MOST SOILS CAN BE IMPROVED 



87 



When we analyze this method of procedure, we find that the 

 farmer unconsciously brings into play the factors which determine 

 fertility; in other words, his whole program centers on soil fertility. 

 It is true in respect to growing a good yield of any crop. This 

 emphasizes the importance 

 of soil fertility and explains 

 why so much study is given 

 to it. ' 



Most Soils Can be Im- 

 proved. — In the next six 

 chapters we shall study in 

 detail the several factors 

 which determine fertility in 

 their relation to soil im- 

 provement and to the 

 maintenance of fertility. 

 There are very few soils 

 that cannot be improved 

 in some way. To maintain 

 and increase soil fertility 

 should receive the serious 

 consideration of every 

 farmer, because fertile soil 

 is the basis of a successful 

 and prosperous agriculture. 

 It is, indeed, a patriotic 

 duty of every farmer to 

 maintain the fertility of his 

 soil, and to pass his land on to his children, or fellow farmers in 

 as good if not better condition than when it came into his hands. 



Fig. 36. — Twenty-six potatoes from a single 

 hill, totaling 6K pounds — all from a piece of 

 potato having two strong " eyes." A good seed 

 bed, a good supply of available plant-food ele- 

 ments, thorough cultivation, a good moisture 

 supply, the absence of any disease, and protec- 

 tion from insect pests were factors which made 

 this yield possible. . 



Exercises With Seeds. — ^With the use of a hand lens examine specimens 

 of good and poor seeds. The samples should include fresh and old clover seeds, 

 chaffy and clean grass seeds, heavy and Kght grain, pure seeds compared with 

 others foul with weeds, etc. ■, . c -, 



Project Studies. — Compare the growth of crops where poor lots ot seeds 

 have been used in contrast with the best seeds. These may be on small plots. 



2. Grow several lots of seed that have been selected for disease resistance. 

 Test their efficiency by contrasting them with others grown m sunilar surround- 

 ings. These may include cabbage which resists yellows, tobacco and tomato 

 which resist wilts, or others. . 



3. Sweet potatoes which have been selected from plants which are immune 

 to black rot disease should be grown as a home project. From the crop select 

 those which are perfectly immune and that are the best in yield, etc. 



