50& HFPT POTASH PAYS POTASH PAYS Practical suggestions to farmers showing how to use fertilizers with profit Published by THE GERMAN KALI WORKS, (INCORPORATED) NEW YORK, CHICAGO, ILL. 42 BROADWAY MONADNOCK BLOCK ATLANTA, GA. NEW ORLEANS. LA. 1212 EMPIRE B'LD'G. WHITNEY BANK B^D'O. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. NOTICE Every farmer ran obtain , free of charge , a copy of the following agricultural books. POTASH IN AGRICULTURE COTTON CULTURE (REVISED) TOBACCO CULTURE TROPICAL PLANTING STASSFURT INDUSTRY SUGAR CANE CULTURE THE COW PEA PLANT FOOD TRUCK FARMING WHY THE FISH FAILED FARMER'S NOTE BOOK STRAWBERRY CULTURE ORANGE CULTURE VALUE OF SWAMP LANDS SUGAR BEET CULTURE State which of the above mentioned publications you desire^ and it ivii'l be mailed ic you free of charge. • ADDRESS: GERMAN KALI WORKS, NEW YORK, N. Y. CHICAGO, ILL. 42 Broadway 448 Monadnock Blk. ATLANTA, GA. NEW ORLEANS, 1212 Empire B'ld'g. Whitney Bank B'ld'g. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. Vs ^* fl POTASH PAYS | MERICAN farmers and fruit growers are rightly regarded as the most intelligent, enterprising, and prosperous of their class. Our farmers make a suc- cess of their business, because they are up-to-date and ever ready and quick to adopt the latest improvements and the newest methods. They take advantage of the teachings of science, and make practical use of recent discoveries, whereby they increase the fertility of their lands and gather large and profitable crops. It is no wonder, then, that our farmers in California and other States now pay so much attention to the important sub- ject of supplying plant food to their different lands. They not only know, but they have found out that it is necessary to put back into the soil those substances which have been taken out year after year by their crops. Science has shown that potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen are continually used up from the soil by growing crops. Unless these sub- stances are returned in the form of fertilizers, the farmer's lands will surely and steadily lose their productiveness, and sooner or later his yields of grains, or fruits, or vege- tables, as the case may be, will become less and less. No matter how rich the soil may be, the result is the same, when crop after crop is gathered from the same land. And so when a farmer is asked: " Why do you fertilize your land?" He at once replies "To feed my crops/' Fertilizers 274371 4 POTASH PAYS are crop foods. It is simply a question of feeding the crops, as it is in feeding live stock on the farm. Just as different animals require different kinds and amounts of food, so the different soils and crops need certain substances, which are contained in a proper fertilizer, for their best development or condition. Some farmers and fruit growers in California and other States may cling to the old notion that, as the soil is still new, it does not need potash and the other elements which have been removed by the successive crops. But this is a mistake. If they did not need potash, California farmers would not buy the large quantities which they do at the present time. Those who are using potash on their farms and orchards in California are getting a good profit on their investment. Their opinion that "potash pays" is the best testimony to its value. Such an opinion is based upon practical experience and upon the actual results from the increased crops which they obtain from the proper use of potash with the other necessary ingredients. While certain tests with certain soils in California have shown that they contained considerable potash, yet the important question is: "How much of this potash is avail- able as plant food?" Or, the question may be asked: "Is this potash naturally in the soil in a soluble condition?" If the pot?sh is in an insoluble condition it is useless to plant growth, and potash fertilizers must be used in order to obtain proper yields. The mere statement that a chemical analysis shows considerable potash in a soil is not sufficient, for by present chemical methods it is impossible to determine the quantity of plant food which is available to the different plants growing on the soil. How many of our readers ever carefully considered the large quantities of potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen POTASH PAYS 5 which are