Show f f i legumes Open Soil To Air flir and Water System of Rotation Prevents Compaction Tight stuffy soils are robbing many farmers of high per bushel-per- acre yields of corn com and small grains each year Loams silt loams loans and clay loams loans need l large rge amounts of organic matter in the plow layer and deeper to keep them open and loose for or high crop production Heavy soils that are arc low in organic organic or- or ganic janic matter and worked with heavy tractors and machinery become LEGUMES LOOSEN PACKED SOIL Jf Tl z coati on 00 CLOVER 1 t r CACHED SOiL M i RACKED LA VER BREAK ROOTS COMPACTION M Tap roots of alfalfa and sweet clover as shown in sketch break breakthrough breakthrough breakthrough through to assure Water water water wa wa- ter and plant food for growing crops 1 j packed especially just below the plow sole These compactions slow I down the intake of water They cut down the amount of water and air the soil will hold for crop use They I Ismall keep the fibrous roots of corn com and small grain upstairs away from I water and plant food held deeper inthe In Inthe inthe the soil Temporary relief can be had by using machines that reach below the ordinary plow layer and break up the plow sole compactions Real relief however comes only through regular regu 1 lar use of rooted deep-rooted legumes in the rotation The driving tap roots of sweet clover and alfalfa force their way through the compactions and reach deep into the soil thus opening it to air and water The mineralized organic matter they leave there improves improves improves im im- proves soil and furnishes plant food for other crops Channels of the tap roots are routes for water and air and fibrous roots to follow deep into the soil Compaction-busting Compaction alfalfa and sweet clover need phosphate and potash potash potash pot pot- ash if they are to do a good job |