Cr iG Mal ‘tian stig yc i aE seni PLAN IE On ITS NATURE, COMPOSITION AND MOST PROFITABLE USE PREPARED TO AID PRACTICAL FARMERS PUBLISHED BY THE Supervising Committee of the Experimental Farms OF THE North Carolina State Horticultural Society, SOUTHERN PINES, N. C. PUBLICATIONS issued by the Supervising Committee are free to farmers. The Committee publishes Annual Reports about the Farm of a Scientific Nature; also popular treatises about Manur- ing plants, etc. Pamphlets of the latter class are “Truck Farming,” “Experiments with Fertilizers,” “The Cow Pea,” which can be secured free of charge by addressing EXPERIMENTAL FARMS, SOUTHERN PINES, N. C. By transfer BEC 18 19) TABLE OF CONTENTS: PTs PAGE IER OD U CLONE russert 16. ct eae ese ae et Pe a ee 7 Part I. CHEMISTRY OF FERTILIZERS. Nitrogentasiaghentilizer sae st: aeenies eens oe ee apne 9 Potash asia ;Mertilizers <2 d9.2 0.5.00) Jse¥de is le eos 10 Phosphoric, Acid! as/a-Mertilizer,. 2). 044-052 14.02..-0-- see Io Thowunctioniotabimety 46 cia06 hee ey) hye ee II Terms used in stating Fertilizer Analyses seKepsisorereyeleretetian remorse II CENitro gen Nate aaa cate tT eek ee een ee 12 ()eEbosplionic Acid, savin, Sohne esses ee eee 14 (C)RR OLAS e ceva ans eee Monies eek ek 15 Loss of Fertilizer Constituents from the Soil.................... 16 Composition of Fertilizer Materials used as sources of GE) SINTtRG Series Ae tie serait By Fae eee Ln eR SNe Ry 28 (GPE hos phoriceAcidina. es anaes a cient ee aie Sern 29 (Sy Rotaeit Peis Un wean herein peg See ose nen BPO ae 30 Average Composition of most important Farm Manures..... ... 31 Part II. DESCRIPTION OF FERTILIZER MATERIALS. liditect Mertilizers:i den i eneeeey en ih put Jy lw) leo er ae 18 Wwirect) Wertilizers 97.3 beor meme sci Py a aon goede ae) ey 20 Farm-produced fertilizing materials............................ 26 Part III. USE OF FERTILIZERS. Preferences shown by plants for different forms of food........ 34 How to-use;Bertilizerst an. sere sh, ne ye 35 needs of ditterent.crops aes accel ee 36 Part IV. MIXTURES FOR DIFFERENT CROPS PAGE PAGE TAN EME: ih ae oe a AL Buckwheat... s<.s0.0c.00.. 46 720} 0) K= SON Oe Rea gag a 42ime \Cabpacenangns= esc. oaeee 7 ANSPATACIS 45.5 so. oceeke 43. Carrotsr thie eee 47 BATHE WES ete ca 8 ots eo ins 4S: # i CClCRY Ska! TNs Se 48 Beanss...... BODE is cst ce: 4a) SCHETIES I 1.5. . cc vic | ne eee, 49 Beets wardenas: . sss. AS mC lOVeT ne eee . 50 Blackberries Cucumbersie re secisrciee ose 51S .Pars: 3 tanen ne oe oats 63 Gurrantsy ae ioe aastory acteeote ous 52e) SPeAS. h..3 i eoroee 63 Be Plants 15 a-ceirve ganas eb: 52 & PIAMS: Gian aie poe einen 63 laser eee not y oraterara tele oiete ee 5G (POLATOES) a0. wei eraeneiieccioiee 65 Gooseberries 5.0.5). cae 54ia— Radishes 42 5-aae ee ae ee 65 Gra PESie s setestss amet eit sat Raspberries: Aa.ae cnerscoeeee 68 Grass for Pastures: 1... 2... BO: DIRVE.» 7 < ‘i a ; ® 11 TY oe ) } J cad ' ” bs a Ue al a i a 7, ° . oi - i i : 7 if . i . ih b) + Via A a i ; y 7 i ‘ an i a" : ari > ate =" - ' ‘ ; =f : ae, “a be : ' - 7 ; ed 7a ‘ : a =, 7 Magia eae ce Tanta aetna tae = : 7 ee » _ 7 . at eal - oS atceieee es Fo mag a - : : f , * ae \ : - f 2 a i - a ere ted eee : ork ale Cakes a P 1 ea € 7 - F =] ie = 7 7 ‘ ny ety s : i j ~ : ’ ch = . : 7 XN f ; f t ne ‘ he oe : = ; i ; ‘ : t - fiat i i - é ' i ' - 2 ‘ , - 1 ae: oked is ars pas i INTRODUCTION. HIS treatise should be carefully studied. It is not a enough to merely read it over ; the whole foundation of scientific manuring is given as briefly as possible, but a mere casual reading will not make it of practical use to the average farmer. It must be studied. [Possibly the best plan would be to take it up in sections, and read and re- read until the points involved become familiar. The farmer must bear in mind that with modern com- petition, he cannot afford to neglect the slightest detail. A careful study of this book will enable him to buy and use the different forms of manures and fertilizers as intelli- gently as the progress in agricultural science permits. The book should be constantly kept at hand for convenient reference. Manure and fertilizers are one and the same thing—all manures and fertilizers are merely so much nitrogen, pot- ash, and phosphoric acid. It is as well for the reader to try and not think of manure as so much refuse from the stables, but rather as substances containing so much nitro- gen, potash, and phosphoric acid. THE FOUR FUNDAMENTAL LAWS. The systematic scientific study of agriculture was com- menced about fifty years ago, and it is to the celebrated 7 8 PLANT FOOD German agricultural chemist Justus von Liebig we owe the following four elementary laws, which are the foundation of the best modern practice. I. A soil can be termed fertile only when it contains all the materials necessary for the nutrition of plants, in the required quantity, in the proper form. II. With every crop a portion of these ingredients is removed. A part of this is again added from the inexhaustible store of the atmosphere ; another part, however, is lost forever if not replaced by man. Il]. The fertility of the soil remains unchanged it all the ingredients of the crop are given back to the soil, Such a restitution is effected by manure or fer- tilizers. IV. The manure produced in the course of farming is not sufficient to maintain permanently the fertility of a farm; it lacks the constituents which are annually sold in the shape of grain, hay, milk, and live stock. These laws cove. the whole subject, but to understand them so that they may be applied at work in the field, it is necessary to have a fair idea of the sources of plant-food of the different kinds, and how best to use these different kinds for different crops. PART I. CHEMISTRY OF FERTILIZERS. lt is generally understood that all manures or fertilizers are valuable for the nitrogen, potash, or phosphoric acid they contain. Though other substances are needed for plant growth, they are almost always present in the soil in sufficient quantity. Lime might be made an exception, although its use is largely to improve the mechanical con- dition of the soil, and cure it of sourness. Lime also aids in rotting the vegetable matter. NITROGEN AS A FERTILIZER. The influence of nitrogen in its various forms upon plant growth is shown by at least three striking effects. First. The growth of stems and leaves is greatly pro- moted, while that of buds and flowers is retarded. Ordin- arily, most plants, at a certain period of growth, cease to produce new branches and foliage, or to increase those already formed, and commence to produce flowers and fruits, whereby the species may be perpetuated. Ifa plant is provided with as much available nitrogen as it can use just at the time it begins to flower, the formation of flowers may be checked while the activity of growth is transferred back to and 1enewed in stems and leaves, which take ona new vigor and multiply with luxuriance. Should flowers 9 1 fe) PLANT FOOD. be produced under these circumstances, they are often sterile and produce no seed. Second. The next effect of nitrogen upon plants is to deepen the color of the foliage, which is a sign of increased vegetative activity and health. Third. Another effect of nitrogen is to increase in a very marked degree the relative proportion of nitrogen in the plant. POTASH AS A FERTILIZER. Potash is essential to the formation and transference of starch in plants. Starch is known to be first formed in the leaves of plants, after which in some way it becomes soluble enough within the plant cells to enable it to pass through the cell-walls gradually and later to be carried into the fruit, where it accumulates and changes back to its in- soluble form. It is well established that potash is inti- mately connected with the formation of starch in the leaves and with its transference to the fruit. No other element can take the place of potash in performing this work. Potash is important on account of its influence upon the development of the woody parts of stems and fleshy por- tions of fruits. PHOSPHORIC ACID AS A FERTILIZER. Experiments have shown that plants will die before reaching maturity, unless they have phosphoric acid to feed upon. Phosphates appear to perform three distinct functions in plants. First. They aid in the nutrition of the plant by furnish- ing the needed quantities of phosphoric acid. PLANT FOOD. II Second. They aid the plant, in some way not well un- derstood, to make use of or assimilate other ingredients, Phosphates are found in the seeds of plants, and, as already stated, a plant does not come to maturity and so does not produce seeds, unless phosphates are present in the soil for the plants to feed upon. The liberal application of avail- able phosphate compounds appears to hasten the maturity of plants. Third. Certain forms of phosphates render the albumi- noids sufficiently soluble to enable them to be carried from the growing parts of plants to the seeds, in which they accumulate in quantity. THE FUNCTION OF LIME. The chief function of lime is to improve the mechanical condition of the soil by loosening heavy clay soils and also by holding together and giving body to light sandy soils. Lime aids in the decomposition of animal and vegetable matter, such as vegetable mould, stable-manure, etc., and tends to convert them into available plant-food. In using lime, care should be taken not to use too large quantities at a time; and, ordinarily, it is best to use it in connection with liberal applications of nutritive fertilizers. Lime can be used with much advantage on freshly drained swamp-lands and also on lands newly cleared. TERMS USED IN STATING FERTILIZER ANALYSES. Fertilizer dealers, and the Experiment Station Bulletins treat the different forms of fertilizer materials separately, 12 PLANT FOOD. and it is important tnat the farmer should be familiar with these trade names, and understand what they mean The following lst contains most of the terms used in stating fertilizer analyses. Nitrogen is expressed as (a) Nitrogen, (4) Ammonia, (c¢) Nitrogen equal (or equivalent) to Ammonia. Phosphoric Acid is expressed as (a) Phosphoric Acid, (4) Soluble Phosphoric Acid, (c) Reverted Phosphoric Acid, (d) Precipitated Phos- phoric Acid, (e) Available Phosphoric Acid, (7) Soluble and Available Phosphoric Acid, (g) Insoluble Phos- phoric Acid, (Z) Total Phosphoric Acid, (z) Phosphoric Acid equal (or equivalent) to Bone Phosphate of Lime. Potash is expressed as (a) Potash, (4) Potash (actual), (c) Potash S. (or Sul), (2) Potash (Soluble), (¢) Potash as Sulphate, (/) Potash equal (or equivalent) to Sulphate of Potash, (g) Sul- phate of Potash, (4) Potassium