively great soil depths away from the immediate 

 and direct action of the sunshine and winds, is the 

 most fundamental principle in successful dry-farm- 

 ing. 



The fallow 



It may be safely concluded that a large portion of 

 the water that falls as rain or snow may be stored 

 in the soil to considerable depths (eight feet or more). 

 However, the question remains. Is it possible to 

 store the rainfall of successive j^ears in the soil for 

 the use of one crop? In short, Does the practice 

 of clean fallowing or resting the ground with proper 

 cultivation for one season enable the farmer to store 

 in the soil the larger portion of the rainfall of two 