lost, so to speak, each year? Do you know the number of pounds of valuable potash taken per acre by any of the leading crops? If not, you should read and study this list: Table Showing the Amount of Potash Removed by Crops and Quantity of Potash Salts Needed to Return Fertility to the Soil Crop 1 Yield 1 Actual Potash Removed Muriate or Sulfate of Potash Needed to Return Fertility Apples 15 tons 60 Ibs. 120 Ibs. Barley *30 bu. 51 Ibs. 102 Ibs. Beans *30 bu. 53 Ibs. 106 Ibs. Buckwheat *34 bu. 40 Ibs. 80 Ibs. Cabbage 30 tons 270 Ibs. 540 Ibs. Clover (dry) 2 tons 88 Ibs. 176 Ibs. Corn *70 bu. 55 Ibs. 110 Ibs. Grapes *2 tons 39 Ibs. 78 Ibs. Hops *600 Ibs. 53 Ibs. 106 Ibs. Mixed Hay 2M tons 77 Ibs. 154 Ibs. Oats *60 bu. 62 Ibs. 124 Ibs. Onions Pears 22^ 16 tons tons 72 Ibs. 26 Ibs. 144 Ibs. 52 Ibs. Peas *30 bu. 52 Ibs. 104 Ibs. Plums 8 tons 40 Ibs.. 80 Ibs. Potatoes *200 bu. 74 Ibs. 148 Ibs. Rye *30 bu. 45 Ibs. 90 Ibs. Sugar Beets *15 tons 143 Ibs. 286 Ibs. Timothy Hay 2 tons 94 Ibs. 188 Ibs. Tomatoes 10 tons 54 Ibs. 108 Ibs. Wheat *35 tons 31 Ibs. 62 Ibs. *NOTE; Includes straw, stover, vines, pods, etc, in addition. 6 POTASH PAYS All of the foregoing crops also remove from the soil the other two essential elements of plant food, which are phos- phoric acid and nitrogen. Of course it is quite necessary that all three of these plant foods be present in the soil in order that the growing crops get suitable food or nourish- ment. Potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen each have their own value and do their separate work; so that one can not take the place of the other. A proper mixture of these three ingredients makes what is known as a * 'complete fertilizer." The average farmer can usually make his own mixtures. In fact, many farmers prefer to buy their potash and other plant foods and mix them to suit their soil and their different crops. The amounts of potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen depend on the nature and condition of the soil, as well as on the kind of crop to be grown: Another important point to remember is, that the quanti- ties of plant food which each crop actually requires can not be measured by the exact number of pounds of potash and the other plants foods removed by that crop from the soil. The reason is that plant roots can only reach a certain amount of plant food in the soil, while the rest is not taken up. Therefore, practical tests and experience have shown that larger quantities of potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen must be supplied than the actual number of pounds per acre removed by the yield. The practical farmer and fruit grower will ask: "How can I find out just what kind and how much fertilizing material I should use for such— and — such a crop?" In reply, we would suggest that the farmer or fruit grower make a few simple tests of fertilizers for himself, and this each one can do at a very small amount of trouble and expense. The best way is to lay out "experimental plots." You POTASH PAYS * should take small plots of ground of the same size and give each one the same kind of treatment, except as to its fertilization. Three such plots may be laid out as follows : Plot No. 1 Check Plot No Fertilizer Applied Plot No. 2 Use c complete Fertilizer, containing Potash, Phosphoric Acid and Nitrogen Plot No. 3 Apply an ' 'Incomplete Fertilizer, ' ' containing only Phosphoric Acid and Nitrogen Now compare the results. The difference in yields on Plots Nos. 1 and 2 will show the gain from using a complete fertilizer on the land. The difference in the yields on Plots 2 and 3 will show the loss from not having Potash in the fertilizer. Just such experiments have been made by a number of practical farmers in California. They cover a wide range of soils in that State and many different crops. The in- teresting results thus obtained are set forth in the following pages. POTASH PAYS EXPERIMENT ON PEACHES This experiment, made by Mr. H. E. Butler, for the Penryn Fruit Company, clearly demonstrates the value of fertilizers for the orchard. Moreover, it clearly shows the value of Potash in producing large yields of superior fruit. The Lovell peach was the subject of the test and the soil over the acre used for the experiment was a clay loam with a decomposed granite subsoil. The trees were six years old at the time the experiment was started in 