Oxide. NITROGEN. (a) Mitrogen is a gas and, in this form, cannot be used in fertilizers. Therefore, whenever we speak of nitro- gen in fertilizers, we do not mean that nitrogen exists in them as simple nitrogen. The nitrogen in fertilizers is always combined with other elements, and may be present in one or more different forms:—(tst) in the form of Nitrates, as nitrate of soda; (znd) in the form of Ammonia compounds, as sulphate of ammonia; and (3rd) in the form PLANT FOOD. 13 of organic matter, animal or vegetable, as dried blood, meat, tobacco-stems, etc. Chemical analysis according to official methods does not attempt to ascertain and state in which form or forms the nitrogen is present in a fertilizer. When, therefore, nitrogen is expressed in an analysis or guarantee as “nitrogen,” it refers to the entire amount of nitrogen present without regard to the particular form or forms in which it is present. (4) Ammonia consists of nitrogen combined with hydro- gen. A pound of nitrogen will form more than a pound of ammonia, because the ammonia formed from a pound of nitrogen will contain that pound of nitrogen plus the neces- sary amount of hydrogen added to form ammonia. The chemical relations of nitrogen and ammonia are such that 14 pounds of nitrogen will unite with exactly three pounds of hydrogen, and will, therefore, produce just 17 pounds of ammonia; or one pound of nitrogen will make 1.214 pounds of ammonia. (¢) Witrogen equal or equivalent to Ammonia is a form of expression which simply means that the nitrogen is stated not as nitrogen but as ammonia. It would be better on every account if all guarantees stated simply nitrogen and never mentioned ammonia at all. As a matter of fact, compounds of ammonia are quite uncommon in commercial fertilizers, because nitrogen in this form is the most expensive and, therefore, least used. Strictly speaking, the term ammonia should never be used except when sulphate of ammonia or some similar com- pound is present in the fertilizer. 14 PLANT FOOD. PHOSPHORIC ACID. (a) Phosphoric Acid, as used in connection with fertil. izers, is a compound containing phosphorus and oxygen, which in fertilizers is found never by itself, but in combina- tion with lime. Phosphoric acid stands for a certain amount of phosphate of lime. We may say roughly that one part of phosphoric acid is equivalent to about two parts of phos- phate of lime. But we know that phosphoric acid exists in several different forms. (6) Soluble Phosphoric Acid represents the amount of phosphate of lime that dissolves easily in water; it is formed by treating with sulphuric acid some form of insoluble lime phosphate, such as bones, bone-ash, South Carolina rock, etc. The phosphate thus formed is readily soluble in water. (c) Reverted Phosphoric Acid is formed from soluble phosphoric acid under certain conditions into which we need not inquire here. Suffice it to say that the soluble compound of phosphoric acid often changes, to some extent, on standing into a form, which while less soluble, is still quite readily available as plant-food. (d) Precipitated Phosphoric Acid is simply another name for reverted phosphoric acid. (e) Available Phosphoric Acid includes both the soluble and reverted forms of phosphoric acid, because both forms are available for the use of plants. (f) Soluble and available Phosphoric Acid is an expres- sion which means the same as available. (g) Lnsoluble Phosphoric Acid represents the form of PLANT FOOD. 15 phosphoric acid in raw phosphate of lime, and which is of least value for agricultural purposes. (h) Total Phosphoric Acid represents the entire phos- phoric acid compounds without regard to the forms in which they exist. The total phosphoric acid is, therefore, the sum of the soluble, reverted.and insoluble forms; or, to state it in another way, the sum of the available and insolu- ble forms. aay (¢) Phosphoric Acid equal (or equivalent) to Bone Phos- phate of Lime is an expression which usually means nothing more nor less than insoluble phosphoric acid. POTASH. (2) Potash, as used in connection with fertilizers, always means a compound containing potassium and oxygen, known chemically as potassium oxide. Potash is never found as such in fertilizers, but chemists use this form of expressing the results of analyses as a convenient standard for reference. Fertilizers generally contain potash in such forms as sulphate of potash, muriate of potash, or carbonate of potash. Instead of stating the amount of sulphate, muriate or carbonate of potash present in a fertilizer, its equivalent amount is stated only in the form of actual pot- ash in giving the results of analyses. (6) Potash actual is simply another name for potash, as distinct from sulphate, muriate, etc. (c) Potash S. (or sul.) means sulphate of potash. This is quite often used by manufacturers in giving guarantees. 16 PLANT FOOD. (z) Potash soluble represents the amount of potash that dissolves in water and is available for the use of plants. The different forms of potash commonly used in fertilizers are readily soluble in water. (e) Potash as Sulphate means simply sulphate of potash. (f/f) Potash equal (or equivalent to Sulphate of Potash) is an expression which means simply sulphate of potash. (g) Sulphate of Potash signifies that this compound is actually present in the fertilizer, and that there is no muriate present. (4) Potassium Oxide means the same as potash, or actual potash. LOSS OF FERTILIZER CONSTITUENTS FROM THE SOIL. Phosphoric Acid. The phosphoric acid in raw materials such as ground bone or ground phosphate does not readily leach out of the soil. In specially prepared materials, how- ever, like dissolved bone or dissolved phosphate (acid phos- phate) the phosphoric acid is quite soluble and would be removed from the soil by drainage water, were it not for the fact that immediately after application the phosphoric acid becomes changed into another form which is not apt to leach away. Nitrogen. The mineral forms of nitrogen such as nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, both dissolve easily in water, hence they would soon wash into the subsoil and out of reach of the plants. The so-called organic forms of nitrogen like cotton-seed-meal, tankage, fish-scrap, dried- blood, etc., are less soluble, and experience indicates that PLANT FOOD. 17 they are largely retained in the soil. It is a matter of ob- servation also that there is little loss of nitrogen by drain- age when the soil is covered with vegetation, because the roots of the growing plants absorb nitrogen very readily. Potash. \t has been found by experience that the potash salts do not wash away to any appreciable extent because they form certain combinations in the soil which are not so soluble, but which at the same time are readily available to the growing crop. ‘ In addition it may be said, in general, that loss of plant- food is greatest in sandy soils; the coarser the sand, the greater the loss, the other conditions being the same. Clay and humus have very marked power in retaining plant-food. GENERAL VIEW GF VEGETABLE DEPARTMENT, EXPERIMENT Farm, SouTHERN Pines, NortH CAROLINA. PART Il. DESCRIPTION OF FERTILIZER MATERIALS. INDIRECT FERTILIZERS. A stimulant or indirect fertilizer is one which does not in itself furnish directly to the soil any needed plant-food, but whose chief value depends upon the power it possesses of changing unavailable into available forms of plant-food. The stimulant or indirect fertilizers which have been most commonly employed are lime, gypsum and common salt. Gypsum, or Land-Plaster, known also as calcium sulphate or sulphate of lime, in some manner aids the process of nitrification, by which ammonia and the nitrogen of organic matter are converted into nitric acid and nitrates. It also acts upon the insoluble forms of potash and other elements of plant-food, converting them into soluble and available forms; it is of value on certain soils to certain crops, such as clover, peas, lucerne and similar plents. Quicklime or Burnt Lime, or calcium oxide, commonly called lime, produces changes in both the physical and the chemical character of soils. Freshly burned lime acts chemically upon soils by decomposing vegetable and min- eral matter already present in the soil and changing them into forms which are available as food for the plant. Thus, 18 PLANT FOOD. 19 lime acts upon insoluble mineral substances containing potash, etc., and converts them into soluble forms. Lime aids in the decomposition of animal and vegetable matter, such as vegetable mould, stable-manure, etc., and tends to convert them into available plant-food. In using lime, care should be taken not to use too large quantities at a time, and, ordinarily, it is best to use it in connection with liberal applications of nutritive fertilizing substances. Lime can be used to advantage on freshly drained swamp-lands and also on lands newly cleared. Common salt has an indirect fertilizing value which is mainly due to the fact that it has the power of changing unavailable forms of plant-food, especially potash, into available forms. DANGER IN USING STIMULANT FERTILIZERS. It should be kept in mind that these stimulant fertilizers—that is, gypsum (or plaster), lime, and salt,—are not used for the plant-food contained in them ; hence, as used, they do not furnish needed plant-food. The chief value of their use lies in the fact that they can change unavailable into available forms of plant-food. It can readily be seen that, when stimulant fertilizers are used exclusively for a term of years, the soil each year loses nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid, which are not replaced. The inevitable result of such treat- ment is the exhaustion of these important food constitu- ents from the soil. This affords an explanation of the question often raised now as to why the application of land- plaster does not give such results in crop yields at present as in former days. When land-plaster was the only fertiliz- 20 PLANT FOOD. ing material added to soils for years in succession, it was possible to produce increased crops so long as there were in the soil enough compounds of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to be rendered available by the action of the land-plaster. When, therefore, these forms of plant-food were largely removed, there was nothing for the land-plaster to act upon, in orde to increase the supply of available food material. The land-plaster furnished no needed food but simply helped the crop to use more rapidly the store of plant-food present in the soil. DIRECT FERTILIZERS. Direct fertilizers contain forms of plant-food, which contribute directly to the