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PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
DEPAETMENT OF AGEICULTUEE
(SOIL AND CROP DIVISION)
FEETILIZEES
BULLETIN No. 87
^•^
PRINTED BY
AUTHORITY OP THE LBGISLATIVB ASSEMBLY.
VICTORIA, B.C.:
Pr1ntp<l by William H. Cullin^ Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
1921.
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PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
DEPAETMEIfT OF AGEIOTJLTURE
(SOIL AND CROP DIVISION)
FEKTILIZEES
BULLETIN No. 87
PRINTED BY
AUTHORITY OF THB LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY.
VICTORIA, B.C.:
Printed by William H. Citllin, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
1921.
Department of Agriculture,
Victoria, B.C., March 31st, 1921.
To His Honour Walter Cameron Nichol,
Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia,
May it please Your Honour :
I have the honour to submit herewith for your consideration Bulletin
No. 87, entitled " Fertilizers," which has been prepared by W. Newton,
Chief Soil and Crop Instructor, under the direction of Dr. D. Warnock,
Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
E. D. BAEKOW,
Minister of Agriculture,
Department of Agriculture,
Victoria, B.C., March 31st, 1921.
Hon. E. D. Barrow, M.L.A.,
Minister of Agriculture, Victoria , B.C.
Sir, — I have the honour to submit herewith for your approval
Bulletin No. 87, entitled " Fertilizers," which has been prepared by W.
Newton, Chief Soil and Crop Instructor, of the Live Stock Branch of this
Department.
I have the honour to be.
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
DAVID WARNOCK, O.B.E.,
Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
(LIVE STOCK BRANCH).
Hon. E. D. BARROW, M.L.A.,
Minister of Agriculture.
Dr. D. WARNOCK, O.B.E.,
Deputy Minister of Agriculture.
w. T. Mcdonald, b.s.a., m.s.a., j. b. terry,
Live Stock Commissioner. Chief Poultry Instructor.
S. A. K. WHITE, V.S., B. R. ILSLEY, V.S.,
Veterinary Inspector. Veterinary Inspector.
Wm. NEWTON, B.S.A., M.Sc, C. TICE, B.S.A.,
Chief Soil and Crop Instructor. Soil and Crop Instructor.
Geo. C. hay, B.S.A.,
District Agriculturist, Kamloops.
A. KNIGHT, V.S., W. T. BROOKES, V.S.,
Chief Veterinary Inspector. Veterinary Inspector.
W. W. ALTON, V.S., J. D. McDONALD, V.S.,
Veterinary Inspector. Veterinary Inspector.
d. b. mckay, B.S., m. sparrow, V.S.,
Veterinary Inspector. Veterinary Inspector.
Wm. J. BONAVIA,
Departmental Secretary.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
Ammonium Sulphate 9
Basic Slag 11
Common Salt 15
Care of Manure 8
Drainage 5
Dried Fish-meal 9
Farm Manures 7
Fertilizers, Comparative Values of Different Forms 13
Fertilizers, mixing 14
Fertilizer Formulae for Crops 15
Gypsum ^ 15
Ground Rock Phosphate 11
Lime or Calcium ■ * 6
Lime, Comparative Values of Different Forms 13
Lime, when and how to apply 13
Moisture 5
Nitrogen as a Fertilizer 6
Nitrogen Manures ' 9
Nitrate of Soda 9
Plant-food removed by Crops 7
Phosphatic Manures * 10
Potash Manures 11
Phosphoric Acid as a Fertilizer 6
Seaweed 12
Sulphur 15
Superphosphates 11
Values of Manures as Plant-food and Method of calculating 13
Wood-ashes , 12
FERTILIZERS.
By W. Newton, B.S.A., M.Sc.
A CLEAR conception of the economic value of fertilizers is more important to-day
-^^ than at any period through which agriculture has passed. In the Province
of British Columbia the yields are beginning to decrease, due to the exhaustion
of the stores of fertility in our virgin soils. Crop-production costs have increased ;
unless fair yields are obtained the cost of production will be greater than the
value of the crop.
