Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-06-01
BEGIN TO CULTIVATE
CORN EARLY AND
CONSERVE MOISTURE

Cultivation should not be delayed in
the corn until the field looks weedy.
Only little stirring Of the soil Is re-
quired to kill weeds Immediately after
they terminate and before they have
used much soil moisture, but to de-
stroy weeds that are we'll rooted, the
soil must be worked deeply and thor
oughly. Such deep cultivation not only
means more labor but it can not be ac-
complished without breaking and de-
stroying many corn roots.
If corn land has been properly pre-
pared, deep cultivation is not advis-
a BILE. It should never be done close to
the plants after they are foot high,
as much harm would be done by
breaking the roots.
To get an early start OF the weeds.
in many sections or in seasons when
seed terminates slowly, it Is advisable
to harrow once or twice or otherwise
to cultivate the field before corn comes
up. Limited moisture makes thin
stands necessary and it Is poor man.
agement to allow grass and weeds 10
rob the corn Of this moisture.
Aside from destroying weeds, time
~ cultivation is beneficial in prevent
ing the loss Of moisture by evapoTa-
ton and also in fastening the warm
ing Of the soil. The loss Of soil mois-
ture by evaporation continues much
longer from a compact, damp surface
than from a loose. dry surface, ana
the evaporation tends to keep the soil
cold.
In northern localities and at high
attitudes the conservation Of heat Is
as important as the con-
servation Of moisture. Luckily, both
heat and moisture may be conserved
By good, timely cultivation. Heat Is
wasted in evaporating or wasting SOIL
moisture. Making the surface loose and
dry saves both soil heat and soil mois-
ture
Cultivating after heavy rains is
good practice. To be most effective
the cultivat!ng should be done as soon
as the surface is dry enough to work
we'll. If the soil is allowed to dry until
it breaks up cloddy, much moisture
will be lost, a good mulch can not be
obtained. and harm IS more likely to
be done to the corn roots. AS long as
rapid evaporation is taking place the
surface will remain cold and the
growth Of the corn will be slow. In
order to cover large areas quickly. Gull
tivators which work two or more rows
are a great advantage.
The number of civilizations neces-
sary and the best time for them de-
nd 6
Weeds should not be allowed to grow.
and a mellow surface should be main
tanned In some seasons this may be
=ffectuany accomplished with one or
two civilizations: in other seasons from
four to six civilizations may be neces-
sary.
Nothing can be gained by continuing
cultivation in corn fields free from
weeds and in which the soil surface is
mellow. When the surface IS suffi-
ciently loose and dry to reduce evapo-
ration, is open enough to prevent run
off, and no weeds are starting, cult.
walton could do no good and If. care
lessly performed would do injury to
the corn.
Corn should be cultivated only when
one or more objects will be accom-
plished by the cultivation and when
the total effects will be more beneficial
than injurious. The beneficial effects
Of cultivation are:
"a Preventing weeds from robbing
the corn Of soil moisture and fertility.
(2) Putting the surface in condition
TO take in rainfall, thus preventing
run off and erosion, which mean losses
Of water and soil fertility.
(3) Warming the soil by drying it's
surface quickly.
a. saving moisture by checking Its
capillary rise to the soil surface.
Some injurious effects Of cultivation
are:
% Breaking the corn roots which
otherwise would use some of the moIs-
ture Of light showers before 1t evapo-
rates; and
(2) Forming large clods and air
spaces, thus permitting air to enter
and dry the SOIL