growth and substance of plants. Such materials may contain either nitrogen, or potash, or phosphoric acid compounds, or any two, or all three of these forms of plant-food. Vitrate of Soda, known also as “Chili saltpeter,” is found in large deposits which have been formed in the rainless regions of Chili and Peru. Good commercial nitrate of soda contains from 153 to 16 per cent. of nitrogen. Sulphate of Ammonia is formed from waste materials produced in the manufacture of illuminating gas or coke. Sulphate of ammonia contains about 25 per cent. of am- monia, which is equivalent to about 204 per cent. of nitrogen. Cotton-Seed-Meal is the product formed by removing the oil from cotton-seed by pressure, after which the material is dried and ground. Cotton-seed-meal contains about 7 per PLANT FOOD. 2I cent. of nitrogen, 3 per cent. of phosphoric acid and 2 per cent. of potash. The hulls of the cotton-seed also possess considerable fertilizing value. © Tobacco-Stems are the refuse from tobacco-factories. They contain usually from 5 to 8 per cent. of potash, 2 to 3 per cent. of nitrogen, and a small quantity of phosphoric acid. Dried-Blood consists of blood obtained from slaughtering animals; it is prepared for market by evaporating, drying and grinding. The color varies from red to black. Dried- blood contains from ro to 15 per cent. of nitrogen. Dried-Fish, Scraps and Ground-Fish consist of refuse from fish-oil works and canneries; it is dried and ground for market. Dried ground-fish, of good quality, contains from 7 to 8 per cent. of nitrogen, together with as much or more insoluble phosphoric acid. Meat-Scraps, Tankage, etc., are slaughter-house refuse, dried and ground. Good tankage contains ro per cent. or more of nitrogen and often 10 per cent. or more of insoluble phosphoric acid. Nitrogenous Guanos are formed in dry regions. The Peruvian guano was rich in nitrogen, containing 7 per cent. ormore. They usually contain 7 to r2 per cent. phosphoric acid, and about 1 per cent. potash. Bones consist mostly of calcium phosphate or phosphate of lime, which constitutes from one-half to three-fifths of the weight of the bone. The remaining portion is a soft, flesh- like substance commonly called gelatin. It is distributed throughout the entire mass of bone, and is rich in nitrogen. 22 PLANT FOOD. When bones are burned, the nitrogenous matter is driven off and only the mineral portion or phosphate of lime re- mains. Bones such as are used in making commercial fertilizers, contain 4 to 5 per cent. of nitrogen, and from 20 to 25 per cent. of phosphoric acid, about 2 of which is in- soluble and approximately } available. Lone-Ash is made simply by burning bones in the open air, The nitrogen is lost in burning, and the chief consti- tuent is insoluble calcium phosphate, equivalent to 30 to 35 Or more per cent. of phosphoric acid for the most part insoluble. Bone- Black, known also as bone-charcoal, is extensively used in refining sugar. After it has been used several times, portions become useless for refining purposes, and are then sold as a fertilizer. It is made by heating bones in closed vessels ; the fat, water and nitrogen are driven off, and the bone-black remaining consists mainly of insoluble calcium phosphate and carbon or charcoal. Good bone-black may contain 30 or more per cent. of phosphoric acid mostly insoluble. Bone-Meal goes under various names, such as ground bone, bone-flour, bone-dust, etc. Raw bone-meal contains the fat naturally present in bones. The presence of the fat is objectionable, because it retards the decomposition of the bone in the soil, while fat itself has no value as plant- food. The presence of easily decaying nitrogen compounds in bone hastens, in the process of decomposition, to dissolve more or less of the insoluble phosphate. Bone-meal should contain from 3 to 5 per cent. of nitrogen, and from 20 to 25 PLANT FOOD. 23 per cent. of phosphoric acid ; about one-third to one-fourth of the latter appears to be in readily available condition. Raw bone-meal generally contains somewhat more nitrogen (1 or 2 per cent.) and rather less phosphoric acid than steamed bone-meal. The fineness of the meal affects its value; the finer the meal, the more readily available it is for plant-food. Phosphatic Guanos, or Rock Guanos. Guanos generally consists chiefly of the dung of sea-fowls, though the term is applied to other animal products. They are generally found in beds resembling earthy deposits. The guanos which are called phosphatic contain little or no nitrogen. Their phosphoric acid is generally in the insoluble form. These guanos come mainly from certain islands in the Pacific Ocean, and from Caribbean Sea and West India Islands. The phosphoric acid in guanos is very variable, ranging from below 15 to over 30 per cent. Rock Phosphates are known under several different names which generally designate the localities from which they come, as South Carolina Rock, Florida Rock, Tennessee Rock, West India Rock, etc. Other forms of mineral phos- phates are known under the names of apatite, coprolite, and phosphorite, which are found in various places in America and Europe, and some of which are used in making com- mercial fertilizers. The rock phosphates are extensively used in making acid phosphates. When ground to a very fine flour-like powder, rock phosphates are called “ floats.” Rock phosphates contain usually from 25 to 30 per cent. of insoluble phosphoric acid, and some as much as 35 to 4o per cent. 24 PLANT FOOD. Acid Phosphates are known under several different names, such as superphosphates, dissolved bone, dissolved Rock, dissolved bone-black, etc. Acid phosphates are formed by treating some form of insoluble phosphate of lime, as rock- phosphate, bone, bone-ash, etc., with sulphuric acid. By this treatment there are formed soluble phosphate of lime and gypsum (sulphate of lime) in nearly equal proportions. Superphosphate made from rock phosphates may contain from 12 to 18 per cent. of available phosphoric acid. Thomas Slag, also known under several other names, such as basic iron slag, Thomas scoria, Phosphate slag, etc. It is a by-product formed in the manufacture of iron and steel from certain kinds of iron ore containing phosphorus compounds. It usually contains between 19g and 20 per cent. of total phosphoric acid, with 6 to 7 and more per cent. of available phosphoric acid. Cotton-Seed-full Ashes were produced in the South at the cotton-seed-oil factories, where the hulls, after being removed from the cotton-seed, were used as fuel. Such ashes contain from 15 to 25 per cent. of potash, in addition to from 7 to ro per cent. of phosphoric acid. This material is not commonly found now. Kainit is the most commonly imported product of the German potash mines. It isa mixture of several different compounds, containing about 12.5 per cent. of actual potash together with about 35 per cent. of common salt, also magnesia salts. Murtate of Potash, a manufactured salt from products of the Stassfurt mines, is the main source of supply for potash PLANT FOOD. 25 for commercial fertilizers in our market, and contains 50 to 53 per cent. of actual potash. Sulphate of Potash is also a manufactured salt from pro- ducts of the German mines, The product found in the market contains from 48 to 51 per cent. of actual potash. Sulphate of Potash-Magnesia is known also as double manure salt or low grade sulphate of potash. This material comes from the German mines and contains 26 to 28 per cent. of actual potash. It also contains 32 to 36 per cent. of sulphate of magnesia. Carbonate of Potash-Magnesia contains about 18 per cent. potash and 1g per cent magnesia, both as carbonates. It is practically free of chlorine. It is also a product of the German potash mines. Wood-Ashes contain more or less potash, which is present chiefly in the form of carbonate. The amount of potash in commercial wood-ashes varies from below 4 to over 7 per cent., the average being under 5 per cent. Wood-ashes also contain between 1 and 2 per cent. of phosphoric acid. The following are inferior sources of nitrogen. They are all very slowly available, and should be used only where immediate effects are not sought. In some States the fer- tilizer laws either prohibit the use of these substances in fertilizers or demand that these goods shall be specified when used in making mixtures. Hair is obtained from slaughter houses; it is often mixed with dried blood and other forms of animal matter. It contains about 15 per cent. of nitrogen. Hoof-Meal and Horn-Dust are by-products containing 26 PLANT FOOD. ro to 15 per cent. nitrogen and about 2 per cent. phosphoric acid. They are sometimes treated with super-heated steam or with sulphuric acid, the treatment rendering the nitrogen compounds more readily available. Leather-Scraps and Leather-Meal are waste products of various factories. When treated with super-heated steam and dried or roasted, they can be finely ground. They con- tain 7 to 8 per cent. nitrogen which, however, is not in a readily available form. FARM-PRODUCED FERTILIZING MATERIALS. Stable or farmyard manure consists of the solid and liquid excrements of the animals fed on the farm, mixed with straw and waste products of the farm. fTorse-Manure is difficult to mix thoroughly with litter on account of its being very dry. It is called a “hot” manure, because, on account of its loose textu-e, it easily undergoes decomposition or fermentation, producing a high degree of heat. On this account it is very liable to lose more or less of its nitrogen in the form of ammonia. Sheep- Manure is quite dry, and is commonly the richest of farm produced manures. Like horse-manure, it under- goes fermentation easily and is classed as “ hot” manure. It is similarly very liable to lose ammonia. Pig-Manure varies greatly in composition, but is gener- ally rich as compared with other farm-produced fertilizer materials, and contains considerable water. In decompos- ing, it produces but little heat, and is, therefore, called a *‘cold’”’ manure, PLANT FOOD. 27 Cow-Manure contains, as a rule, less fertilizing materials than any of the preceding manures. It contains a large amount of water, and, in decomposing, generates little heat. Poultry-Manure contains a comparatively large amount of all the different forms of plant-food, being especially rich in nitrogen and phosphoric acid. It undergoes fermentation readily, and loses nitrogen unless properly treated with ab- sorbents or preservatives. Generally speaking, manures produced from working or fattening animals contain from go to 95 per cent. of the fertilizing constituents contained in the food. Manure made from cows in milk and