The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-05-15

UNFRAMED LANDS.

the water which accumulates In
the soil, to escape. Often farms
adjoining creeks or bottom lands
are badly in need of artificial drain
age. These lands are, in some
cases, subject to overfow-some-
times are SO fat that there is not
enough fall for the water to find
its way to an open channel and
sometimes so placed that they re-
ceive the run off from lands situat-
ed higher. Many farmer in this
country has fine farm which re-
spends readily to cultivation, ex-
cept in a few spots. These spots
are water-soaked and all vegetation
except marsh grasses, die when
planted thereon. Such places de-
tract from the commercial value OF
the farm apd are continual nui-
sance and waste. 1t may be the
case that large part of the farm
is unfit for cultivation, except late
in the season, as the winter and
spring rains leave the ground in a
wet, soggy condition, thus delay
ing the planter several weeks, and
in case of unusually heavy rainfall
resulting in poor crop.
CONDITION OF UNFRAMED SOILS.
Whatever the cause of this ex-
cessive accumulation of water in
the soil, the results are extremely
detrimental to the soil and crop
production is handicapped. The
water passes down until it reaches
the sub-soil, when further descent
is stopped. The line of saturation
then begins to rise, forcing the air
from the cells of the soil, filling
them with water and destroying
its aerative functions. The soil
becomes chilled. The process of
evaporation is delayed. The roots
of plants are overwatered and un-
derfed, their growth is abnormally
checked and, in many cases, plant
life dies. The surface of the un-
drained soil cannot be cultivated
at proper times, and is more diff
cult to handle.
BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF DRAINAGE.
Where this condition prevails
the land should be thoroughly
drained. This puts the soil in con-
dition for a healthy growth, deep
ems the soil, takes the surplus water
from the soil, makes application Of
fertilizers more effective, keeps
more moisture in the soil and en-
ables the soil to always absorb it's
full amount of necessary moisture
without getting too much, prevents
surface washing to great extent,
increases heat of soil about 10 de-
grees, increases crop yield on an
average of % per cent, makes the
land easier to handle, give earlier
seasons for working. renders the
farmer practically sure of a crop.
COST OF DRAINAGE.
/ The cost of draining land must
be considered as an investment.
1t is comparatively expensive, but
on average land the investment
may be counted upon to pay a div
idend of from 20 to 30 per cent,
while lands which are now useless
| from being undralned. drainage
may be considered as being al i'm
mediate profit To completely tile
drain a farm of 100 acres requires
a considerable outlay of money.
KINDS OF DRAINAGE.
The kind of drainage most desi-
rable will depend entirely upon the
texture of the soil, the amount oil
land to be drained; and the purse
of the man. There are many large
bodies of fiat land which can be
reclaimed by ditcbing. Other soils
require a tile drainage. The tile
drain is composed usually of con-
crete or clay, but planks are Otter
used with advantage when ones
means are limited.
| EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS.
Illinois, Iowa and Ohio are the
! leading States of this country thai
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