The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-08-08
Precautions Against Drought.


On account of the plentiful rains
thus far II is not too much 10 expect
that before the season is over we may
experience weeks of dry weather. In
any event the following suggestions
from the Phiiadeiphia Record in re-
gard to preparations for drought are
worth noting. "It is well-known
fact that when the soil is kept in a
loose, fine, friable condition it not only
absorbs moisture from the atmosphere,
especially at night, but allows of the
downward course of the water during
showers instead of loss by flowing
off, as is the case when the surface is
hard. A loose, deep soil also permits
an upward tendency of water by capil-
larry attraction, the loose soil thus stor-
ing moisture by its greater power of
absorption when rains are abundant.
We therefore find it in time of severe
drought that the frequent usc Of the
cultivator, even when the soil apparent
ly does not require working, is very
beneficial, the greenish tinge of the
growing corn giving evidence that the
constant stirring of the soil enables the
crop to derive certain proportion of
moisture that it would not otherwise
obtain.
"The leaves of plants give off mois
ture very rapidly. When we sprinkle
plant with water the moisture is not
absorbed by the leaves as many sup
pose, but it arrests, temporarily, the
rapid evaporation that constantly takes
place, which is greater when the sea-
son is very warm. We may safely
compare d growing plant to a pump,
which brings the moisture from below
and discharges it from the leaves. The
moisture is collected by the roots,
which spread in every direction, and
the amomnt Of moisture given off in a
day by plant as corn, for instance, il
very great. We cannot, of course
water field of corn, but we can al
least lessen the amount of water which
it gives off. The warmer the soil the
more active the plant in search of mois
ture. Among the agencies used for as
slsting to retain moisture is plaster
which absorbs the moisture to GER
tain degree, from the atmosphere. Any
material that serves as mulch viii
impart great benefit to growing crop
not only by preventing the evaporation
Of moisture from the soil, but also by
keeping the earth cool. The only
method known, however, for securing
the largest proportion of moisture
is, as we stated. the deep, constant an6
thorough pulverization of the soil.
'There is another fact to be con
sidered. Weeds and grass also Civ,
off moisturs, and every weed that grow
by the side of plant intended fol
cropping derives the desired plant ol
moisture. Sometimes the weed o.
blade of grass requires more moisture
than the plant, and fourishes, Will,
the plant dies. Clean cultivation, thre
fore, prevents the robbery of the plan
of moisture, by destroying weeds an(
grass. As two plants of the same kinI
growing together are rivals, the on'
struggling against the other for supre
macy in procuring food and moisture
we should be cautious not to have to-
many plants to the hill If danger oc
ours during drought thin out ever.
plant that can be spared in order tina
the stronger and more thrifty may hav
better opportunities to mature.
clean surface and deep tillage will ofte
save crop, that would otherwise b
lost during dry season."