1906. There was a crop failure during that year but quite satis- factory crops were harvested in 1907 and 1908, as shown in the following table: Plot Fertilizer applied per acre Yields per acre in pounds in pounds Increase over unfertilized plot 1 Xo fertilizer 1907 1908 1907 1908 6150 7500 2 120 Muriate Potash 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda 12300 20000 6150 12500 3 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda 8610 12500 2460 5000 In 1907 increase from 120 pounds of Muriate of Potash psr acre, was 3690 pounds Peaches. In 1908 increase from 123 pounds of Muriate of Potash per acre, was 7500 pounds Peaches. Average increase from 120 pounds of Muriate of Potash per acre, was 5595 pounds Peaches. Comparative Yields, 1908. Experiment by H. E. Butler, Penryn, Cal. Incomplete Fertilizer ( NO POTASH ) Yield, 6M tons per acre Complete Fertilizer (WITH POTASH) Yield, 10 tons per acre HTT i all • > k £ g i ^ : rj; o : ,-JS / o c 0 "Q. S QQ II el I s S j§ a. POTASH PAYS 11 EXPERIMENT ON BARTLETT PEARS This experiment, by Mr. C. E. Hustler, Cortland, Cal., was conducted on sandy loam soil in an orchard 25 years old and on trees in good bearing condition. Although there was trouble from blight in some parts of the orchard, this did not affect the results of the experiment. The following is an account of the amount of fertilizer applied, the yields, and the increase due to the use of fertilizers: Plot Fertilizer per acre in pounds Yield per acre in pounds Increase per acre over unfertilized in pounds 1 No fertilizer 56160 2 180 Sulfate of Potash 600 Acid Phosphate 180 Dried Blood 70720 14560 , 600 Acid Phosphate ; 180 Dried Blood 62400 6240 Increase from the use of the complete fertilizer was 280 "picking" boxes averaging 52 pounds each. The increase from the use of 180 pounds of Sulfate of Potash was 160 'picking" boxes. 1 a E QQ 4) a CO CO M I o cu "-fc, o I POTASH PAYS EXPERIMENTS ON RAISIN GRAPES The experiment illustrated on the preceding page, conducted by Mr. A. J. Bump, Orosi, Cal., was made in a ten year old vineyard of Muscat Grapes. Owing to depletion of soil fertility the yields were not very satisfactory, but through the use of fertilizers contain- ing potash a marked increase has been obtained as shown by the following results : Plot Amount of fertilizer material applied per acre in pounds Yield per acre in pounds Increase over unfertilized plot in pounds 1 No Fertilizer 1908 1909 1908 1909 1854 2028 120 Sulfate of Potash 2 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda 2624 2522 770 494 3 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda 2088 2132 234 104 The test on grapes described on the following page was made in the vineyard of F. C. Lewis, Fowler, Cal. "Thompson's Seedless" was selected for this experiment, and the results, reported for two years show that potash was essential to the largest yields, a good profit being obtained from its use. Plot Amount of fertilizer material applied per acre in pounds No fertilizer 120 Muriate Potash 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda 600 Superphosphate 180 Nitrate Soda Yield per acre in pounds Increase over unfertilized plot in pounds 1908 1909 1908 1909 2391 3746 5211 4950 - 2820 1204 4640 4550 2249 804 Experiment on Seedless Raisin Grapes, by F. C. Lewis, Fowler, Cal. Plot No. 2 Fertilized with High Grade POTASH Fertilizer Plot No. 3 Grapes Fertilized withoutfcPOTASH POTASH PAYS 15 EXPERIMENT ON ORANGES The results of the following experiments made at four different farms, near Porterville and Riverside, should be carefully studied by the practical grower. These trials show large increases produced by using potash fertilizers in conjunction with nitrogen and phosphoric acid. Experiment by W. H. Grant, Porterville, Cal., Oranges on black adobe over clay subsoil. Plot Fertilizer applied per acre in pounds Yield per acre in pounds Increase over unfertilized plot in pounds 1 No fertilizer 1908 1909 1908 1909 12285 11660 120 Sulfate Potash 2 600 180 Superphosphate ; 17940 Nitrate Soda 23328 i 5655 11668 3 600 180 Superphosphate Nitrate Soda 15765 17280 3480 5620 Average increase from about $3.50 spent for Potash 4,112 pounds Oranges. See photo page 17. Experiment by H. C. Carr, Porterville, Cal., Navel Oranges, on deep loam soil (clay subsoil). p Fertilizer applied per acre in pounds » Yield per acre