young, growing animals contains from 50 to 85 percent. of the fertilizing constituents con- tained in the food. Inthe case of animals which are neither increasing in weight, nor giving milk, the amount of fertil- izing materials in the manure will be nearly equal to that 7 contained in the food eaten. The foregoing statements pre- suppose that all the dung and urine are saved, a supposition which is not often true, considering the manner in which stable-manure is commonly treated. Perhaps the element of manures least understood is the humic matter, of which ordinary manures contain from 16 to 20 per cent. The litter used in bedding stock furnishes much of this, and the quantity depends upon the nature of the material used. PLANT FOOD. %1 ynoqz 8 0} ¢ v o &z ¢ . Zz ee esr ee OOP OOO a) SUI9}G-O90BGOT bz oT SI - 9 9 5 ¢ eS ESS SO OE MOC AOISES) be OEY 6 3 g el +5 £9 eee ee eevee @) fe! sire) eo. [P29 W-PI9S-u0}0D 8! » 9 ag fer, $11 Eton nee Pet Ss aes desog-ystyq pod Sor = Ze e Il 6 6 i £44] eee ees ip warmer eas >, (002) +I * Teal mes shererere SI 7 9 9 _ cS . . se de ee Aa Vo 2b 0G saa sr eenwhe 8 Ss mre te Siete Ot AeT me | Ios neces oseyuey pojeijusou07 S07, 2 seus £70 4, (21 i | a On sr eeeeess*(gpeid MOT) poolg-paliqg Den db rt fli ,, Grr Pei ROL See eke (ape1s ysty) poog-poiqd ser CS Ges ; Per 9z ¥ fz zz - 61 3 0 se (elise fel el ene) a ‘vIUOWWY jo ayeydins a ee ry ever.s S61 0} QI gl fos Cr Se ete CDOS jo OTVITIN "7040 [, O'N “DIuUoul ul pI ut "UISOAJL AT sraoydsoy | Pd juagpainby Y “NS5D0ULIN JO S39YNOS SV G4asn SIVIHALVW YAZIILYss 40 NOILISOdWOS 29 PLANT FOOD. Ai O CONG Gun 055.6 ouens) uvIANIOg i, 13 8 Gr OM || ej e7 Tam ecient Ayal Olan nen ce Sane Gira eT: Pe L it as Sits alle steer ge, Ez Say amet ea Nea eae "++ *(paajossip) su0g Lien AS tial Or atS) SI ey leke : Boroy folie ete ee Tea uO, Ae ot Hise obi. (opn, |pen hie ye ea/Ai any) acral oes "++ *** (pgarossip) YOV[_-ou0g ce, ce samerece Set ApS || Seadoo! Poesia | ra od [oncop osc: (quads) yortq-auog Egy OURO Nee Ley) Olen nt Sea elias Nas 7s one dsousy ploy, oosseuuon: Genre |e one SS arts |e Ss |) Gon ace ae otra AlereeMe ceo ajeydsoyg oossouuay, ¢ ot 9I 0} C1 61 ¢ RL ciao rgO.S: poeta dior. PPC omics 208 orice oyeydsoug ploy epuojd z¢ bs gz bo oma oo 6 z¢é is Qt Guomod || oo Oca oD eee oe ‘ayeydsoyg 21qq99d epluoly AAS Maes yo on ms OPN Soa tsisa|| eee netres || onesies SO llamar +++ -y90yp pu] epUo[ | Sli GraOVecm ts Ole eek. | see Trica who cage sess \oyeydsoyg ploy euljo1ed “0S Lz 01 92 TSO OF DET aya | oc eeta tench tb | seas: +++ +-y903y ‘soyg BUITOIeD “OS ‘aqgnjosuy | ‘a7qvzway ‘7010, o ty ‘pINoMl py —— uz guar | UaSOLJLNT ‘IOV. DIMOHdASOHd W?d | -vasnby ———— ‘diov DJIYOHdSOHd 4O S3OHNOS SV G3SN SIVIYALVW YAZITILHS4A 40 NOILISOdINOS PLANT FOOD. 30 ——+ SUI9}]G-099RqO J, 28-8 OR iO oripgioy Te tae ea esate Se a TE Gs oS uinadGuatonener Jo 806.000 Sy oT carers eieners ob , SE} z tot "77" *""""* (payee) saysy-poomy Sierdacees at z O11 ate: Poe SSL owmoe lg ieee lane: (poyovazun) saysy-poo Neeeeter eee ie O} OI OF eT ||) oe iDance **1930dq[eS 10 Yysejog JO 9}e8I1IN eKaepsiter site 9 03 L oieefeiteke 6.0 O70 OI os pees 2 cana, [INF{-p2eg-uon05 ot Ay ev eteneitereke ce ee eee eeee OZ 0} gI CAE a it eeu cree UTA Ae z€ ov of a | peter ens eee eee ZI'I t'zr acre eens ace Cay Sialavetar oss pareve cee sterarereters sea aetete ee Zoy “vIsouSeyy ysvjog Jo oyeuoqie) SiS eye car 5 mee sarees sacuene oho5e Sg°0 eee VALS “'“BISOUSPI YSvjog jo ayeydyng S71. S20 euparse a esate uee** | 55 03 0S |'(opers ySry) ysejog Jo oyeydjng gt 01 Sb ue het si sudhs a Arek Sis texaious 0S Trreeeeesesssusviog jo olen YuaaD 42g ead 7UID 4a |'JuaD tag | +7uUa7 49g i ‘9ULAOIYD ee me ‘DLUOULU P| Ua SOAJINT ‘9MlzT | ‘ysvjog aang “HSVLOd 4O SADYNOS SV G3SN SiIVvIHaLYIN YAZIMILYS4 410 NOILISOd NOD 31 PLANT FOOD. oL'o gz‘o bz'o Asi go'o 61'0 ff'0 €z'o Iz'O er ae) Ifo g1'o (ona) 2urT, “7105 CO a) ‘pip ssoyJsoy Eg'0 09'0 oS'o. | le "5 ag O- Ord ginuvf-21qeIS pox Sgro 9671 Slopre MNIe SG ARS a ysity Bl oe *(ysoaq) Sunq-uey 0g'0 rS:o Sy ale On naa ace cd a (ysotj) oINUvPL-SOP{ Lovo oo’! ESO orden eh (yso1j) o1nuvpy-daoys ES:0 ol'o oie kanal | lin esl aces ah (YySo1f) JINUv I -9SIO FT ot'o 1v'0 VEIOn Pate ey eas he maraans (ysor1j) oInuepP-MOd “‘DIUOMM | Cea Be eae : we Wak OSE N SHIDNVNW NWAVA YSDIOT juapoinby "SSUNNVW WHVS LNVLYOdW! LSOW 3HL 40 NOILISOGINODS ADVYHAAV 32 PLANT FOOD. GENERAL View oF Fruir DEPARTMENT, EXxpEeRIMENT Farm, SOUTHERN Pines, Nortu CaArRo.ina, PART Ill. THE USE OF FERTILIZERS. There is no way to tell, without experiment, what food constituents a soil lacks. The crops themselves give valu- able suggestions. Asa rule lack of nitrogen is indicated when plants are pale-green in color, or when there is small growth of leaf or stalk, other conditions being favorable. A bright, deep green color, with a vigorous growth of leaf er stalk, is, in case of most crops, a sign that nitrogen is not lacking, but does not necessarily indicate that more nitro- gen could not be used to advantage. An excessive growth of leaf or stalk, accompanied by an imperfect bud, flower, and fruit development, indicates too much nitrogen for the potash and phosphoric acid present. When such crops as corn, cabbage, grass, potatoes, etc., have a luxuriant, health- ful growth, an abundance of potash in the soil is indicated; also when fleshy fruits of fine flavor and texture can be successfully grown. On the contrary, when these plants fail of a luxuriant growth, or are very low grade in quality, it is a certain indication that potash is lacking. When a soil produces good, early maturing crops of grain, with plump and heavy kernels, phosphoric acid will not generally be found deficient in the soil. In order to ascertain with greater certainty what food elements are lacking in the soil, the surest way is for each 33 34 PLANT FOOD. farmer to do some experimenting on his own soil and crops. Apply different kinds of fertilizing materials in different combinations, using, for example, potash compounds in one place, phosphoric acid compounds in another, nitrogenous materials in another. Then different combinations can be made on other portions of the crop. Some portions of the field can be left without application of any kind. The result can then be studied in the yield of crop. In carrying on such field tests, several difficulties may be met. The season may frequently be such as to interfere seriously with the favorable action of the fertilizing materials applied. Thus, a severe drought may counteract all other conditions and prevent a satisfactory yield. The difference of mechan- ical condition of the soil on the same farm or even in the same field may prevent a fair comparison of the action of different kinds of fertilizing materials and elements. But, notwithstanding such difficulties, valuable suggestions will be gained from an experimental study of one’s soil through the behavior of the crops. PREFERENCES SHOWN BY PLANTS FOR DiFFERENT FORMS OF FOOD. It is a fact of great interest and importance that one form of a fertilizing constituent is preferred by some plants to the same constituent in another form. This preference is indicated by greater yield or better quality of product or by both. Thus, wheat seems to give better results when nitrogen is applied in the form of nitrate of soda than in any other form. The quality of tobacco is injured by potash in the form of muriate and, hence, only sulphate PLANT FOOD. 35 should be used for fertilizing purposes. The quality of sugar beets and of potatoes appears to be better when sul- phate of potash is used. HOW TO USE FERTILIZERS. While the soil may contain certain quantities of fertilizer naturally, in most cases it will not pay to give serious atten- tion to this source of fertilization. Farmyard manure, and similar refuse substance should always be used with hoed crops, in which case it is plowed under; otherwise it is best used as a top dressing. When plowed under, farm manures should be applied for fall plowing, unless the crop to be grown covers the entire growing season, as, for example, Indian corn. ‘The fertilizer in such manures becomes avail- able very slowly. Nitrate of soda, when used alone, should always be ap- plied to growing crops, and for quick effects. For young fruit trees or for vegetables, one or more applications may be made with benefit. Complete fertilizers usually have a small proportion of their nitrogen in the form of nitrate of soda, and the remainder in a less active form, so that by the time the nitrate of soda is utilized, the other nitrogenous products become effective. Sulphate of ammonia is a quick-acting nitrogenous fert- ilizer, but should be used only when the soil has been lately limed. Dried-blood, dried-fish and other similar materials are less active than nitrate of soda, but more so than the nitrogen of farm manures. They are generally used in complete fertilizers, and are best plowed in, or drilled in at seeding time, All forms of potash are equally available, 36 PLANT FOOD. but should be applied as early in the season as possible; even fall applications ire advisable, as there is little danger of loss through drainage. Lime also aids the effectiveness of potash salts. Phosphates in the form of “supers” or acid phosphates, are very quickly available, resembling nitrate of soda in this respect, though it is hardly advisable to make more than one application, early in the season or at planting time. All other forms of phosphates are best applied in the fall, or very early in the spring. NEEDS OF DIFFERENT CROPS. It is a well known fact that different crops need different quantities of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid com- pounds. If we know with a fair degree of accuracy how many pounds of nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid a crop of any kind will remove from the soil, then we have fairly definite knowledge of the amounts of different forms of plant-food to apply to the soil to insure a crop. If we could not depend upon the soil to furnish any plant-food, then, we should use, at least, the amounts of fertilizing ma- terials removed by one crop. In the following table, we give the number of pounds of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash used by different kinds of crops grown on one acre of land. In studying this table, we must keep in mind that the figures do not in every case represent the amount of plant-food removed from the soil. Thus, with clovers, beans, peas and other leguminous crops, a portion of the nitrogen is obtained from the air, and hence we have need to apply less nitrogen in the form of fertilizer than appears PLANT FOOD. 207) to be called for by the table. In the case of fruits, like apples, pears, plums, etc., it will be found safe often to apply larger quantities than the table calls for, because the figures in the table do not indicate the demands made by the tree in increasing its growth. TABLE GIVING THE AMOUNTS OF FERTILIZER INGREDIENTS (NITROGEN, PoTASH AND PHOSPHORIC ACID) CONTAINED IN THE CROP FROM ONE ACRE. CROP. Vield. \Straw, etc.