Suggestions on Plowing

By Unknown Author - Naples Record

18 February 1891

Any wise farmer will determine from his own experience and observation whether deep or shallow plowing is best adapted to the soil of his different fields. No ironclad rule can be laid down that will apply to all cases. Stiff clay soils will be benefited by late fall plowing, and the freezing and thawing of the exposed rough surfaces, which will put them in a better condition for the plow and harrow in the spring. Where rye and wheat are to be sown, there must of course be fall plowing, and the exact time should be such as best suits the nature of the crop as found by experience in certain localities. On a sandy soil plow shallow, for whatever fertility it may contain will lie near the surface, and there is the place to keep it. Rich soils will be benefited by deeper plowing, but the mistake ought not to be made of turning a poor sub-soil up to the surface to be cultivated.

Whether fall plowing is done in preparation of a crop, or only for its mechanical action on the soil, it should cover up and incorporate all the surface vegetation that will be of benefit to it when decomposed. Many of our best cultivators practice spreading barn yard manure on the plowed ground to turning it under deeply at time of plowing.