Picking boxes Increase per acre over unfertilized plot 1 No fertilizer 648 2 600 Superphosphate 180 Sulfate Potash 150 Dried Blood 864 216 3 600 Superphosphate 150 Dried Blood 756 108 The increase from about $5.00 worth of Potash, was 108 boxes. See photo page 18, 16 POTASH PAYS Experiment by O. K. Kelsey. Riverside, Cal., on sandy loam soil. Plot Fertilizer applied per acre in pounds Yield po- acre in packed boxes increase per acre due to potash 320 Sulfate Potash 2 1440 Superphosphate 640 Nitrate Soda 391 61 3 1440 Superphosphate 640 Nitrate Soda 330 Notwithstanding the heavy application, Potash gave a good profit, 61 boxes of Oranges from abont $9.00 worth of Potash. See photo page 19. Experiment by W. E. Sprott, Porterville, Cal., Navel Oranges, sandy loam soil. Plot Fertilizer applied per acre in pounds Yield per acre picking boxes Increase per acre over unfertilized plot (picking boxes) 1 No Fertilizer 335 180 Sulfate of Potash 2 180 Dried Blood 507 172 600 Superphosphate 3 180 Dried Blood 600 Superphosphate 381 46 Increase from abont $5.00 worth of Potash 126 boxes. See photo page 20, ti o I o a. O X bo 00 S to I & i I r- I U «T 1 t o Qu U X I § J V a x uj i'i . j« £ 4) a § E 9 3 >-* * g CO r ^ o Experiment by Mr. O. K. Kelsey, Riverside, Cal. Increase from 320 Ibs. Sulfate of Potash,— 61 boxes. (0 u > ! 0. I ui £ c 4) 4) a X UJ POTASH PAYS EXPERIMENTS ON LEMONS ON SANDY LOAM SOILS Here is a record of two experiments on a rnore elaborate plan made by Mr. J. C. Davidson, of Chula Vista, Cal., and J. R. Caldwell, of El Cajon, Cal. These tests, like those on oranges, show that citrus fruits in California respond readily to the use of fertilizers and particularly to potash. Plot Fertilizer applied per acre in pounds Yield per acre, boxes Increase over unfertilized plots per acre J. C. Davidson 9 pickings J.R. Caldwell 4 pickings Davidson Caldwell 1 No fertilizer 592 50 2 240 Sulfate Potash 540 Acid Phosphate 708 112 116 62 3 240 Sulfate Potash A7 , 180 Nitrate Soda 93 83 43 4 180 Nitrate Soda 540 Acid Phosphate j 104 41 54 i240 Sulfate Pota-h 5 540 Acid Phosphate 1180 Nitrate Soda 714 133 122 83 360 Sulfate Potash 6 270 Nitrate Soda 724 93 132 43 810 Acid Phosphate The increase from the use of 240 pounds Sulfate of Potash per acre, was 81 boxes in the case of Mr. Davidson's test, and 29 boxes in the test made by Mr. Caldwell. It is well to note that Mr. Caldwell's orchard was only six years old and that only four pickings are reported. Experiment by J. C. Davidson, Chula Vista, Cal. Increase from 240 IBs. per acre, Sulfate of Potash,— 81 boxes. ^ o 5 I 2 6 oi -» 0) a DC « § £ N * h •i E : JS 24 POTASH PAYS EXPERIMENT ON CELERY This experiment was made by W. E. Gerhard, Santa Ana, Cal. It was conducted on loose reclaimed swamp land which had produced a number of crops and was evidently worn out so far as an " available" supply of plant food was concerned. This is shown from the fact that the yield was more than doubled by the fertilizer applications. One third of the 90 crates increase produced from the 1300 pounds of the fertilizer used was due to Potash. The amount of fertilizer applied to each plot, the yield and the amount of increase are shown in the following table: Plot Application per acre in pouni's Yield per acre in crates Increase over unfertilized plot (in crates) 1 No fertilizer 70 2 750 Acid Phosphate 300 Sulfate Potash 250 Nitrate Soda 150 90 3 750 Acid Phosphate 250 Nitrate Soda 130 63 Experiment by W. E. Gerhard, Santa Ana, Cal. No Fertilizer Yield, 70 Crates per acre Experiment on Celery Iby W. E. Gerhard, Santa Ana, Cal. Complete Fertilizer POTASH, Phosphoric Acid and Nitrogen Yield, 160 Crates per acre Incomplete Fertilizer NO POTASH (Phosphoric Acid and Nitrogen only) Yield, 130 Crates per acre Experiment on Celery by W. E. Gerhard, Santa Ana, Cat. ; Plot No. 1 No Fertilizer (70 crates) R01ative Yields \ Plot No. 2 WITH POTASH (160 crates) ' Plot No. 3 NO POTASH (130 crates) POTASH PAYS 27 SOME SUGGESTIONS ABOUT USING FERTILIZERS In the Introduction to this booklet we mentioned the fact that many farmers and fruit growers often preferred to buy the ingredients, or ' "simples" as they are called in California, and then make their own mixtures. This is a good way, when the farmer knows how much potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen are needed for the soil and the