Specialized fruit districts have become established. Their future productiveness
depends largely upon the intelligent use of fertilizers.
In the mixed-farming districts, when a carefully chosen rotation, including a
clover or other legume crop, is followed, and where the grain and hay is fed on the
farm and the manure properly cared for, it may not be necessary to use commercial
fertilizers, but when the nature of the crop prevents rotation, and where very little
farmyard manure is produced, commercial fertilizers may be required.
CHEMICAL ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS.
As far as we know, there are fifteen chemical elements required for normal
plant-growth. There are only four that particularly interest the farmer, for the
others are usually found in abundance in all soils. These four are nitrogen, phos-
phorus, potassium, and calcium. When we speak of plant-food we usually refer to
these elements as nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, and lime.
AVAILABILITY OF PLANT-FOOD.
It may be surprising to know that most farm soils, even those that produce
poor crops, are abundantly supplied with plant-food. When poor crops are obtained
it means that the plant-food is not available. This fact serves to emphasize the
necessity of paying special attention to the numerous factors that influence the
availability of the plant-food in the soil.
AERATION AND DRAINAGE.
Foremost among these factors is the question of aeration and drainage. A free
circulation of air is necessary to promote the development of soil organisms that
assist in changing the locked-up fertility of the soil into a form available to plant-
growth. Without adequate drainage the air cannot penetrate the soil. Besides
favouring the development of soil organisms, the roots of practically all plants
require free air to develop normally. Air has also a direct chemical effect that
not only releases plant-food, but frequently oxidizes soil substances that are injurious
or toxic to plant-growth.
INCREASING THE FEEDING AREA.
Some soils are so shallow that the crop-roots are confined to a thin surface
strata. The limited area from which they obtain their food will frequently account
for the poor returns.
MOISTURE-SUPPLY.
The moisture-supply must be suflicient at all times during the growth of the
plant. The moisture in a saturated soil is not available to plants to the same extent
as when a soil is properly drained. Increasing the depth, improving the texture,
and the maintenance of an adequate humus or rotted vegetable-matter content all
have a direct bearing upon the supply of moisture required for plant-growth.
Department of Agriculture.
FUNCTION OF PLANT-FOOD CONSTITUENTS.
To intelligently use fertilizers a knowledge of the functions of the plant-food
materials added to the soil is necessary. The kind of fertilizer to use upon a given
soil will depend upon the character of the soil and the crop it is proposed to raise.
For example, it would be poor economy to fertilize heavily with nitrogen when
clover is to be the crop, because of the ability of that plant to obtain its own supply
of that element.
FUNCTION OF NITROGEN AS A FERTILIZER.
Nitrogen stimulates the growth of the vegetative parts. Truck-crops such as
lettuce, celery, and cabbage are greatly improved by its use owing to the fact that
it stimulates rapid growth.
With certain crops there is a danger of an overapplication. If too much
nitrogen is applied to potatoes the growth of vine will be stimulated at the expense
of tubers.
When the season is short and the grain-crops have a tendency not to ripen, the
use of nitrogen may not be advisable. On the whole, this fertilizer tends to lengthen
the growing season. When trees appear to be stunted nitrogen is frequently
beneficial, in that it will induce a more luxuriant growth.
Clover, alfalfa, peas, beans, vetches, and other legumes are seldom benefited by
using a nitrogen fertilizer, in that this group of plants can use the free nitrogen of
the air. In farm practice inclusion of a legume at short intervals in the rotation
will dispense with nitrogen fertilizers.
FUNCTION OF PHOSPHORIC ACID AS A FERTILIZER.
Phosphoric acid hastens the maturity of crops. It has a ripening effect and
serves to hasten grain and fruit formation ; it stimulates root-development in young
plants. The proportion of grain to straw is usually higher with ample phosphoric
acid. In a very general way grain-crops are heavy phosphoric-acid feeders. It is
required to build up protein and consequently should be liberally supplied to the
legume crops that are rich in protein.
FUNCTION OF POTASH.
Potash is essential to the formation of starch, sugar, and cellulose in plants.
