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The Rural Voice, 1979-02, Page 26atrazaine residues and herbicides used on the next crop. Soil samples sent to RCAT will be seeded with susceptible crops in a green- house and observed for four to six weeks to determine the effect of the residues. Soil samples should be taken from the top half and the bottom half of the plow depth. Another sample of a similar soil without atrazine should be included as a check. About seven litres (six quarts) of soil are required to conduct the tests. Samples should be mailed to Rudy B -own, Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology, Ridgetown, Ontario. RCAT, located 20 miles east of Chatham, is one of four colleges of agricultural technology operated by the Ontario Min- istry of Agriculture and Food. What can you do for freezing pipes ? Many farms are plagued with the repeated freezing of underground water pipes. This problem is not only irritating, it can be costly as well. "The pressure created by freezing water can split metal pipes," says Ross Irwin, of the School of Engineering, Ontario Agri- cultural College. Most problems occur in unheated build- ings, crawl spaces under buildings, and exterior walls subject tt drafts, but pipes under driveways and sidewalks, where snow is scraped off, may also freeze. The best solution is prevention. Pipes should be laid below the frost line. The depth of the frost line varies depending on your area. The pipes should be laid in a straight line, on a uniform slope, between buildings. Insulation will also help prevent freez- ing. Pipes in unheated areas should be insulated to slow down heat loss. "In very cold weather, allow a bit of water to run through the pipe," advises Mr. Irwin. "Even with insulation, the water will freeze if it is left standing long enough. If you plan to leave the heat off in a building, drain the piping system for protection." Once the soil or the pipe is frozen, it won't thaw naturally until spring. However there are methods of thawing the pipe withouth causing damage. "Metal water pipe can be thawed using a welder or pipe thawer," says Mr. Irwin. "However, most farm welders are limited to 180 amps, and are too small for thawing metal pipe." Pumps can be thawed successfully using hard glass heat bulbs, or radiant heaters, suspended about 45 cm above the frozen PG. 26 THE RURAL VOICE/FEBRUARY 1979 0 F.W.D. Universal Tractors : A better traction all year round Available in 2 and 4 wheel drive ATTENTION... BUY NOW Before Mar. 1st and WIN a trip to France and Romania in March 1979. ALL EXPENSES PAID! Quality -Durability -Versatility -Efficiency ERASER'S REPAIR SERVICE Phone 482-9286 Charlie Fraser Brucefield Mr. Farmer... Come in and see us about our SPECIAL DISCOUNTS on SEED GRAIN for the month of February. OPNOTCH TOPNOTCH FEEDS LIMITED Brussels 887- 6011 Seaforth 527-1910