The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-08-10

VI ~ NANSSh oHU OAJSSu' 41SuCe,
when wheat'is sown on a good clover
sod, sufficient ammonia will be fur.
nisshed by the decomposing vegetable
matter. A moderate application OF
ground bones, needed by the grain
which demands the phosphate of
lime largely, satisfies all the indica-
ton SO tar asaplant food is concerned.
We think farmers frequently make a
mistake, however, in turning under
vegetable matter, particularly peas,
when in too green a state. Souring
to the damage of the growing crop.
Let the pea pods be at that stage
when they they are browning well.
Less acidity will ensue, probably
none. When large amount of We
getation is turned under, lining, we
think, is always advisable, both to
hasten and perfect its decomposition,
and to correct the acidity which may
result. Besides this, all plants need
lime, so that it is directly plant food,
to say nothing of its other functions.
~ AS plants derive all their inor.
ganic TODD from the soil, how, it may
be asked, does the turning under of
vegetation where it grew, improve
the inorganic condition of the soil?
1t is true that no inorganic material
is really added by this process to the
soil, but its place and condition are
changed in such way as to be OF the
utmost service to the succeeding
crop. Let us see. The tendency of
roots is 10 strike down as deeply as
possible in quest OF food, breaking
up and disintegrating the mineral
mass OF the subsoil. Thus the roots,
going beyond the limit broken by the
pillow, bring up the sulphates, phos-
pilates, and alkaline compounds,
which are Incorporated with the
growing vegetation. These minerals,
thus obtained from the subsoil, are
mixed, when this vegetation is turn
ed under and decomposes, with the
soil proper, where it is more freely
available by the succeeding crop.
Not only is its place changed, but
also its condition. It wasi brought
up in state of solution, and there's
fore more finely divided than is pos.
sible by any mechanical communi,
ton.
i3) The color OF the soil is darken-
ed by turning under vegetation. We
see this illustrated in thick jungles
and forests, where the decay OF veg,
citation has been going on for ages.
1t is also a matter of familiar o6ser-
walton that when successive crops are
closely removed, the soil rapidly he.
comes lighter in color. Now, this
mere darkening OF the soil is not an
important matter. Solar heat is more
freely absorbed by dark soil; the
season, therefore sets in earlier, and
the growing period is by that much
extended. This is an importsnt con-
sideration to all who cultivate the
soil; to truckers, whose profits so
largely depend upon the time at
which their crops come to market, it
is a matter of supreme Importance.
az The mechanical condition of the
soil is improved. Ii the soil be clay
soil, and hence liable to become tight
and unmanageable, the incorporation
of vegetable matter with it will make
it more mellow and porous, both from
the mere admixture with it of this
lighter vegetation, and from the grass
that work up through and open the
soil as this vegetation decomposes.
| On the other hand, a sandy soil, so
lacking in conference that the crops
lodge or fall from the slightest causes,
acquires more tenacity from the in
corporation of vegetation with tide
caying mould has little cohesion, it is
true; but more, much more, than
| grains of sand. "a rope of sand" en-
bodies our idea of the perfect lack of
cohesion. Vegetable matter, there's
fore, mixed, with sandy soils, in
creases their cohesiveness and COM
pactness.
There is still another way ofapply-
inc and utilizing vegetable manures,