The flavour and colour of fruits is generally credited to potassium. Potatoes and
sugar-beets in particular require an abundant supply of potash owing to the quantity
of starch and sugar they contain. Experiments show that soils without suflBcient
potash do not produce as heavy grain-crops. This is probably due to the effect of
potash in prolonging the growing season of grains. However, the growing season of
all crops is not prolonged by the use of potash. With roots the reverse is found to
be true.
FUNCTION OF CALCIUM OR LIME.
Calcium seems to impart hardness to the plant. It has been noticed that soils
containing an abundant supply of lime usually produce well-nourished crops that are
capable of standing unfavourable climatic conditions, such as drought or early frost.
It has also a decided beneficial effect on the texture or physical condition of the
soil. Lime acts as a liberator of plant-food, particularly potash, held in insoluble
forms in the soil. It neutralizes soil-acidity, a condition that is not favourable to
the normal development of a great many farm crops.
TYPE OF SOIL AND FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT.
On most soils and for most crops a judicious mixture of nitrogen, phosphoric
acid, and potash will give the best results. Clays or clay loams if adequately
supplied with lime may not require potash. Peat soils as a rule only require lime,
Fertilizers.
phosphoric acid, and potash. The nitrogen content of peat soils is usually sufficient
for satisfactory crop production.
THE FINANCIAL STANDPOINT.
Viewed from the financial standpoint, the whole problem of the use of artificial
fertilizers is simply one of profit or loss. Regardless of the needs of the soil or its
ability to produce crops, if the use of fertilizers will increase the net profit from
the crop after the cost of the fertilizer and the labour is deducted it is a profitable
investment. Every farmer must determine for himself the point where the cost of
a fertilizer application is greater than the value of the increased yields. Fruit and
truck farmers that expend a large amount of labour on small areas find it profitable
to fertilize heavily. As a rule the higher the acre value of the crop the greater is
the amount that can be profitably expended on fertilizers.
PLANT-FOOD REMOVED BY CROPS.
The amount of plant-food removed by crops is indicative to a degree of their
fertilizer requirements. The following table may be of some assistance : —
Crop.
Gross
Weight.
Nitrogen.
Pliosphoric
Acid.
Potash.
Lime.
Wheat, 20 bu
Lb.
1,200
2,000
Lb.
25
10
Lb.
121/2
TVs
Lb.
7
28
Lb.
1
Straw
7
Totals
35
20
35
8
Barley, 40 bu
1,920
3,000
28
12
15
5
8
30
1
Straw
8
Totals
40
20
38
9
Oats, 50 bu
1,600
3,000
38
15
12
6
10
35
1%
9%
Straw
Totals
53
18
45
11
Corn, 65 hu
2,200
6,000
40
45
18
14
15
80
1
Stalks
20
Totals
85
32
95
21
Peas, 30 bu
1,800
3,500
••
18
7
22
38
4
Straw
71
Totals
••
25
60
75
Flax, 15 bu
900
1,800
39
15
15
3
8
19
3
Straw
13
Totals
54
18
27
16
Meadow-hav
2,000
4,000
13,000
20,000
30
80
75
20
28
40
35
45
66
150
160
12
Red clover
Potatoes, 300 bu
Mangels, 10 tons
75
50
30
FARM MANURES.
•
Farm manure is the oldest and one of the most important of our fertilizers.
The value is better understood than formerly. The benefit to be derived from its
use is threefold: First, it supplies plant-food; second, it maintains the humus or
rotted vegetable-matter content of soils; third, it inoculates the soil with beneficial
organisms that assist In the release of plant-food.
8 Department of Agriculture.
The quality of the manure depends upon a number of factors, the kind of
animal, the quality of the feed, and the amount and kind of the bedding that is
used being the most important. The manure of mature animals fed heavily on
concentrates is usually the richest in plant-food. Bedding, besides affecting the
composition of the manure, makes it more sanitary and easy to handle. Frequently
the liquid parts of farm manures contain over half the nitrogen and potash. Unless
the liquid parts are saved by means of a liquid-manure tank or by using plently of
absorbent bedding a great deal of the value will be lost. Straw is the standard
bedding. Dried peat has a very high absorbent power, and since it quite readily
decomposes in the soil it is quite valuable for this purpose. Dried leaves and saw-
dust are used, but are much inferior to straw or peat because they decompose very
slowly in the soil. On heavy clay soils their use may prove beneficial.