crop to be grown thereon. Of course, the most expensive of the three essential elements of plant food is the nitrogen, but fortunately Science has come to the aid of the farmer and has shown him how he can obtain a supply of nitrogen at a very moderate cost. In a few words it may be stated that this supply of nitrogen comes from the air, which is used by the bacteria in the soil and by all leguminous crops, of which clover and cowpeas are the most common. Thus, the farmer who wants to get cheap nitrogen, raises a leguminous crop and fertilizes his soil by turning it under. With proper care and study only comparatively small amounts of nitrogen, which is expensive whether in the form of manure or in a commercial fertilizer, need to be bought, and sometimes it may be omitted entirely, especially when leguminous crops are grown in rotation. It is different with the mineral fertilizers, that is with potash and phosphoric acid. They must be supplied in certain amounts according to the natural fertility of the soil, the requirements of the crop grown, and the system of cropping. The following suggestions as to the composition of a good average fertilizer should prove useful to farmers and fruit growers who wish to make their own mixtures. The 28 . POTASH PAYS * quantity to be used will run from 250 pounds up to 1,000 and even 2,000 pounds per acre. The largest yields and profits have been obtained by intensive cultivation with corresponding intensive use of fertilizers. Citrus Fruits For Growing Trees Nitrogen 4 per cent. Phosphoric Acid . 8 per cent. Potash 7 per cent. Sulfate of Potash 300 Ibs. Nitrate of Soda 500 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16%) 800 Ibs. tBone Meal 400 Ibs. L'OOO Ibs. From three Ibs. per tree for the first year, to 15 Ibs. per tree for the sixth year is usually considered a fair application. For Bearing Trees Nitrogen 3 % Per cent. Phosphoric Acid 8 per cent. Potash 12% per cent. Sulfate of Potash 525 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16%) 1000 Ibs. Nitrate of Soda 475 Ibs. 2000 Ibs." From ten to twenty -five pounds per tree is the usual application. Deciduous Fruits For Growing Trees Nitrogen 3 per cent. Phosphoric Acid 9% per cent. Potash 10 per cent. Nitrate of Soda 400 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16 per cent, \-j_200 Ibs available Phosphoric Acid) J Sulfate of Potash 400 Ibs. 2000 Ibs. f NOTE -Bone Meal varies in composition. In this formula credit is given for 4 per cent Nitrogen and 8 per cent Phosphoric Acid available during the first year. POTASH PAYS 29 For Bearing Trees Nitrogen 2 per cent. Phosphoric Acid 9 per cent. Potash 11 per cent. Nitrate of Soda 240 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16 per cent.)\ ™Q -,, available Phosphoric Acid. J fSteamed Bone Meal 520 Ibs. Sulfate of Potash . . .440 Ibs. 2000 Ibs. Vegetables, Potatoes, Roots, etc. Nitrogen 3 per cent. Phosphoric Acid 8 per cent. Potash 11 per cent. Nitrate of Soda 400 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16% Avail.) . .1000 Ibs. Sulfate of Potash 440 Ibs. Filler*.. , 160 Ibs. 2000 Ibs. For Corn, Alfalfa, Clover Nitrogen 2 per cent. Phosphoric Acid 8 per cent. Potash 10 per cent. Nitrate of Soda 120 Ibs. Dried Blood (12% Nitrogen). . .. 180 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16% Avail.) . . 1000 Ibs. Muriate of Potash 400 Ibs. Filler* 300 Ibs. 2000 Ibs. This is a good general purpose fertilizer. *NOTE - Filler is unnecessary but may be used if it is desired to keep fertilizer in bags after mixing. If omitted, each of the plant food percentages is increased by about eight per cent. It is evident that with 160 Ibs. of filler to the ton, only 92 per cent as much fer- tilizer would be required without the filler as* with it. With 300 Ibs. to ton, only 85$ as much. fNOTE - Calculated on basis of 1 per cent Nitrogen and 10 per cent. Available Phosphoric Acid. 30 POTASH PAYS For Wheat and Small Grain Nitrogen . . 1 J£ per cent. Avail. Phos. Acid 10 per cent. Actual Potash 8 per cent. tBone Meal 780 Ibs. Acid Phosphate (16% Avail.) . . 