| V7? | Potash, | Phesphori JeN}0) 0) ee 1S tOMS: Hi Goss. 39 lbs.| 60 lbs.| 30lbs. ATIC Velo cs: ss 30 bu. 2,000 IDSi) 57° |) 5.0 as ry yay CANS aes. 6s: ZC) 27 OO) Tice oe Gana EXO» Buckwheat ...| 34 “ 2,800 “ ROPE Lowe EAya: Cabbage...... BO COMG | wanderers Doo. || 270). VON nClovier, OFCEN:| Ss... yoke ote ea: 12 - Instead of the above, the following materials may be used, which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds matertals per acre. (1) 50 to roo lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen: 2... (2) 40 to 80 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 80 to 160 “ dried-blood. iNeaaaBle (1) 300 to 600 Ibs. bone-meal, or ce : wa4. (2) 200 tO) 400 dissolved bone, or Lose) Hoi ato ve (orks (3) 250 to 500 ‘ acid phosphate. (1) 100 to 200 lbs. muriate, or (2) 100 to 200 “ sulphate, or (3) 400 to 800 “ kainit. Suggestions. Excessive application of nitrogen com- pounds to apple orchards is to be avoided, because it favors rank growth of trees at the expense of fruit. Fruit trees in bearing require annual application of fertilizers for best results. PLANT FOOD. 43 ASPARAGUS. As a fertilizer, use per acre from 400 to 800 pounds of the following : INTERORTET Gye tore cs wiafol ech <1eie 5 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 s J EXO LHS) os 2 Binh a ae a NOES 9 ° Instead of the above, the following materials may be used, which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. Noo (1) 120 to 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, or See eNO (2) 200 to 400 “ dried-blood. Available Phosphoric Acid (2) 200 to 4oo ‘ dissolved bone, or (1) 300 to 600 lbs. bone-meal, or (3) 250 to 500 “ acid phosphate. (2) =7e to 140) “© “sulphates or, (3) 300 to 600 “ kainit. (1) 70 to 140 lbs. muriate, or FR OGAS I cvsees sic: Suggestions. Stable-manure may be applied every two or three years in the fall after removing plants, and also every year a dressing of phosphoric acid and _ potash. Nitrate of soda is applied to best advantage in the spring, just as the shoots begin to appear. BARLEY. Use per acre 500 to 1000 lbs. of a fertilizer as follows : INI ROR EIN ts Sct aieree wererena dee ee ADEE Cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 an FeO tAS Mra 29 src ese a segecele Ss whee ss 8 - Instead of the above, the following materials may be 44 PLANT FOOD. used, which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. INTEDORIEM. cia 10.6 Available Phosphoric Acid Potasite sie ene a Suggestions. (1) (2) (3) 7 torr50 lbs: 50 to 100 125 to 250 200 to 4oo lbs. 150 to 300 175 to 350 50 to 100 lbs. 50 to 100 200 to 400 “ce oh oe e nitrate of soda, or sulph. of ammo., or dried-blood. bone-meal, or dissolved bone, or acid phosphate. muriate, or ‘“* sulphate, or 6c kainit. Excess of nitrogen as found in stable- manure is to be avoided, because the quality of the grain may be injured. BEANS. Use per acre 500 to 1000 pounds of the following : INTESOSENE Scat hecicjn eee eae Available Phosphoric Acid.. FROLASINY sicrarct atccie aeremonaa’ stevaees Instead of the above, the following materials may be I per cent. 7 6c 9 ce used, which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : INitrocien!). 2.4. : | Available Phosphoric Acid Potash cence Pounds materials per acre. (1) 30 to. 60 lbs. nitrate of soda, or (2)ie25 "ton eye (3) 50 to 100 (1) 250 to 500 lbs. (2) 200 to 400 (3) 300 to 600 (1), “Fo to 140/1bs: (2) 70 to 140 (3) 300 to 600 “ cb “sé “ce “ce “6 sulph. of ammo., or dried-blood. acid phosphate, or dissolved bone, or bone-meal. muriate, or sulphate, or kainit. PLANT FOOD. 45 Suggestions. The formula given above applies to beans grown for the seeds. When beans are grown to be eaten green, as for string beans, three or four times as much nitrogen should be applied, as for example, 100 to 200 pounds of nitrate of soda for one acre; this is applied pre- ferably in three or four portions at different times rather than all at once. The extra application of nitrogen will develop the foliage and pods and retard ripening. BEETS—GARDEN. Use per acre from 500 to 1,000 pounds of a fertilizer analyzing as follows: INTEROP EM Soi. inaate tel e.e oisiee ote 5 percent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 - Potashiqace secre soe 9 ES Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (2) 100 to 200 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 200 to 4oo “ dried-blood. (1) 120 to 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen. .....- Phosphoric Acid (2) 175 to 350 “ dissolved bone, or Available (1) 200 to 400 lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 250 to 500 ‘“‘ bone-meal. , \ 70 to 140 lbs. muriate, or Otash), cscs oss (2) 7oto14o “ sulphate, or (3) 300 to 600 “ kainit. Suggestions. When beets are grown for sugar, potash is preferably used in the form of sulphate. In growing beets 46 PLANT FOOD. for garden or feeding purposes, somewhat less nitrogen can be used. BLACKBERRIES. Use per acre 500 to 1,000 pounds of a fertilizer con- taining: INPRO Meme ae 5 eee. Beene ee 3 per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 OLAS ss eto he tgs ete kee 8 i Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. \ (1) 100 to 200 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen aan. cee 4 (2) 45 to 150 <> sulph. of ammioong l (3) 150 to 300 “* dried-blood. (1) 250 to 500 lbs. acid phosphate, or (2) 200 to 400 “ dissolved bone, or (3) 300 to 600 “ bone-meal. Available Phosphoric Acid (2) 80to 160 ‘“ sulphate, or (3) 300 to 600 “ kainit. (1) 80 to 160 lbs. muriate, or Potash’... i sis.cae BUCKWHEAT. Use per acre 350 to 700 pounds of a fertilizer containing: INGO meMN melee ate as vein A per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 8 ss Rotashianw 1h cepa k: soe: 9 s Instead of the above, the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : PLANT FOOD. 47 Pounds materials per acre. (1) go to 180 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen: . 215.) (2) 75 to150 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 150 to 300 “ dried-blood. ee (1) 250 to 500 lbs. acid phosphate, or Ph nee ‘d (2) 200 to goo “ dissolved bone, or ospmone sce ((3) 300 to 600 “ bone-meal. \ (1) 70 to 140 lbs. muriate, or wotashicy.... oes ae (2)? “70\-to 1401 =5> sulphate, or ( (3) 300 to 600 “ kainit. CABBAGE. Use per acre from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of fertilizer containing : INIEFORENG 13.5 sae eisai sense Asper cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 s PeOLAS eee bepress akeke eee ee 9 4 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 250 to 500 lbs. nitrate of soda, or (2) 200 to 4oo “ sulph. of ammo., or INGEFOSE Me. a . ss, «21 ) 180 to 360 “ sulphate, or (1) 180 to 360 lbs. muriate, or (2 (3) 7oo to 1400 “ kainit. CARROTS. Use per acre from 500 to rooo pounds of a fertilizer containing : 48 PLANT FOOD. Nitro Memes arias > ceovettertere state Sper cent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 7 POtasle sii se aie siee erteterers 8 ‘ Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) go to 180 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INIErOgieM\. sj1a- = (2) 75 to 150°“ Sulph. of ammo on (3) 150 to 300 “ dried-blood. Agathe (1) 300 to 600 lbs. acid phosphate, or (2) 250 to 500 “ dissolved bone, or (3) 350 to 700 “ bone-meal. \ 80 to 160 lbs. muriate, or Phosphoric Acid oOtashienca cnt. « (2) 80to 160 “ sulphate, or (3) 300'to Goo, “ kainit: Suggestions. When stable-manure is used, it is preferably applied to the land the preceding year. CELERY. Use per acre from 800 to 1600 pounds of a fertilizer containing : INGGHOREMG Hotta warsie Need « 5 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 ORAS i eo Sencten ct wa erestuertioi= 8 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : | Pounds materials per acre. (1) 250 to 500 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INitropens..s.%% (2) 200 to 4oo “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 400 to 800 ‘ dried-blood. PLANT FOOD, 49 Pounds materials per acre. POSH ( (1) 400 to 800 lbs. acid phosphate, or ke 4 (2) 350.c0) 700° = dissolved bone; or aos oie sere l (3) 500tO 1000 bone-meal. 66 (1) 130 to 260 Ibs. muriate, or Potashieoc arcs = (2) 130 to) 260) <*" sulphate:.o; (3) 500: to) 1000 "| kainit:, Suggestions. On muck soils the amount of nitrogen may be decreased and that of potash increased. The direct ap- plication of stable-manure has been found often to produce rusty celery. CHERRIES. The fertilizer application should be from 500 to 1000 pounds per acre, of a fertilizer containing : INTC OME Ts sears ecarotyatee swe 2 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 PotashPansce ssat ee eee 9 ns Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 60 to 120 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INDEROS eM cas.e - (2) 50to100 “ sulph. of ammo, o: (3) 100 to 200 “ dried-blood. Phosphoric) Acid (2) 250 to 500 dissolved bone, or iAaailable (1) 300 to 600 Ibs. acid phosphate, or (3) 350 to 700 ‘“ bone-meal. (1) go to 180 lbs. muriate, or IZGEASIN. wavs 5.0/5.6 .4(2) goto 180 “ sulphate, or (3) 350 to 7oo “ kainit. 