THE CARE OF STABLE MANURE.
Practically every farmer appreciates the value of the stable manures, but not
all farmers appreciate the losses that occur through their methods of handling.
It is so difficult to prevent large losses that it is usually advisable to apply
the manure direct from the stable to the soil. This practice is not always possible ;
hence the treatment of manure is important.
LEACHING.
When the manure-heap is exposed to the washing of rain and the solutions
allowed to wash away the value of the manure decreases. We have already noted
that the greater part of the nitrogen and potash is frequently found in the liquid
parts. Furthermore, the nitrogen in the urine is largely in the form of urea, a
compound that is readily changed into volatile substance, ammonium carbonate.
FERMENTATION.
There are two distinct types of fermentation that occur in manure-heaps. The
first type is caused by organisms that require free air and the second by organisms
that do not require free air. The first form of fermentation, that caused by
organisms that require free air, is undesirable. It is responsible for large losses
of nitrogen. The nitrogen in the manure is converted into a volatile form by such
organisms and it escapes as a gas. To prevent this undesirable fermentation air
must be excluded from as much of the manure-pile as possible. This can be done
by keeping the pile as compact as possible, and since dry manure ferments more
readily than wet manure it is desirable to keep the manure-pile damp.
The other form of fermentation which takes place in the absence of free air is
desirable, in that it is helpful in increasing the availability of the plant-food.
STORING MANURE UNDER COVER.
To prevent loss storing manure under cover is advisable. Some farmers use
covered sheds where the stock are allowed to exercise and the manure is kept
compact by the tramping of the animals.
PRESERVATIVES.
By adding moist gypsum (land-plaster) to manure much loss of nitrogen due
to the evolution of ammonium gas is avoided. Superphosphate and ground rock
phosphate are sometimes used to good advantage.
VALUE OF FARM MANURES.
It has already been noted that the value of farm manures depends not only
upon the plant food they contain, but because they maintain the humus or rotted
vegetable matter of soils and introduce organisms that assist in the release of plant-
food.
Fertilizers.
The following table will assist in determining the plant-food values of farm
manures : —
Kind of Manure.
Nitrogen.
Phosphoric
Add.
Potash.
Cattle (solid fresh excrement)
Cattle (fresh urine)
Hen-manure (fresh)
Horse (solid fresh excrement)
Horse (fresh urine)
Sheep (solid fresh excrement)
Sheep (fresh urine)
Stable manure (mixed)
Swine (solid fresh excrement)
Swine (fresh urine)
Per Cent.
0.29
0.58
1.63
0.44
1.55
0.55
1.95
0.50
0.60
0.43
Per Cent.
0.17
1.54
0.17
o.si
0.01
0.30
0.41
0.07
Per Cent.
0.10
0.49
0.85
0.35
1.50
0.15
2.26
0.60
0.13
0.83
NITROGEN MANURES.
The following table is a list of the commonest nitrogen manures found on the
market : —
Materials.
Nitrogen.
Phosphoric
Acid.
Potash.
1. Cotton-seed meal
2. Linseed^meal
3. Castor pomace
4. Rape-meal
5. Red blood
6. Black blood
7. Tankage ,
8. Concentrated tankage
9. Azotin (fish or meat meal) .
10. Steamed horn and hoof meal
11. Dried ground fish
12. King crab
13. Guano
14. Ammonium sulphate ,
15. Nitrate of soda
16. Calcium nitrate ,
17. Calcium cyanide
Per Cent.
6.58
5.30
5.50
5.00
13.50
12.00
6.58-7.41
10-12
13.00
12-15
8.50
10.00
4-12
20.00
15.30
13.00
16.20
Per Cent.
2.80
1.60
1.80
1.60
3-5.5
Per Cent.
