The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1859-03-31
Aarifn1tnral.
rPRox rHE AxHRIcAx AaRIcuLrURrsT.l
Flowing Deep---Plowing Shallow.

Flowing Ueep---flOWiug Swallow.
At first thought it would seem surprising that
practical men should differ as they do on this
topic. For instance, we have before us dozen
well written communications, about half of which
contend strongly in favor of "going down to the
bottom" while the other half assert that to
pillow below four or FIVE inches is not only use
less, but actually injurious to most crops. We
can not give these communications in detail, but
we venture the assertion that both parties are
correct in their conclusions. They reason from
different points Of observation. Let us examine
the matter little
l. All plants consist of three parasitic main
stem and its branches the leaves whose Office
is to collect the principal food or nourishment
from the air; and the roots which collects water
(sap) from the ground to keep the plant moist,
to supply its juices, and to act as n vehicle for
carrying to different parts of the plant the food
gathered by the leaves. The roots also serve
as supports to hold the plant in its place.
2. The roots take in whatever liquids they
are brought in contact with. They are increased
In size and number by the direct application to
them of food or stimulants (manures). They
are also injured by comingin contact with such
soluble poisonous materials as they can absorb.
8. The contact Of AIR necessary to destroy,
ortdize) certain poisonous mineral salti found
y all particularly the PROPOSALS Of
ron.
Now then, suppose we have soil from which
rir has been shut out, by it's compactness, or by
he constant presence of water or moisture in
IS pores To break up and pulverize such
Toll deeply, is to invite the growth of the roots
downward below the usual access of dr.
These deeper penetrating roots then absorb
some of the poisonous (unoxidized) mineral
compounds. The consequence is, the structure,
not only of the roots, but of the whole plant is
INJURED. On such soil it very often happens
that shallow blowing, which only disturbs the
thin surface portion Immediately in contact with
the air. will be preferable for the time being, to
going down deeply at once. The true way is
to go only half an inch to an inch deeper every
year, and bring up a little of the under soil to
contact with air, to be fitted by it for use, but
MOTTO bring up enough to injure the growing
crops Every one must have observed that the
soil thrown out of deep well will at first grow
nothing and yet after contact with air for q
year or two, or more, it becomes quite equal to
the old surface soil
Let us now look at another class of soils
those which are open, porous, and by reason of
good natural under-drainage are part of the
year free from standing water to the depth of q
foot or more In this case the air will have
penetrated deeply, and destroyed poisonous
mineral compounds. Deep blowing will not loosen
mass of dangerous material but on the contrary
will invite down the roots of plants where they
will find supply of moisture even when the
surface is parched with drouth To stir such
soils only at the surface, would tend to shall :
low growth ofroots, and when the surface dries
up the plant fails to get moisture enough to
supply the waste of water by evaporation from
the leaves In soils of this character it is mani
festly desirable, nay, important, to pillow deeply.
1t is owing to such diversity of condition in
soils, that practical men, reasoning only from
their own experience, have been let to exactly
opposite views in regard to deep and shallow
blowing. Literally, what is one mans meat, is
another's poison. And this remark has wider
application than to the mere question of plow-
ing. The manures appropriate to particular
soils, differ as widely as does the treatment re-
quired. Quacks in medicine recommend one
kind of pills as a cure for all kinds of disease-
Quacks in agriculture, in like manner prescribe
q particular treatment or manure as just the
thing for all soils and crops If ingenious, they
can each make our plausible arguments to sup
portatheir pretensions.
In regard to blowing deeply, the true theory
is to provide a deep thorough drainage for all
soils not naturally dry to a considerable pth
from the surface and then, by Degrees break
up the subsoil, until deep bed Of dry, warm,
ar-exposed soil is secured. When this is done,
plants will send down and spread widely mass
Oh roots that will support corresponding
growth OF vegetation above the surface, and as
Deiofe remarked, our crops will be independent
Oh sne surface effects of drouths or rains.
sAms-~>@s-&-
No.. YY