The Lincoln County Herald

Fall Plowing.

At a recent meeting of the Farmers' Club of St. Louis, the subject of Fall plowing was discussed. The opinion generally expressed was favorable to fall plowing for spring crops. Col. Colman said there were several reasons in favor of plowing certain kinds of land in the fall as a preparation for spring crops. If the land is clayey, it is better to plow quite late in the fall to prevent its being beaten down by the autumnal rains. If the ground is coated with weeds it is best to turn them under in a green state, as the gases escaping from them during the process of decomposition, exercises an ameliorating influence on the soil. A crop of weeds plowed under approximates pretty closely in value to clover for the same purpose. Besides, in the fall, farmers have more leisure time to plow than in the spring, and the ground is usually in better condition for the operation. On clayey land turned over in the fall, the frost acts beneficially by pulverizing it, and increasing its productive power. Rains and snows also enrich it to a certain extent. Raw clay, turned up in the spring, becomes sticky, and often bakes into a compact mass--hard to sunder and comminute sufficiently to promote crop growth.

Another member would plow in the fall because the weeds turned under make manure--the seeds of weeds germinate and are rendered harmless in the spring. Besides, late fall plowing, if deeply done the soil lies loosely, each furrow making a drain for the passing off of surplus water, rendering the ground ready for cultivation in the spring earlier than would otherwise be the case. If grass ground is to be plowed it should be done sufficiently early in the fall to permit the sod to rot; otherwise it will clog the plow in the spring.--Exchange.