SUMMER’S DROUGHTS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 282, 23 August 1940, Page 14

SUMMER’S DROUGHTS

Prepare Your Soil Now To

Retain Moisture

The conditions now prevailing are making gardeners—and farmers—think of possible dry months ahead. August, so far, Jias not maintained its reputation for rain, and as the soil contains less moisture than is usual at this season, a dry summer will bring forth the usual complaints of all who live close to the soil.

In every dry period the suggestion is forthcoming that New Zealand’s soils will not tolerate any but the shortest dry periods. Such a statement, like most generalities, is at best a half-truth. The soils of the Dominion, like those of most countries in temperate zones, can, aud do, in their natural state, stand up to periods of drought with little permanent discomfort to the plant life they support. It is when man takes a hand and starts to “improve” the land that its droughtresistant qualities start to disappear. The reason lies in the humus-coutent of the soil. If soil carries a high percentage of humus, the water is stored up and very gradually set free. As humus can absorb 10 times its own weight of moisture, it can be understood why its sponge-like qualities are so beneficial in summer.

If, however, gardening—or farming —is carried on without regard for the necessity of replacing humus in the form of organic manures, the soil loses its water-retaining properties,- with the result that it is almost invariably in a state of having too much, or too little moisture. Such a soil quickly dries out aud calls for almost continuous watering in dry weather. The wise gardener who is now preparing his plots to receive seed or plants, will also prepare his soil to resist the dry weather to come. He will make generous use of his compost heap, leafmould or animal manures. By thoroughly incorporating any of these forms of organic plant-foods into his soil, he is not only'supplying most of the food elements required, but is also solving the summer watering problem. Where there is manure or composted material to spare, it is an excellent plan to place a layer of it about nine inches below, the surface in addition to that incorporated with the soil. This layer'acts as a steadyflowing reservoir of plant food suspended in moisture, ensures a cool root run for the plants, and attracts the surface roots downwards, thus counteracting the tendency of such roots to rush to the surface after every light shower or watering. Such a layer of humus replenishes its store of moisture during rainy periods, and to a large extent takes care of the whole watering problem throughout the summer months.