QUESTIONS 169 



Emergency Tillage Operations. — Sometimes it is not convenient 

 to compact the seed bed or break lumps before planting. In this 

 case, if the soil is still too loose or lumpy, grain and even corn land 

 may be rolled after the crop is up. This should be done when the 

 plants are small. 



When grain is grown on heavy soils, it is best to leave the seed 

 bed covered with a layer of small, loose lumps. This is not so favor- 

 able for the formation of crusts as in case of finely pulverized soil. 



Heavy rains often pack the soil so firmly after the seed is 

 planted that hard crusts form, which prevent the penetration of 

 shoots and stems. A spike-tooth harrow is often used to break 

 the crust, and sometimes a roller gives best results. Beans often 

 break their necks in trying to get through a hard, crusty soil. In 

 such a case the hoe or the careful use of a cultivator is best to 

 break the crusts. 



Home Experiments and Pro jects.— To Demonstrate That it Pays to Culti- 

 vate com. 



Procedure. — Secure a small plot of ground, preferably heavy, silt loam 

 (about M acre), and divide equally into three parts. Treatment up to culti- 

 vation time should be the same on all plots. Plant each plot to the same kind 

 of com. Give the corn on plot No. 1 thorough cultivation, and maintain a 

 good mulch especially durmg dry periods. Plot No. 2 is to receive no culti- 

 vation at all, but aU weeds should be kept down with a sharp hoe. The soil 

 should not be stirred m the least. All weed^ should be allowed to grow in 

 plot No. 3. At harvest time cut out the row between adjoinmg plots. Dis- 

 card. Determine yield of corn on acre basis. Keep cost accounts to ascertain 

 comparative profits. (During seasons of frequent and sufficient rains, but 

 Httle difference may result in yields on the first two plots. It would be best 

 to continue this project for at least 3 or 4 years.) 



To Determine the Advantage, if any, in Hilling Com. — Procedure. — Select 

 14 rows of corn in a corn field. Practice level cultivation on seven of 

 the rows and hill the other seven rows. Discard the middle row, and determine 

 comparative yields. What are some of the disadvantages of hilhng? 



Field Studies. — Exa m ine different plows, harrows, cultivators, rollers, and 

 planting machines. Study their action in relation to the soil. 



It would be well, if possible, to compare the work of a stubble plow in 

 plowing sod with that of a sod plow. 



QUESTIONS, 



1. What is the relation of good tilth to soil fertility? Give the meaning of 



good tilth. 



2. What constitutes a good seed bed? What is intertiUage? 



3. Name and discuss the factors influencing the development of a good 



seed bed. 



4. Name the common tillage tools. What should guide the farmer in his 



purchase of tillage and planting implements? 



5. What are some of the common objects of tillage? 



6. State some (eight) of the principles governing tillage. 



7. What is the use of the plow? 



