Birmingham state herald., 1896-02-15
Farm Notes,

- Production of crops depends upon the control of moisture and heat in the soil.
 Making use of the rainfall is the most important consideration of modern agri- culture.
 Exhausted soils, so-called may contain as much plant food as others that are considered fertile
 Present methods of cultivation are detrimental to soil and do not accomplish desired results. .--
 Physical conditions of heat and moist ure largely determine the development and yield of crops.
 Crop production is not directly limited by the amount of rainfall, but by the amount of moisture in the soil
 Subsoiling affords the only means for controlling moisture in the soil and is the key to successful crop raising.
 As heat cannot be controlled, the whole art of cultivation should be directed to- ward the control of moisture.
 The effect of fertilizing depends largely upon the season. Changing seasons have more effect upon plant growth than does the plant food in the soil.
 The physical effect of fertilizers in changing the relation of the soil to heat and moisture is of more importance than the amount of plant food they furnish.
 The future blow must not only thor d depth. but 1t must leave the subsoil in condition to receive and retain moisture for the use of growing crops.
 The continued blowing at certain depth causes hard packing of the sub surface, which forms water shed, caus- ing surface drainage and erosion of the soil, by which thousands of acres of fer tile lands are made barren every year.
 Subsoi1ing Qoosening of the under soil to depth of 1h to 2 feet) admits water to the subsoil prevents surface drainage and consequent erosion of the soil, takes away surplus water without wash ing the surface and retains the moisture for future use of crops.
 There can be no error in mixing cut vegetables and other soft food for the fowls, for their natures crave it. There are eggs in potatoes. and the squash adds a nice flavor to poultry meat. One of the best articles of diet for them Is young clover cut fine and they are very fond of it; malt sprouts and cabbage are excel lent.
 There is no business or profession which requires so bright an intellect and so deep study to fully comprehend as that of agriculture This fact is really now beginning to be realized. So many conditions and circumstances confront the farmer from day to day that scores of points must be considered before a step can be judiciously taken.
 Late SOWn graln,s or poor spots, owing to thin or stony soil, should be given a top dressing at once. Owing to lack of snow this winter, and to a dry fall, the grain Is very backward. Prices for grain have advanced, with a bright prospect for still further advance in the spring. If possible give the grain that looks weak and the leaves yellow a thin coat of long stable manure. Four large wagon loads, evenly spread. will cover an acre. If ma nure cannot be had, use straw. Spread when the ground is frozen. One man should throw off and two should follow the wagon and spread it out quite thin. The manure or straw will act as mulch. affording great protection to the plants from the constant freezing and thawing going on and the bitter north winds. Ear ly in April SOW 200 pounds of phospha te to the acre over these thin spots. It will increase the gain yield and stimulate the clover roots A slight top dressing, spread over now, will save many a field of grain.