Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1918-07-11
ga COUNTIES STRIVE
TO IMPROVE SOILS

Up to the present time applications
have been received for soil examina-
lions on approximately 800 Wisconsin
farms, located In Cd counties and in
about $50 communities.
In each Of these $50 communities
from one to fifteen farmers have taken
the first step in a systematic program
of permanent soil improvement. Each
farmer has had an inventory of his
soil taken and he now knows definitely
in regard to the fertility of his soil.
He knows If his soil is acid and needs
lime. He knows if it is deficient in
phosphorus or other plant food ele-
ments, and he has had pointed out to
him in a carefully prepared report
how soil defects found may be cor
rected.
The majority of these farmers are
now actually following out some Of
the lines of soil improvement recon-
mended. In many cases increased
yields are already being secured.
The object Of the Wisconsin Soil
Improvement association is to improve,
develop and maintain the fertility Of
the soils Of the state in the introduce
ton and adoption of the most ap-
proved methods Of soil management.
This is an organization among farm
ers and others interested in permanent
soil Improvement.
Branch soil improvement clubs are
being organized and these may be ex-
tended into every community where
the state soils laboratory has started
work, as we'll as into all other sections
of the state.
We hear much these days about the
great struggle in which we are now
engaged. The assistant secretary OF
agriculture made the statement not
long ago that the war would be won
by the nation or group Of nations that
could longest feed It's civilian popula-
ton and its armies at the front. This
means that food will win the war.
This statement now confronts us
everywhere, even on our Cancelled
postage stamps, and we know 1t to be
the belief Of our government. It is
therefore our duty to do all in our
power to increase food production.
We know that England, France and
Italy cannot fed themselves. It must
be evident then that upon US as their
strongest ally rests a great RESPONSE
bility. We are told that If German
arms prevail in this struggle the
h ri
But I want to tell you that war
is now being made on our soil.
Germany is more anxious to sink
ships carrying food than she is to de-
stroy ships carrying soldiers or mu-
nitiOns She has already sent to the
bottom Of the sea millions Of tons Of
foodstuffs. A large proportion Of this
came from American soil and it rep
resents vast stores Of fertility forever
lost to the world.
AS a nation we are now called upon
to feed not only our own people and
a rapidly increasing army, but we
must also supply large quantities Of
food to our allies. This means call
upon our soil such as had never before
been made. It means that every acre
should produce it's maximum yield, and
that in the winning Of the war intelli-
gent soil management will play a
very important part. Maximum crops,
however, should not be secured at the
cost Of soil depletion, For every
bushel Of grain removed, or for every
pound Of butter or cheese sold from
the farm, It's fertilizing equivalent
should be returned to the soil.