SOIL FERTILITY
HOW TO PRESERVE IT. “Any soil which was once rich can again be made rich,” is the declaration made by Profeasor Alfred Vivian, acting dean of the College of Agriculture, Ohio State University, in a recent address. The principal factor concerned in the restoration of soil fertility, according to Professor Vivian, is organic matter. “The destruction of organic matter, by cultivation and otherwise, is largely responsible for the depletion of our soils,” said he. ‘‘This organic matter must be restored if we expect our farms to be productive. what does organic matter doP It increases the power of the soil to absorb and retain moisture; improves the phypical or mechanical condition of the sou; helps to control soil temperature, and is a storehouse of plant food. How can organic matter bo restored to the aoilP By saving all animal manures and putting them on to the land; by making use of all crop residues —that is, putting back into the seal everything not used for feed; by turning under green manuring, and catch crops.” Professor Vivian pointed out the loss sustained by burning straw stacks and ether, won residues, and declared that the difference between the careful saving of this plant food and its wanton destruction was "the difference between the salvation and damnation of our soils,"
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 2
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219SOIL FERTILITY New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8363, 25 February 1913, Page 2
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