20 



Campbell's 1902 Soil Culture Manual. 



from them. The soil where this root is located is represented to be very 

 fine and firm. Under this condition we are able to get the greatest possi- 

 ble development of roots. 



In cut No. 5, we represent a coarser or less compacted soil. Here 

 the lateral root is only able to send out two little feeders. This condition 

 is of much importance. We have examined roots many times and found 

 them 3, i, and 5 inches in length, with scarcely a hair root or feeder the 

 entire distance. Then coming, possibly, to the compacted soil beneath a 

 horse-foot track, we would find a complete net-work of little feeders run- 

 ning in every direction. There are two reasons for this greatly increased 

 number of feeders in the compacted soil. One is the compact condition 



Cut No. 5. 



so favorable to the development of roots; the other is the greater amount 

 of moisture contained, which, as we have shown by a quotation from Prof. 

 King, is the result of an increased capillary attraction which has drawn 

 moisture from below. 



It is hardly possible to put too much stress upon the point of thor- 

 ough pulverizing and compacting of the seed bed. Probably the strong- 

 est or most complete practical illustration was brought out at the Pomeroy 

 Model Farm, at Hill City, Kansas, in the growth and development of the 

 wheat sown in the fall of 1901. This ground had been prepared with the 

 greatest possible care, having been plowed seven inches deep, with the 

 soil in a moist condition, kept so by the discing and harrowing of the sur- 

 face. When plowed, the plow was followed closely with the sub-surface 

 packer, and the Acme harrow following closely the sub-surface packer. 

 By endeavoring to do all the work when the soil was in proper condition. 



