CHAPTER XI 
“THE SOIL” 
The Foundation of Farming.—Successful farming 
depends to a great extent on the kind of soil. The old 
familiar saying, “A fertile soil means a prosperous peo¬ 
ple,” is as true today as in the times of our forefathers. 
Well do we remember the stories of the early settlers 
who tilled the virgin soils with little thought of wast¬ 
ing plant food which future generations might need. 
Today farmers find themselves face to face with the 
problem of building up soil in order that they may be 
farmed at a profit. If our future farmers must come 
from the ranks of the school children of today, it is 
important that the boys and girls should receive train¬ 
ing in the fundamentals which will aid them in the 
production of food, clothing, and shelter. 
Soil and Subsoil.—The loose surface layer of the 
crust of the earth is called soil. The bed or layer of 
weathered material which underlies the top soil and 
extends to the bed rock is called the subsoil. The top 
soil is darker in color and looser in structure than the 
subsoil. These conditions are due largely to the pres¬ 
ence of decayed plant and animal bodies. The sub¬ 
soil is generally lighter in color than the soil and the 
particles are finer and more closely united. It holds 
more moisture than the soil and serves an important 
part in supplying plants with moisture and food. Good 
agricultural soil supports plants, serves as a storehouse 
for heat, water, and food. 
146 