1.50
1.25
1.00
9.00
5-20
The first four fertilizers are vegetable products. On account of their value as
food for live stock they are not frequently sold as fertilizers.
From the fifth to the thirteenth are animal by-products. The chief characteristic
of the group is that the nitrogen content is very variable. In purchasing the precau-
tion should be taken of securing a guaranteed analysis. Their value should be
based upon the pounds of nitrogen they contain. The nitrogen in groups 1 and 2 is
not so available as the nitrogen in the group of chemical fertilizers. For this reason
they should be used when a nitrogen-supply is desired throughout the season. Dried
fish-meal is frequently quite rich in phosphoric acid. The content of phosphoric acid
varies, depending upon the quantity of bone ground up in its manufacture. If the
bone content is low the phosphoric-acid content is low. In the purchase both
elements must be considered in estimating the cost.
The guanos also vary greatly in both nitrogen and phosphoric acid. It is
largely a question as to where the guano has been collected that determines its
analysis. A guarantee is a safeguard to the purchaser.
Of the chemical fertilizers, ammonium sulphate and nitrate of soda are the two
commonest on the market. Ammonium sulphate is considered the best to apply
10 Department op Agriculture.
to deep-rooted plants and the nitrate of soda to shallow-rooted plants. Unless the
soil to which they are applied contains a high lime content the frequent use of
ammonium sulphate will make a soil acid.
Nitrate of soda should never be mixed with acid phosphate before applying to
the soil. A chemical action takes place if this is done that results in a considerable
loss of nitrogen. It is preferable to apply the acid phosphate six or seven weeks
before the date of planting and the nitrate of soda not more than a week before
planting.
All the chemical nitrogen fertilizers are readily available; consequently they
should be applied in small quantities shortly before they are required by the plants,
otherwise the nitrogen in the form of nitrates will dissolve and leach away.
Calcium nitrate and calcium cyanamide are as valuable as the first mentioned
if their value is based upon the percentage of nitrogen they contain. Calcium
cyanamide should be applied shortly before seeding, for it is considered to have a
slightly toxic action on vegetable-growth. More recently claims have been made that
the toxic materials contained in the fertilizer have been successfully removed.
Nitrogen is an important element to consider in the study of fertilizers.
Nitrogen usually costs about three times as much as phosphoric acid. This fact
serves to emphasize the necessity of maintaining the nitrogen-supply in soils by the
use of clover, alfalfa, and other legumes rather than by the application of nitrogen
in the form of a commercial fertilizer.
PHOSPHATIC MANURES.
A number of materials are used as a source of phosphoric acid. The principal
sources are listed in the following table : —
(a.) Raw Phosphates.
Phosphoric Nitrogen.
Per Cent. Per Cent.
1. Raw bone-meal 19-25 2-4
2. Steamed bone-meal 17.5-29 5-4.5
3. Bone-black 30
4. Bone-ash 30-39
5. Bone-tankage 11.5-20 4-6
6. Dried ground fish 6-16 4^11
7. Phosphatic guanos 11-42
8. Basic slag 11-13
9. Ground rock phosphate 25-iO
( 6. ) SUPEEPHOSPHATES.
Total Available
Phosphoric Acid. Phosphoric Acid.
Per Cent. Per Cent.
1. Acid phosphate 14-18 12-16
2. Dissolved bone-black 16.5-17.5 12.5-16.5
3. Double superphosphate 48 43
Raw Phosphates.
The organic phosphatic manures, the first seven in the above table, are very
variable in composition.
Raw bone-meal is a finely ground product derived from raw bones. It carries
considerable organic matter in the form of fats. This fatty organic matter tends to
make the fertilizer very slowly available as plant-food. The phosphoric acid in
steamed bone-meal is more available than bone-meal, for in the manufacturing
process the fats are extracted. Grinding does not affect the composition but finely
ground material is more available than coarser samples.
Bone-black, a by-product of sugar-refineries consist of bones that have been
heated and distilled until all the organic or volatile matter has passed off. The
Fertilizers. 11
product is then-ground to a coarse consistency. It is sold as fertilizer when it has
served its usefulness in the process of clarifying syrups.