50 PLANT FOOD. The application per tree, depending on whether light or heavy bearing may be expected, would be as follows: Pounds materials per tree. ( (1).4 to x lb. nitrate of soda, or INGERO GEM) fats c.0 = « (2) ¢to1 “ sulph. of ammonia, or ((3) 1to2 “ dried-blood. EAP (1) 3. to 6 lbs. acid phosphate, or pee aigee eer (2) 24to5 ‘* dissolved bone, or p (3) 34 to7 “ bone-meal. \ (a) 1 to 2 lbs. muriatéevor Obals les. (tre gener’. (@) 2 to 2> * ‘sulphate sor [(3) 34to7 “ kainit. CLOVER. Fertilizer for Clover, same as for Alfalfa. CORN. Use per acre 500 to 1000 pounds of a fertilizer con- taining : INTCROS EM ge scitetepeke ha vee 21per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid... 7 s Potash 142 area ats es ole 6 eS Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively: Pounds materials per acre. (1) 60 to 120 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or INIEROSEM occ. ci216 (2) 5o0to10o0 ‘* sulph. of ammo., or (3) 100 to 200 * dried-blood. Available Procplionc Acad (2) 250 to 500 “ dissolved bone, or 1" 300 to 600 Ibs. acid phosphate, or (3) 350 to 700 “ bone-meal. PLANT FOOD. 51 ( (1) 60 to 120 Ibs. muriate, or Rotashi a. vec: (2)= 60 toro, sulphate; or l (3) 25080) 500" “9 kainit. Suggestions, The nitrogen may be applied to advantage in the fornr of stable-manure, especially if the soil is at all lacking in humus. For sweet corn, somewhat larger amounts of nitrogen may be applied. CUCUMBERS Use at the rate of 750 to 1500 pounds per acre of the following fertilizer : INGE ORCAS sc operccertenteusreen es 4 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 “ POtas ie kritcs 200, obs eye ects s iottees oe ag Cg Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 180 to 360 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or INGEROSEM.T |. Acie. (2) 150 to 300 ‘* sulph.of ammo., or (3) 300 to 600 ©“ dried-blood. Phosphoric Acid <~(2) 350 to 700 ‘“ dissolved bone, or Available (1) 400 to 800 lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 500 to 1000 “ bone-meal. Oasis oer (2) 130 to 260 “ ‘sulphate, or \\3 130 to 260 lbs. muriate, or (3) 500 to 1000 “= kainit. Suggestions. Too much nitrogen is to be avoided, as there will be a tendency to excessive growth of vines, and the fruit will be less firm and more likely to decay. Sul- phate of ammonia will often give better results than the 52 PLANT FOOD. more quickly acting nitrate of soda, as the period of growth will be longer and the yield larger. Stable-manure, when used, is preferably applied in fall, followed by sulphate of ammonia in the spring. The phosphoric acid may be applied, one-half in the fall and the rest in the spring. CURRANTS. Use per acre 500 to 1ooo pounds of a fertilizer con- taining: INGEFO MEMES. 555/55 1c vie, olor e ore Available Phosphoric Acid.. PO tassels s.0 8s one sigs ere sis 2 per cent, 5 “cc Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (@)_ “Go*to 120) Ibs: INTfrogenys..).%. (2) 50'to 100°" = (3) 160to 200) | Available ((x) 200 to 4oo lbs Phosphoric Acid Potash (2) 175 to 350 (3) 250 to 500 (1) 80 to 160 (2) 80 to 160 (3) 320 to 640 ( | EGG PLANTS. nitrate of soda, or sulph. of ammo., or dried-blood. . acid phosphate, or dissolved bone, or bone-meal. . mMuriate, or sulphate, or kainit. Use per acre 1,000 to 2,000 pounds of a fertilizer, con- taining : INIERO GEM. Sta aeons ec eore Available Phosphoric Acid.. Potash eoerer er ee se ee ee wee wee 4 per cent, 5 ce PLANT FOOD. 53 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 240 to 480 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen....... 4 (2) 200 to 400 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 400 to 800 “ dried-blood. Available (1) 400 to 800 Ibs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 350 to 700 ‘© dissolved bone, or (3) 500 to tooo * bone-meal. (1) 180 to 360 lbs. muriate, or Potash. .ceseesee 4 (2) 180to 360 “ sulphate, or (3) 700 to 1400 “ kainit. FLAX. Use per acre 325 to 650 pounds of a fertilizer containing : Nitrogen: 7. 5.06. e ees ese 3 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 8 ie Bota nere sie cleeisieke cise i 9 i Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively: Pounds materials per acre. (1) 60 to 120 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen.......- (2) 50to100 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 100 to 200 “ qdried-blood. Available (1) 200 to 4oo Ibs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 175 to 35° ‘« dissolved bone, or (3) 250 to500 “ bone-meal. \ (1) 60 to 120 Ibs. muriate, or OGASI as iol (2) 60to120 “ sulphate, or ( (3) 250 to500 “ kainit. 54 PLANT FOOD. GOOSEBERRIES. Fertilizer for Gooseberries, same as for Currants. GRAPES. Use per acre from 400 to 800 pounds of the following fertilizer : INUEFORED f..56 24 0stoscys.e ese 2apercemt. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 8 é PObASIE heey les steeiinnie.- Se cieet OLE 2 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : GRAPES, UNFERTILIZED.—EXPERIMENT Farm, SOUTHERN Pings, N. C. PLANT FOOD, 55 ere era Ss GRAPES, WITH MEDIUM FERTILIZATION.—EXPERIMENT FARM. SouTHERN Pines, N. C. GRAPES, WITH HEAVY FERTILIZATION—EXPERIMENT Farm, SOUTHERN Pines, N. C. 56 PLANT FOOD. Pounds materials per acre. 50 to 100 lbs. nitrate of soda, or 4oto 80 “ sulph. of ammo., or Nitrogen. .....+: { | 80 to 160 “ dried-blood. 250 to 500 lbs. acid phosphate, or (1) (2) (3) (1) (2) 200 to 4oo “ dissolved bone, or (3) (1) (2) ( Available \ Phosphoric Acid 300 to 600 “ bone-meal. go to 180 lbs. muriate, or goto 180 “ sulphate, or 3) 350 to 700 “ kainit. Potashivotc. a toe Suggestions. Much of the nitrogen can be supplied by growing clover between the rows and turning under. Ex- cessive use of stable-manure is believed to produce a growth of weakened vitality, not able readily to withstand attacks of fungous diseases. Once in a few years, lime may be applied to advantage. GRASS FOR PASTURES. Use per acre from 750 to 1,500 pounds of the following fertilizer : INET O SOME eset ce teare ci aecercieiciue 2 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 8 ss POtaslay. erect cates aerate tus. hearse IO ee Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. I 2) 200 to yoo “ dissolved bone, or 3) 300 to 600 “ bone-meal, Phosphoric Acid - | (1) go to 180 lbs. nitrate of soda, or NERO gens see ee 4 (2)° 75 to 150 “ sulph-of ammo or (3) 150 to 300 ‘“ dried-blood. Available \ (1) 250 to 500 Ibs. acid phosphate, or ( (( PLANT FOOD. 57 (1) 80 to 160 lbs. muriate, or Otasiive Ace cn oe (2) 80to160 “ sulphate, or (3) 275 to550 “ kainit. Suggestions. It is probable that the droppings from animals will furnish most of the nitrogen needed, but pains should be taken occasionally to run some kind of smooth- ing harrow over the ground to distribute the droppings evenly. GRASS FOR LAWNS. Use 400 to 800 pounds per acre of the following fertilizer : INEROGEM |< sae antes ere eee 5 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 - JEYor itil OWS Mo mitra tadore occ O 8 er Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials fer acre. (1) 120 to 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen... =<. (2) 100 to 200 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 200 to goo “ dried-blood. Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 175 to 350° “ dissolved bone, or Available ( (1) 200 to 400 lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 250 to 500 ““ bone-meal. Potash (2) 60to120 “ sulphate, or (3) 250 to 500 “ kainit. } (1) 60 to 120 lbs. muriate, or Suggestions. As a more specific mixture, we suggest the following: 100 lbs, nitrate of soda, roo lbs. bone-meal, 100 lbs. acid phosphate, and roo lbs. muriate of potash per acre. 58 PLANT FOOD. GRASS FOR MEADOWS. Use from '375 to 750 lbs. per acre’ of the following fertilizer : INGEGO RE Iya etem antec ole 4, percent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 s | SiC 8) 02 6S 01 Sear ten ema. 28a 9 ze Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively: Pounds materials per acre. go to 180 lbs. nitrate of soda, or 75 to 150 “ sulph, of ammo., or INTEROS Cle se cee ( 150 to 300 dried-viood. 73 ( Available ( Phosphoric Acid ¥ (2) 20010 4oo ‘ dissolved bone, or ( ( 3 bone-meal, ) ) ) (1) 250 to 500 lbs. acid phosphate, or ) ) 300 to 600 ) 70 to 140 lbs. muriate, or ‘* sulphate, or Potash. f7n..te (2) 70 to 140 | kainit. (3) 275 to 550 Suggestions. The fact cannot be too strongly emphasized ce that meadows from which grass is cut year after year should be regularly fertilized every year in a liberal manner. HOPS. Use per acre 650 to 1,300 pounds of a fertilizer containing : INWEEOSI CIN tr eee te ee eseeier 2 per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid... 6 sf POLS csi eee Gk See et 12 € Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : PLANT FOOD. 59 Pounds matertals per acre. 120 to 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, or 100 to 200 ‘ sulph. of ammo., or 2z0oto goo ‘* dried-blood. NiELOs ene cease \ (1) (2) (3) Available { (1) 275 to 550 lbs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid + (2) 250 to 500 ‘* dissolved bone, or L( ) 350 to 700 “ bone-meal. ey (2) ( (3) 200 to 4oo lbs. muriate, or “< otash) ....% 200 to 400 800 to 1600 sulphate, or kainit. ce LETTUCE. Use per acre 800 to 1,600 pounds of a fertilizer containing : INDETOG.EM Gs a: 37 io wales cteneite we 5 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 iS POtaS ery ive ta cn ected oc 9 se Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively: Pounds matertals per acre. (1) 250 to 500 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INGEROG eM erete (2) 200 to 400 “ sulph. of ammo, or (3) 400 to 800 “ dried-blood. Available \ (1) 400 to 800 lbs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 350 to 7oo ‘“ dissolved bone, or (3) 500 to tooo (“ bone-meal. FeOLASH seine. (2) 150 to 300 “ sulphate, or 1 150 to 300 lbs. muriate, or (3) 600 to 1200 kainit. ce Suggestions. When lettuce is grown under glass, use about half as much nitrogen and a half more phosphoric acid and potash than indicated above. 60 PLANT FOOD. LUCERNE. Fertilizer for Lucerne, same as for Alfalfa. NURSERY STOCK. Use per acre 325 to 650 pounds of the following fertilizer: INGtrOP eM cee seis c «+ ees 2, per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 cs Ota gas sete ee cies ahatcueencka ae i] sf Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively. Pounds materials per acre. (1) 60 to 120 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen... .<.5- (2) s50tor1oo “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 100 to 200 “ dried-blood. Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 175 to 350 “ dissolved bone, or (3) 250 to 500 (1) 60 to 120 lbs. muriate, or Available \i3 200 to 4oo lbs. acid phosphate, or bone-meal. Potas hie recs ticieye (2) 60 to 120 sulphate, or (3) 240 to 480 kainit. Suggestions. Excess of nitrogen produces a rapid bet weak growth of wood. OATS. On average soils, it would be best to give oats 300 to 600 pounds per acre of a fertilizer containing: INIErO@ EM. 5c0.is ere creel os hale 4 per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 ye Potasls 7 jcseaeva ste ooo elsetere 9 os Instead of the above the following materials may be PLANT FOOD. 61 used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (2) 60to120 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 120 to 240 “ dried-blood. (1) 75 to 150 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INItROS EN: ee eels - Phosphoric Acid <~(2) 140 to 280 “ dissolved bone, or Available (1) 160 to 320 lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 200 to 400 bone-meal. ce Rotashy andes =: (2) 60to120 ‘ sulphate, or (1) 60 to 120 lbs. muriate, or (3) 250 to 500“ kainit. ONIONS. Use per acre goo to 1,800 pounds of a fertilizer con- taining : INDGRO SEM achets aoe chew oo os 5 per Cene, Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 re PROCAS ene cre poo sa ns eis coo, se 9 _ Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 270 to 540 lbs. nitrate of soda, or (2) 225 to 450 “ sulph. of ammo., or INIETOS ENS 1.4 oes (3) 450 to goo “ dried-blood. Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 385 to 770 “ dissolved bone, or Available (1) 450 to goo lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 550 to 1100 “ bone-meal. Otasi ieee Gi: - (2) 160 to 320 “ sulphate, or (1) 160 to 320 lbs. muriate, or (3) 650 to 1300 “ kainit. 62 PLANT FOOD. Suggestions. Fresh stable-manure is to be avoided on account of weed-seeds and also a tendency to favor the growth of onion-maggots. Stable-manure is preferably used in soil two years before planting onions. An excess of nitrogen delays the ripening and injures the keeping qualities of the onions, PARSNIPS. Use per acre 650 to 1,300 pounds of a fertilizer as follows : INTERO PEM ccs lye isis «sis seine = 3 per cent: Available Phosphoric Acid.. 9 i IROL CIOL OE Ae OA Gn ce omen ool 5 8 : Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively. Pounds materials per acre. (1) 120 to 240 lbs. nitrate of soda, or (2) 100 to 200 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 200 to 400 “ dried-blood. (1) (2) Available Phosphoric Acid 450 to goo lbs. acid phosphate, or 375 to 750 ‘ dissolved bone, or (3) 550 to 1100 “ bone-meal. INitrogem: 7.008." | | | (1) 100 to 200 lbs. muriate, or POtasn.. josie (2) 100 to 200 “ sulphate, or (3) 400 to 800 “ kainit. Suggestions. Stable-manure, when used, is preferably applied the preceding year. PEACHES. Use 750 to 1500 pounds per acre of a fertilizer con: taining: PLANT FOOD. 63 INNER @ Ge Tipe renee se ataes oe 2.per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid... 5 i POtasie nce, 72 a ese 7 rf Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) go to 180 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen <2. 5 oer <(2) 75 to 150 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 150 to 300 “* dried-blood. (1) 320 to 640 lbs. acid phosphate, or Available (2) 280 to 560 “ dissolved bone, or Phosphoric Acid (3) 400 to 800 “ bone-meal. (1) 110 to 220 lbs, muriate, or pOUASI ccs zc.cha cee -(2) 110 to 220 “ sulphate, or \ (3) 450 to goo “ kainit. Suggestions. Much of the nitrogen may be furnished by raising leguminous crops between the rows of trees and turning under for green-manure. It is claimed that large applications of potash enable the trees more readily to withstand the disease known as ‘Peach Yellows.” PEARS. Fertilizer for Pears, same as for Apples. PEAS. Fertilizer for Peas, same as for Beans. Suggestions. When peas are raised for picking green, larger amounts of nitrate of soda may be used to advantage, PLUMS. Fertilizer for Plums, same as for Cherries. 64 PLANT FOOD, PEACHES. — UNFERTILIZED. PEACHES,—FERTILIZED WITH PoTasH, PHospHoric AciD AND NITROGEN. EXPERIMENT FARM, SOUTHERN Pings, N. C. PLANT FOOD. 65 POTATOES (SWEET oR WHITE) For general purposes use per acre 750 to 1500 pounds of a fertilizer containing : INTEROREM Garces cree erage oe A pen cent: Available Phosphoric Acid .. 6 ie EOS Were ont a's ener sims oth 9 ‘ Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (2) 150 to 300 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 300 to 600 “ dried-blood. (1) 180 to 360 lbs. nitrate of soda, or INTtrOSEN 2 42 cos Phosphoric Acid <(2) 275 to 550 dissolved bone, or Available (COPS hey Lose) Ibs. acid phosphate, or (3) 400 to 800 “ bone-meal. Potash gone. etaae (2) 130 to 260 sulphate, or (1) 130 to 260 lbs. muriate, or ee (3) 520 to rogo “ kainit. Suggestions, The use of stable-manure appears to favor the growth «f potato-scab. When used, stable-manure should be applied to a preceding crop. Wood-ashes are also reported to favor the attack of the scab. It is commonly held that sulphate of potash produces potatoes of better quality than does muriate. The testimony on this point is conflicting. RADISHES. A good fertilizer for radishes per acre is 500 to 1,000 pounds of the following mixture : 66 PLANT FOOD. “Se ea Prest ORADL PotraTrorEs, —UNFERTILIZED. EXPERIMENT FARM, SoutHERN Pines, N. C. pHoric Acip AND NITRO PoTATOES.—FERTILIZED WITH PoraAsH, PHOos GEN. EXPERIMENT FARM, SouTHERN Pines, N. C. PLANT FOOD. 67 SWEET PoTATOES,—UNFERTILIZED. EXPERIMENT FArM, SOUTHERN Pinzs, N. C. SweEET PorTatTors.—FERTILIZED WITH PoTasH, PHospHORIC ACID AND NITROGEN, EXPERIMENT FarM, SOUTHERN Pings, N. C. 68 PLANT FOOD. INWEROSEN./s 2 trem <2 mie ar per, cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 es ROtasius sere cine ree otters 9 ss Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 90 to 180 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogens: i cisiaes (2) 75to150 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 150 to 300 “ dried-blood. Available (1) 280 to 560 lbs. acid phosphate, or (2) 250 to 500 “ dissolved bone, or (3). 350 to 700 bone-meal. \ (1) go to 180 lbs. muriate, or IPOtasiiy tercsvenelerets (2) go to 180 sulphate, or (3) 350 to 7oo ©“ kainit. Phosphoric Acid RASPBERRIES. Use 600 to 1,200 pounds per acre of a fertilizer con- taining : INitKOSeMaatocscec t= 0 oe 2 per-cent. Available Phosphoric Acid... 7 FS PO tala rovers ctetersievstalepei-aete fore 10 * Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. (1) 75 to 150 lbs. nitrate of soda, or (2) 60to120 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 120 to 240 “ dried-blood. Phosphoric Acid < (2) 280 to 560 dissolved bone, or Available (1) 320 to 640 lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 400 to 800“ bone-meal. PLANT FOOD. 69 Pounds materials per acre. Potashs. os. 0 (2) 120 to 240 “ sulphate, or (73 (1) 120 to 240 lbs. muriate, or (3) 480 to 960 kainit. RYE. Fertilizer for Rye, same as for Oats. Suggestions. Nitrogen is preferable in the form of nitrate of soda rather than stable-manure. Excessive use of nitrogen should be avoided. SORGHUM. Fertilizer for Sorghum, same as for Corn. SPINACH. Use per acre 750 to 1,500 pounds of a fertilizer con- taining: INaETOSeMy: Sigh ois Seti hok. oo 2 per cent. ‘Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 ss OLAS Ne ze, ment wereserecesotese 6 a os 5 ey Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. \ (1) go to 180 lbs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen........ (2) 75 tor50 “ sulph. of ammo., or (3) 150 to 300 ‘* dried-blood, Phosphoric Acid 4 (2) 375 to 750 ‘‘ dissolved bone, or Available (1) 450 tc goo lbs. acid phosphate, or (3) 550 to 1100. “* ‘bone-meal: POvaS De 353k. isha (2) 80to160 “ sulphate, or (1) 80 to 160 lbs. muriate, or (GG) 320 to 640° “f “kainit: 7° PLANT FOOD. SQUASHES. Fertilizer for Squashes, same as for Cucumbers. STRAWBERRIES. Apply per acre 825 to 1650 pounds of a fertilizer containing : IN ERO GIS y. te ea eine ro eete oer cir 2. per Cent Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 i Potash ete Waseca s 9 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. 150 to 300 lbs. nitrate of soda, or 125 to 250 ‘°) sulph. of ammo; or 250 to 500 “ dried-blood. INatrOg@ eM!) Hiv) S = 450 to goo Ibs. acid phosphate, or (1) (2) (3) (1) (2)g75 to, 750 dissolved bone, or (3) (1) (2) (3) Available Phosphoric Acid ) 550 to 1100 bone-meal. 140 to 280 lbs. muriate, or I Potashiscsseunts. \ 2) 140 to 280 “ sulphate, or ( 3) 550 to 1100 ~ “- kainit: TOBACCO. Use per acre 750 to 1,500 pounds of a fertilizer con- taining : INTETO PEMA recess eae seis iaion ic 4 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 oe OCASHjaears siaerselelehn at aejeni0 10 ‘s Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : PLANT FOOD. vi Pounds materials per acre. (1) 180 to 360 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or Nitrogen... 2.50. < (2) 150 to 300 “ sulph. of ammo.,or (3) 300 to 600 “ dried-blood. Available ( ( (1) 400 to 800 lbs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid < (2) 350 to 7oo ‘ dissolved bone, or ( (3) ) 500 to 1000 =‘ ~bone-meal. (1) 160 to 320 Ibs. sulphate, or Potash s3- sista ,(2) 320 to 640 “ sulphate of potash- | magnesia. Suggestions. Stable-manure may advantageously be ap- plied to the preceding crop. Potash should be used only in form of sulphate. TOMATOES. On an acre use 625 to 1,250 pounds of a fertilizer containing : INGERO GEM, Siatrsitc: Sata ore otebers sa 4 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 6 “ IP OtaS hie aestnirert Woes tele x 7 ss Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. ( (1) 150 to 300 Ibs. nitrate of soda, or Nitromens pe s.0 < (2) 125 to 250 sulph. of ammo., or (3) 250 to 500 “ dried-blood. Available \ (1) 280 to 560 lbs. acid phosphate, or Phosphoric Acid < (2) 250 to 500 ‘“ dissolved bone, or (3) 350 to 700 ©“ bone-meal. (1) $80 to 160 lbs. muriate, or , (2) 80to 160 “ sulphate, or kainit. IPOtAaSMieon cow ses (3) 320 to 640 PLANT FOOD. N i cco UNFERTILIZED. A Tos Tosacco FERTILIZED WITH PoTaAsH, PHospHoric AcID AND NITROGEN EXPERIMENT FArM, SouTuHEeRN Pines N. C. PLANT FOOD. 73 TURNIPS. Fertilizer for Turnips, same as for Beets. VETCH. Fertilizer for Vetch, same as for Cow Peas. WATERMELONS. Fertilizer for Watermelons, same as for Cucumbers WHEAT. Use per acre 300 to 600 pounds of a fertilizer containing: INGEN ORE Ts os cers. cteitys ct se=. tees 4-per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid.. 7 ot POTAS ATS ich oa erettiae aed ae 4 Instead of the above the following materials may be used which will furnish equivalent quantities of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash respectively : Pounds materials per acre. 75 to 150 lbs. nitrate of soda, or 60 to 120 sulph. of ammo., or Nitrogen?) 