The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-07-14
Treatment Of CLAW Land.


Treatment Of Clay Land.
The treatment of clay soil, reported in the Coun.
try Gentleman, page 357, should be needed by
every one possessing such soil, and we all have
more or less clay in our land, which may, in its
proportion be thus treated.
lay ls a delicate thing to manage. Plowed
too wet, it is hurtful; and this extends to all
soils, as all tlllabe soils possess more or less Of
clay Plowed wet, it will invariably pack and
become hard, aud the effect viii be retained for
years-the frost and the elements being necessa.
~ to its ameloration. This, long manure, we
are persuaded. will aid; it will aid it by it's fer
menlatlon aud change in the soil If much is
applied, the effect is plainly visible We have
thus treated yellow knobs with decided benefit,
more than we ever obtained by any other means.
The breaking up in Jumps" shows that the
soil Was dry, and the action of the elements and
the manure are ust what was wanted We have
had frequent cases of the kind with similar sue
cess. he great heats and occasional rains of
summer have great effect; 30 have the frosts of
winter. We find plaster also an aid on such
soil, used almost in any way. Lime probably
would act iavorably, as well as salt But ma
nure-long, strong, untermented manure-in
connection with the elements, has the great
dry or, better when between the dry and the
wet, and do work when wet. This is the great
hurt that all land more or less receives; and
where clay largely prevails, it is killing the land.
We have seen SO much Of this-have suffered
III our oyn case-that we cannot too much re.
commendcare in the time of plcwing. Better
let land lie idle, absolutely idle, than to treat il
III this way, for the hurt IL not for year but
wears Ter ik lel ~ 3eFlner
weeds, will mellow and enrich the land,
"a chance-an excellent one-for working In
coarse nanures.
Some farmers go SO far as to say land needs
rest-needs to recruit year-not growing any
crops whatever, but letting it feed on the healthy
fertility of the atmosphere. The effect Of sum-
mer fallowing is doubtless confirmation OF their
view.
When thus properly treated, clay soil is among
our best and most lasting soils-imparting quail
ty to fruit and to vegetables We like clay
soil: we like to manage it---lke to exert our iu-
geuuity upon it, and see the good results. A
potatoe is better in clay soil vegetables havea
sweeter taste; so grapes are improved-aso
healthier, beyond doubt
The distribution of clay 90 as to equalize the
soil is laborious task; but in many cases 1t will
pay. 1t will always pay in garden. 1t viii
pay, where the clay is ready ofaccess, on alluvai
IL,
will pay we are convinced, in this respect, on
large scale We have known q coat of clay,
followed by busting Of plaster, TO have an ex-
celent efIect-not all years seemingly alike.
Sometimes clay, like plaster, seems inert. rs
when there is much rain; SO at least we nave
concluded from our observations. A warm
| season, with occasional rains, seems 70 be the
thing. Clay then is in that condition when 1t ID
| most (and only fit to plow. Draining will keep
| it in this condition more thar any one thing.
| 1t is this which it needs more than any other
soil, and it is usually an indispensable requisite.
| First of all, with clay lands drainage should be
rescrted to. This should be the foundation, the
commencement. This, especially in the spring,
| is the great help to the farmer, favoring the
commencement of work some three weeks earlier
on an average, and securing the putting IN OF
crop in due time. Now. clay land, it is notorious
is difficult to be worked properly in the spring
If the season is wet it cannot be put in, and buck
wheat must be resorted to, as was the case las
wear, more buckwhcat being sown in this sectiol
(Southern Herk Coz than ever before in ont
year. The soil would not permit itself TO b
| worked owing to the wetness ct the season
Drained land, noticed. was put in quite early
The same is the case naw. Land never was more
mellow than the drained lots are to-day. and hav'
been all spring. OtheTs-some of them are no
yet sown May 18th. These retain the wate
still; some are hard--hard at top-wet audp pack
ed beneath not fit to plow or SOW.
Clay is not yet understood-not fully at leas
We may unders;and::it chemically, yet practical
we find different results from what we expected
Is not this the case to certain extenti On
experience therefore, must be our test mainl
as with lime and salt and other things. Encugl
: however. is known to establish the fact that oS
clay Lands properly treated, are our best. take
e ali in ali. They are lasting, they are health
l. they are productive OF good quality. they afoI
v good water, good pasture (sweet and nutritious
/ and act well with manure. They retentiy
t yet Hst retaining water, (if properly daiued an
8 co.nninuted.) and attractive. draw.Bg streDg'
d from the atm sphere, and takingit frem the N
n nure spread upon them
All th.s clay soil wiz DO. and much MOI
b only it must be worked properly. else it viii
is none of these-it Will be dead. You must ha
e, your eye upon the gun constantly with such 80
One violation will be felt f'p years--aDd Cd
lie violation is in treating it the wrong time, VIII
n- it is wet This it cannot bear; and this We ca
not too much emph4size.--F g., IN Raral NJ
1 Yorker.