The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1910-09-25
TEN COMMANDMENTS
OF DRY FARMING


Spokane, Wash, Sept. 2i.-"He who
obeys these precepts shall reap a5und-
ant crops. lie who violates them saal
| be punished by decrease in yield in
proportion to the transgresslon."
Professor w. c. Palmer, agricultural
editor of the extension department at.
the State Agricultural College OF Nor. h
Dakota, says this is a foreword TO
the ten commandments of dry farm
ing" submitted to John T. Burns, sec
retary of the Dry Farming Congress,
for adoption at the fifth annual con-
vention in Spokane October to 6, in
connection with the third internation-
al exposition of dry farmed products.
The commandments follow:
]. Thou shalt plow deep.
Deep plowing permits rain to pen.
citrate the soil easily and without run
off, also provides more feeding space
for plant roots and make available
more plant food.
If. Thou shalt keep the surface SOIL
loose.
This prevents soil moisture from
evaporating and conserves the rain
fall. Harrow grain after it is up two
IncboS nr ,,co Wppdpr
III. Thou shalt cultivate level.
Level soil affords the least exposure
to the air and will take in rainfall
faster than rigid soil.
". Thou shalt summer fallow.
This should be practced in all dis
tricts where the annual precipitation
Is less than 10 inches, as it conserves
two years rain for one crop and xii S
weeds and plant diseases; land should
be cultivated. Where the yearly uain-
fall is more than 10 inches corn is
as good a preparation for crop as
the bare fallow.
V. Thou shalt add organic matter
to the soil.
This holds moisture and plant food,
improves mechanical condition of the
soil and lessons washing, dIfting and
blowing. Stable manure is the best
form. Plow weeds uLder while green.
VI. Thou shalt keep down the
weeds.
Weeds consume moisture and plant
food crowd plants, shade crops, re-
tard plant life and make land work
harder.
VII. Thou shalt grow early manur
ing crops.
Conditions for growing are best
during early summer; winter grains
are better than those sown in the
spring.
VIII. Thou shalt grow corn every
three to five years.
The cultivation required for corn
saves moisture, kills weeds and plant
diseases. Corn is the best prepara-
ton for a grain crop it produces more
food and fodder per acre than other
crops. DO not hill up the corn, as this
wastes the moisture.
TX. Thou shalt grow cover or a.
falfa every few years.
Rotating these with grasses adds
fertility and organic matter to the
soil; kills weeds and diseases OF
plants and produces an excellent hay
and valuable seed crops.
Y. Thou shalt keep stock.
The most profitable way of market
ing grain and fodder is through stock,
which produce the manure necessary
to the soil and bring prosperity and
plenty to the dry land farmer.
Professor Palmer's presentation o.
the principles of this modern method
of tillage in the shape of precepts ap-
peals strongly to members Of the 10
cal board of control" said Secretary
Burns, "and 1t Is likely that sub
stantial prize will be offered for the
best ten commandments on dry farm
ing. The plan Is to submit all to the
executive committee OF the Dry Farm
ing Congress to Gull the best thoughts
and prepare a set OF commandments,
10 be incorporated in handbook as
guide for dry land farmers all over
the world"
Order for Hearing Petition to Sell