Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1916-03-23
TEST SOILS OF iowa COUNTY

Does it pay to become we'll acquainted
with the soil grains that make up the chief
wealth Of any farm in Iowa county? Farmers
wishing to know whether their soils are in con-
dition to furnish available plant food Indefinite
ly without special care and attention, or the
possible degree of acidity present to hinder the
growth of clover and alfalfa may find out the
truth at nominal cost.
The State Soils Laboratory. estab
lished by the legislature of 2-13 gives accur-
ate information regarding the chemical and
physical composition of soils on farms anywhere
in the state. No other state in the Union pro-
vides this service to farmers in just the same
way.
Farmers or land owners in the county
may have their soil examined by field agent of
the State Soils Laboratory, samples taken for
chemical analysis, and other studies made to
include a general fertility, and the special prob
lens which each must face.
Where group Of farmers in a town
ship club together and make application for the
services of the field agent the expense IS con-
siderably less. With single applications the
fee is S. for the first quarter section examined,
and So for each additional quarter section. By
combining in groups of five or more, the charges
are reduced to So for the first quarter section
examined and analysed on each farm, with an
extra charge of 81 for each quarter section ex-
amined thereafter.
After a chemical analysis of the soil
has been made report is prepared which out
lines methods for the permanent improvement
of the soil on individual farms. If the soil has
&c A. ~,
food elements the report tells in what form and
now these plant foods can best be supplied If
the soil is acid the report tells in what form and
how much lime must be applied as correlative.
II the farm examined contains marsh land in
formation will be given concerning the FEAST
bility of drainage and the methods which should
be followed IN improving the land and crops
and rotations best adapted to it.
In a general way the soils Of Iowa
County have been examined and listed in re-
cent report, which does not, however, give Che
problems to be met with on individual farms.
This report covers the main points of interest
concerning each soil type found in the county,
together with statements concerning the clay of
the land and the chemical nd physical quail
ties which distinguish the coun'y's soils from
those in other areas.
The report may be obtained by writ
ing to the Soils Department, College of Agri
culture, where it was prepared under the direc
ton Of the State Geological and Natural His
tory Survey, working in cooperation with the
United States Department of Agriculture. A
few Of the leading facts in this inventory of the
county's soil resources follow.
So called Knox silt loan covers
about 81 per cent of the total area of Iowa county.
Careful cultivation and intelligent crop rotation
are necessary this soil in order to prevent
harmful washing. The surface drainage of this
area is good, as the Typography is uneven. Tile
drains will not be needed.
Retaining and increasing the
phosphorus in the soil will always be an i'm
portant problem on this type, and although