5.1... “ 120 to 240 “ dried-blood. \ ( ( L( Available \ ( Phosphoric Acid ( ( \ ( ( (¢ ) ) ) 1) 160 to 320 lbs. acid phosphate, or 2) 140 to 280 “ dissolved bone, or ) 200 to 400 ‘** bone-meal. ) ) ) 25 to 50 lbs. muriate, or 25 to. Som sulphate, or 100 to 200 kainit. Potash a eee SUGGESTIONS RELATING TO SEPARATE FERTILIZING INGREDIENTS. It will generally be found more economical to purchase fertilizing materials of high grade. In applying fertilizers, 74 PLANT FOOD. bulk is often desirable, but in purchasing commercial fertil- izers, the object should be to secure as mucb nitrogen, potash and phosphoric acid in available forms as possible for one dollar, instead of as many pounds as possible of fertilizers, regardless of the amount of plant food contained in it. This is particularly applicable to mixed fertilizers. Since there is a smaller bulk to handle in mixing, a smaller number of packages for holding and, consequently, less weight and freight, it is, as a rule, more economical to purchase fertilizers in their more concentrated forms. For illustration, it is more economical to purchase one ton of a high-grade fertilizer than three tons of a low-grade fertilizer, one ton of the former containing the same amount of plant- food contained in three tons of the latter; because, in making the latter, three times as many packages are re- quired and three times as much freight must be paid all for the same amount of plant-food. Fertilizers cannot, as a rule, be in too finely powdered condition, nor can they be too dry. With many materials, bone for example, the availability as plant-food is directiy dependent upon the fineness of division. Excessive moist- ure in fertilizer is undesirable on several grounds. First, the larger the amount of moisture, the smaller will be the amount of plant-food ina ton. Second, excess of moisture causes the particles to stick together, and is likely to result in caking and clogging when used in drills. Third, an excess of moisture favors the decomposition and loss of nitrogen in many forms of organic matter. This is shown by the fact that some fertilizers give off a very offensive PLANT FOOD, 75 odor if allowed to become damp, while they are compara- tively free from disagreeable odors if they are thoroughly dry. A strong odor in a fertilizer is an indication that organic matter is decomposing and nitrogen is being lost. METHODS AND SEASONS OF APPLYING FERTILIZERS. The effect of a fertilizer is lost if it does not reach the plant roots. Pains must be taken to secure even and com- plete distribution of fertilizers on or in the soil, since it is desired to have the food reach every plant in the field. In order to distribute small quantities of concentrated fertil- izers over a broad area, it is well to dilute by mixing with some such substance as dry earth, road-dust, sifted coal- ashes or sand. As between applying fertilizers with the drill or by broadcasting, the best results are given sometimes by one and sometimes by the other method, according to circum- stances. When a fertilizer is especially needed by a crop in its earliest stages, there is advantage in drilling it in with the seed. When concentrated fertilizers are to be distributed broadcast, it is desirable that they should be somewhat diluted. Materials which are readily soluble can be scattered over the surface. After the first fall of rain they distribute them- selves throughout the soil very completely and uniformly. Such materials are nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, soluble phosphates, and soluble potash salts. These ma- terials are preferably used in case of top dressings. Materials which are not readily soluble are preferably 76 PLANT FOOD. well mixed through and beneath the soil. Thus, dried- blood, bone-meal, fish-scrap, and similar materials are best placed at greater depth beneath the soil, because under these conditions they become soluble more rapidly and are retained more surely by the soil. Time of application. Fertilizers which dissolve easily and diffuse through soil rapidly and which are not readily retained by the soil, are best applied only when the crop is ready to utilize them. If put on too early, there is danger of their being leached from the soil and carried more or less beyond the reach of the plant, and thus lost. Nitrate, and to a less extent, ammonia compounds, come under this precaution. Hence it is not wise ordinarly to apply guano, ammonia compounds or nitrate of soda in the fall, except in climates which have a dry fall and winter. Their application should be deferred until spring. In wet spring, ammonia compounds are preferably applied rather than nitrate of soda; or, if nitrate of soda is used, loss may be avoided by making several small applications instead of one at the start. Care should be taken, however, not to make applications of nitrate of soda too late in the season, as the maturing of the crop will be retarded and there will be an excessive growth of stems and leaves. Fertilizers which do not dissolve readily or which do not diffuse through the soil rapidly are better applied to the land before the crop commences its growth. To this class belong stable-manure, bone-manure, dried-blood, tankage, cotton-seed-meal, ground-rock, and, to some extent, soluble phosphates and potash compounds. PLANT FOOD. Af In applying highly concentrated commercial fertilizers, it is wise to prevent the fertilizer coming in contact with the seeds or foliage of plants. Fertilizers containing am- monia compounds should not be mixed with wood-ashes, lime, or Thomas slag (odorless phosphate), since some of the ammonia is likely to be lost. On soils of loose texture and small retentive power, it is best to use, for the most part, those forms of fertilizers which are not too easily soluble, in order to make as small as possible the losses occasioned by heavy rains. Animal and vegetable materials are specially suited for such cases. In order to use farm-yard manures tothe best advantage on the average soil, we need to supplement them with com- mercial fertilizers containing available phosphoric acid and potash. To give a roughly approximate idea, we might say that for every ton of stable-manure applied, it would be well to use with it from 50 to 100 pounds of acid phosphate and from 25 to 50 pounds of high-grade muriate or sulphate of potash. It appears to be the prevailing belief both in theory and practice that best results are ordinarily secured by applying stable-manure to the soil in as fresh condition as possible. Fresh manure gives better results than rotted manure on heavy clay soils, when one desires to lighten the condition of the soil. However, when one desires direct fertilizing action promptly, fresh manure gives sufficiently quick returns on light soils, becoming available as fast as the plant needs it, if the season is not too dry. On heavy clay soils, manure decomposes slowly and the constituents of fresh manure may not become available as fast as needed. 78 PLANT FOOD. Fresh manure has a tendency to fayor ‘rapid growth of foliage and stems at the expense of the fruit and grain. It is, therefore more suitable for grasses, forage plants and leafy crops than for grains. Such crops as potatoes, sugar- beets and tobacco appear to be injured in quality by the direct application of stable-manure. It is advised in such cases to apply the manure in the fall previous to the spring in which the crops are to be put in, thus allowing time for a considerable amount of decomposition. In rotted manure, the fertilizing constituents, as a rule, are in readily available form for the use of plants. Such manure is less bulky and more easily distributed than fresh manure. It is also less likely to promote the too rapid growth of stems and leaves as in the case of fresh manure. For the improvement of the mechanical condition of a soil, the best results come from using rotted manure on light soils. It must, however, be remembered that on such soils there is more or less danger that some portion of the valuable fertilizing constituents may be leached out and lost. On this account it is found advisable to apply such manure to light soils only a short time before it is needed by the crop. In general, rotted manure is better adapted to spring applications. It is better to apply rotted manure on light soils at frequent intervals in small amounts. In warm, moist climates, it makes much less difference whether the manure is applied in fresh or rotted condition. In cold climates, however, the use of decomposed manure is preferable. Three methods of applying manure on the field are in common practice. PLANT FOOD. 79 Applying in Heaps. By this method the manure is distrib- uted in heaps over the field and permitted to lie some time before being spread. This method is objectionable for several reasons. The labor of handling is increased ; there is danger from loss of decomposition and leaching; the manure is not uniformly distributed, the spots beneath the heaps being more thoroughly manured on account of the leaching. Storing manure in very large heaps is less objec- tionable, provided the heap is carefully covered with earth and not allowed to lie too long. Applying Broadcast. By this method the manure is spread more or less completely and evenly on the field, being plowed in at once or allowed to lie some time on the surface. This is preferably practiced on the level field, where there is little danger from surface washing. In late fall and early spring, there is likely to be very little loss of nitrogen. Ona loose soil, there may be loss from leaching, if the manure is spread long before the crop is put into the soil; but in average experience this is not apt to be con- siderable. This method has the advantage of uniform distribution as the liquid portion is evenly by degrees mixed with the soil. When manure is leached of its soluble nitrogen compounds, it does not decompose so readily. On this account, it is well, in case of light or porous soils, to plow the manure in as soon as spread. In regard to the depth in which manure should be plowed in, it is safe to say that in very compact soils, the depth should not be greater than four inches, while in lighter soils the depth may be increased. It is important that the manure be near 80 PLANT FOOD. enough the surface to allow access of sufficient moisture and air, in order that decomposition may not be too much delayed. Applying in Rows. This method has the advantage of placing the manure where it will reach the plant most quickly and enabling one to use smaller amounts than in broadcasting. It is especially applicable for forcing some garden crops. Rotted manure gives good results when used this way. RULES FOR CALCULATING FROM ONE COMPOUND INTO OTHER COMPOUNDS. Compounds Containing Nitrogen. To change ammonia into an equivalent amount of nitro- gen, multiply the amount of ammonia by 0.82. To change nitrogen into an equivalent amount of am- monia, multiply the amount of nitrogen by 1.21. To change nitrate of soda into an equivalent amount of ammonia, divide the amount of nitrate of soda by 5. To change nitrate of soda into an equivalent amount of nitrogen, divide the amount of nitrate of soda by 6. To change nitrogen into an equivalent amount of nitrate of soda, multiply the nitrogen by 6. To change sulphate of ammonia into an equivalent amount of ammonia, divide the amount of pure sulphate of ammonia by 4. To change ammonia into an equivalent amount of sul- phate of ammonia, multiply the amount of ammonia by 3.9. To change nitrate of potash into an equivalent amount of nitrogen, divide the amount of nitrate of potash by 7.2. ** F CONGRESS MHONTNVN