The Storage and Use of Soil Moisture 45 
Table 17. — Effect of cultivation and growing weeds on soil 
moisture, 1908. 
PER CENT MOISTURE IN THE SOIL. 
Depth 
Feet 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
Average . . 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
Average . 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
Average 
May 2 
13.6 
14.8 
13.4 
13.4 
12.4 
12.0 
13.3 
17.8 
15.7 
14.1 
13.8 
13.1 
11.7 
14.4 
15.3 
14.9 
13.8 
13.8 
12.9 
12.6 
13.9 
May 22 
17.3 
18.4 
16.9 
15.3 
12.8 
12.0 
15.5 
20.8 
20.0 
17.0 
15.1 
12.8 
11.7 
16.2 
17.1 
18.3 
16.9 
12.2 
10.8 
11.7 
14.5 
June 11 
17.6 
16.7 
15.0 
13.7 
12.7 
13.2 
14.8 
20.0 
18.5 
16.7 
15.6 
15.0 
12.8 
16.4 
June 29 
17.4 
17.5 
17.0 
16.9 
16.2 
15.0 
16.7 
20.4 
20.9 
18.0 
17.5 
16.0 
14.2 
17.8 
14.6 
11.0 
11.9 
9.6 
10.0 
11.9 
11.5 
July 31 
14.6 
16.7 
15.8 
15.8 
14.6 
14.1 
15.3 
18.7 
18.1 
17.0 
16.5 
15.2 
13.7 
16.5 
12.0 
9.3 
9.1 
9.0 
7.8 
9.7 
9.5 
Aug. 18 
13.1 
13.7 
14.2 
14.7 
14.0 
13.6 
13.9 
16.6 
16.4 
15.3 
15.3 
15.2 
13.8 
15.4 
9.0 
8.1 
7.6 
8.5 
8.3 
9.2 
In Table 17 are given the data obtained in 1908 from samp- 
ling three plats, each of which received different treatment. The 
plat labeled "Thoro cultivation" received what was considered 
ideal cultivation. The surface was kept well mulched and free 
of weeds. The plat labeled "Not cultivated. Weeds cut with a 
hoe," was not cultivated during the entire season. The weeds 
were cut with a hoe kept sharp so to disturb the surface as little 
as possible. A few weeds started on this plat, and used some 
moisture. The aim, however, was to cut them soon after start- 
ing, to prevent their use of water. Early in August the plat was 
neglected for a few days and the weeds made a considerable 
growth. 
The third plat was harrowed about the middle of April. After 
that date no further work was done, and weeds were allowed 
to grow. The weeds were cut with a mower in August. The idea 