900 Ibs. Muriate of Potash 320 Ibs. 2000 Ibs. • •• DESCRIPTION OF FERTILIZER MATERIALS Materials for Supplying Potash Muriate of Potash contains 50 per cent, of actual potash and is one of the most concentrated of plant food materials. As a rule, a pound of potash costs less in the form of muriate than in any other form of potash and for this reason it is the most popular source of potash in mixed fertilizers or for home mixing. Muriate of potash is not generally used, however, on white potatoes, tobacco or citrus fruits. Sulfate of Potash is recommended for citrus fruits, white potatoes and tobacco. It may be used upon all crops for which muriate of potash is recommended, and it is sometimes preferred for deciduous as well as citrus fruits. It occurs as a fine dry powder, and is readily adapted for mixing with other fertilizer materials. Sulfate of Potash usually contains 50 per cent, actual potash and is sold under a minimum guarantee of 48 per cent, actual potash. Kainit is a crude salt; that is, it has not been refined or manufactured other than being ground into a condition ready for application as a fertilizer. It is sold under a iXoxE-Bone Meal varies in composition. In this formula credit is given for 4 per cent. Nitrogen and 8 per cent, Phosphoric Acid available during the first year, PQTASK PAYS 81 guarantee of 12.4 actual potash and contains potash, both in the forms of sulfate and muriate. It contains salts of magnesia and also common salt. Kainit can be used upon the crops for which muriate of potash is recommended. Materials Furnishing Phosphoric Acid. Materials furnishing phosphoric acid in a highly avail- able form are acid phosphate, dissolved bone and dissolved bone black. Phosphoric acid in a less readily available form, is to be had in bone meal and Thomas phosphate or basic slag. The amount which is available will depend to a great extent, upon how finely the material is ground. Ground bone meal contains, as a rule, from 25 to 28 per cent, of total phosphoric acid of which 6 to 8 per cent, may be cons' dered available during the first year. It also contains from 1 to 4 per cent, nitrogen. Dissolved bone, acid phosphate and dissolved bone black usually contain from 14 to 17 per cent, available phosphoric acid. Materials Furnishing Nitrogen The principal commercial sources of nitrogen are nitrate of soda, supplying from 15 to 16 per cent of nitrogen: sulfate of ammonia, 19 to 20 per cent, nitrogen, and dried blood from 10 to 14 per cent according to the grade. Tank- age, in addition to supplying from 7 to 9 per cent, nitrogen usually contains about an equal amount of phosphoric acid. Of many other sources of nitrogen somewhat less in general use, we will mention dried fish scrap, containing from 7 to 9 per cent, nitrogen and 5% to 7 per cent, phosphoric acid, and cotton seed meal, containing 6% to 7 per cent, nitrogen and a small amount of phosphoric acid and potash. B2 POT A SP? PAYS Materials supplying nitrogen should be selected accord- ing to their relative availability, so that the plant may have a full supply during the growing season. Nitrate of soda probably furnishes nitrogen in the most available form. Sulfate of ammonia is more slowly available but much more readily ayailable than dried blood, tankage or bi- products of the slaughter house. The interests of the farmer are best conserved by an intelligent interest on his part, in the composition of the fertilizers which he uses. Valuable suggestions have been given about good general purpose formulas and how to make them. It is possible however, with a better knowl- edge of the composition of the materials furnishing the elements, nitrogen phosphoric acid and potash, to com- pound fertilizers according to any desired formula. Since "experience is the best teacher, ' ' the farmer who will follow our suggestions pertaining to plot experiments will have an advantage over his neighbor who has not made practical tests with the plant food elements. As a result of our own experience we are confident that if these experiments are carefully conducted, even though it may be shown that on some soils and for some crops one element may be more important than another, the need of an available supply of potash will be demon- strated, and when put to the test of profit in dollars and cents, the conclusion will be that " Potash Pays." n\Unz A Co yJAteu; York 1-21-13. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY BERKELEY Return to desk from which borrowed. This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. l4)un'_5QJ6 LD 21-100m-ll,'49(B7146sl6)476 YB 16463 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY