The Plow Of The Future

The physical effect of fertilizers In ctkanging the relation oí the soil to veat and mofeture. i Oí more importante than the amount of plant lood they furnish. The eifect of fertilizers depende largely upon the seasons. Changing seasons have more effect upou plant growth than doe.s the plant ïood in the soil. Physical eonditions of heat and motetua-e largely determine the d&velopment and y ield of crops. Deterioration of lands is due not so much to loss of plant food as to changes in the texture of the boü in relation to heat and nioisture. Making use of rainfall is tüie mostimportant consideration of modern agrlculture. Oop production is not directly limited by t!ne amount of rainfall, but by the amouoit of mositure in the ' eoil. PToductton of crope depende upon tíhe control of moisture and heat in the soil. A3 heat cannot be controlled, the whole art of cultivation should be directed toward the control of moietur. ■Present methods of cultivation art detrimental to soil and do not accomplisti deslred results. The oontinued plowing at a certain depth causes a hard packing of the sub-surface which forms a water eïied, cauemg surf ace drainage and erosión of the eoil by which thousnnds of acres oí fertile lands are rendered barren every jear. Subsoiling (loosening of the Onder solí lo a depth of one 'and a-half or two feet) admits the water to the subsoil. prevènts the surface drainage a-nd a consequent erosión of the soil ; takes away surplus water without ■wasbimg the 6Tirface and retains the nioisture for future use of crops. Süb-soiling affords the oely means for com-trolling moisture in the soil and fe the key to a successful erop ra is ing. The anouern plow is but an improved type oí the primitive forked stick, and does mat accompltóh satisfactory 1esults, but on tbe contrary is au ertomy rto fertility, and the common sübsoiliplow is uneatisfactory iu many ■svays. Exi.sting conditions and the iuture proBpertty of the farmer depend upon the production of an implement whici shall toe a radical improvement on the modern plow, and which shall revolutionize modern nethods. Thé future plow must not only thorouglily pulverize the surface to a proper depth. but it must leave the subsoil in condition to receive and retaiu molture ior the use oï growing croope. Athere is the genius to invent, where is ie skill to construct, and where Is the mouey, backed by nerve and determination, to manufacture and push to successful use the future plow of the Ameriean farmer and of the world? -The Implement Age.