IMPORTANCE OF THOROUGH CULTIVATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3003, 4 October 1911, Page 16

IMPORTANCE OF THOROUGH CULTIVATION.

Mr A. E. V. Richardson, Agricultural Superintendent at Warracknabeal, discussing Australian methods of cultivation, says: ' '" V One of the essentials to successful cropping is thorough cultivation. South Australian farmers have a reputation throughout ' the Commonwealth for the way in which the cultivation of the soil is carried on. Most of these farmers are careful in this matter, for ' experience in the drought-stricken north compelled them to cultivate the soil properly or starve. There is ah old tayirig, that cultivation is Whe best inianure. and a truer one! has never yet been propounded. There are some people in this world who are always expecting to get something for nothing, either by means of the totalisator, through dealing 'in shares, or, strangely enough, in their dealings with the soil. Any man who has such inward hopes, and who attempts to build on them, is building on a, very insecure foundation, and deserves what he pets when the superstructure based on this foundation totters to ruin. If a man' wishes to amass wealth* he must work, and work hard. If he desires to mastef a giant store of knowledge, then there is no royal road)— he must work, sacrifice, and undergo a rigorous discipline. Now, if this applies in the material world—and in the mental world—if success is indiseolubly connected with hard work—surely, 6urely in matters pertaining to the soil the sluggard will not reap the same rich harvest as the toiler. Work, then —thorough cultivation, —is the backbone of successful farming; and if you run your memory over those instances of successful men—either in mental mat-tens, or in financial matters, or in matters agricultural —you will find in, the vast majority of oases solid work lies at the bottom of it.- - ■•■ ■ •; But, observe* while thorough working is necessary, it must be an intelligent scheme of working. It does not mean that so much brute force is necessary, it means thaifc, side by side with power must be put intelligence. The farmer who _ brings trained intelligence to bear on his work will accomplish more- than hie fellow who works hard, yet without a clear idea of what he is striving to-acomplish in the tillage of the soil. To achieve success in soil cultivation it is necessary, first of all, to have a clear idea of the principles underlying fclio cultivation of the eoiL .

Why do we cultivate the soil at all. (1) to provide a suitable''-seed bed for the crop. (2) To conserve moisture. (3) To admit air in order that the microscopic bacteria may be stimulated, in their activity. (4) To increase the amount of available plant food.