The judging of soils

A chemical analysis of a soil, unless accompanied by a large amount of other information, is of little value to the farmer.  The main points in judging a prospective dry-farm are:  the depth of the soil, the uniformity of the soil to a depth of at least 10 feet, the native vegetation, the climatic conditions as relating to early and late frosts, the total annual rainfall and its distribution, and the kinds and yields of crops that have been grown in the neighborhood.

The depth of the soil is best determined by the use of an auger.  A simple soil auger is made from the ordinary carpenter’s auger, 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, by lengthening its shaft to 3 feet or more.  Where it is not desirable to carry sectional augers, it is often advisable to have three augers made:  one 3 feet, the other 6, and the third 9 or 10 feet in length.  The short auger is used first and the others afterwards as the depth of the boring increases.  The boring should he made in a large number of average places—­preferably one boring or more on each acre if time and circumstances permit—­and the results entered on a map of the farm.  The uniformity of the soil is observed as the boring progresses.  If gravel layers exist, they will necessarily stop the progress of the boring.  Hardpans of any kind will also be revealed by such an examination.

The climatic information must be gathered from the local weather bureau and from older residents of the section.

The native vegetation is always an excellent index of dry-farm possibilities.  If a good stand of native grasses exists, there can scarcely be any doubt about the ultimate success of dry-farming under proper cultural methods.  A healthy crop of sagebrush is an almost absolutely certain indication that farming without irrigation is feasible.  The rabbit brush of the drier regions is also usually a good indication, though it frequently indicates a soil not easily handled.  Greasewood, shadscale, and other related plants ordinarily indicate heavy clay soils frequently charged with alkali.  Such soils should be the last choice for dry-farming purposes, though they usually give good satisfaction under systems of irrigation.  If the native cedar or other native trees grow in profusion, it is another indication of good dry-farm possibilities.

CHAPTER VI

THE ROOT SYSTEMS OF PLANTS

The great depth and high fertility of the soils of arid and semiarid regions have made possible the profitable production of agricultural plants under a rainfall very much lower than that of humid regions.  To make the principles of this system fully understood, it is necessary to review briefly our knowledge of the root systems of plants growing under arid conditions.

Functions of roots