On account of the constantly increasing area given over to the growing of legumes in northern Idaho, the following methods that have given best results for the University of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station are outlined by G. R. McDole, the soil physicist of the Station.

Fall Plow the Land.
Since the northern Idaho rainfall comes in the late fall, winter and early spring, it is important that the ground be in a condition to absorb as much moisture as possible. The moisture that is necessary to make a crop to withstand the long dry period during the summer months is found in the subsoil. The action of the frost is beneficial in improving the physical condition of the soil making it easier to prepare a good seed bed. The rain settles the soil, bringing the plowed portion back in contact with the unplowed subsoil, thus eliminating air spaces.

Early Spring Plowing.
When impossible to plow in the fall, good results have been obtained from early spring plowing. This does not mean that one should get on the land when it is too wet. However, the loss of the moisture in the soil should be prevented by plowing before the soil commences to dry out or the weeds get started. With spring plowing more work must be done in the preparation of a seed bed to make up for the lack of the compacting effect of the winter rains. The land should be plowed slightly shallower in the spring than if fall plowed.

Seed-Bed Preparation. 