Bone-ash that is sold as a fertilizer consists of burnt bones.
Bone-tankage consists of refuse from slaughter-houses.
Basic slag, a by-product of iron-smelters, is known by several names, as iron
phosphate, Thomas phosphate, odourless phosphate, and phosphatic slag. The
phosphoric acid in basic slag is often rated as valuable as the phosphoric acid in
bone-meal. The composition is variable, depending upon the composition of the iron
ore. The lime content of this material adds to the value on acid soils.
The phosphoric acid in ground rock phosphate is the least available of the raw
phosphates. (Section (a) of the above table.) The composition and the fineness
of the material determines its value.
AvailaUlitj/ of the Raw Phosphates. — The raw phosphates are slowly available
as plant-food and practically insoluble in water. The phosphoric acid is not entirely
used the first year, so the maximum returns cannot be expected immediately. For
quick-growing crops the raw phosphates are not always desirable.
Superphosphates.
Many of the raw phosphates are treated with sulphuric acid to render the
phosphoric acid more available. The commonest of these is the acid phosphate or
superphosphate of lime. The composition is variable, depending upon the phosphate
ore from which it is manufactured and upor^ the process of manufacture.
There seems to be a great deal of confusion among farmers as to what con-
tributes available phosphoric acid. Chemists usually class the phosphoric acid
soluble in water as "soluble," and the phosphoric acid soluble in citrate acid as
" reverted." The sum of the two is the " available pho^horic acid." For all
practical purposes the farmer in purchasing superphosphate need only to consider
the percentage of available phosphoric acid.
Dissolved bone-black is manufactured by treating bone-black with sulphuric acid.
The double superphosphates are not frequently found in the market in this
country. It is manufactured by treating high-grade phosphate rich with sulphuric
and phosphoric acid in solution.
The phosphatic manures as a whole are very variable in composition. Their
value should be based on a guaranteed analysis. Owing to the acid nature of the
superphosphates they should not be applied to sour soils. Liming should precede
an application of superphosphate. When immediate returns are expected the super-
phosphates are superior to the raw phosphates.
POTASH MANURES.
Until the discovery of the potash-mines in Germany in 1S60 wood-ash was the
chief source of this constituent as a fertilizer. Until the recent European conflict
practically all the potash salts used as fertilizers throughout the world came from
the German mines. The war stimulated the development of other supplies. It
would be difficult to say whether the supplies from the newly developed sources are
to become permanent.
The following table includes the principal potash fertilizers: —
Actual Potash.
Per Cent.
1. Kainit *. 12.5
2. Sylvinit 12-15
3. Muriate of potash 50
4. Sulphate of potash 50
5. Double sulphate of potash and magnesium 20
6. Potassium magnesium carbonate 20-25
7. Wood-ashes 5-G
' 8. Kelp or seaweed (dried sample) 12
(ash) 20-30
12 Department of Agriculture.
Kainit is a crude yellowish-red salt containing about 12.5 per cent, of actual
potash which is largely in the form of sulphate. Along with it are large quantities
of common salt and small percentages of chloride and sulphate of magnesia.
Sylvinit. — This salt when ground is much more red in colour than kainit. It
is sometimes sold by fertilizer-manufacturers under the name of kainit. It consists
chiefly of chlorides, being principally composed of sodium chloride and potassium
chloride.
Muriate of Potash. — Muriate of potash or potassium chloride is more generally
used than any of the other salts. It varies somewhat in composition, according to
the method of manufacture, but the product most commonly met w^ith contains
about 50 per cent, of actual potash. The principal impurities are common salt and
certain insoluble matters which are not injurious. All the potash is immediately
available.
Sulphate of Potash. — This is a yellow, dry, almost powdery substance. It is sold
from 90 to 95 per cent, pure and therefore contains an equivalent of from 48 to 51
per cent, of actual potash. It is more expensive than muriate, but is more adapted
for certain .crops, such as tobacco and potatoes, crops injured by excessive chlorides.
Double Sulphate of Potash and Magnesia. — This product is somewhat similar to
high-grade sulphate of potash in its effect on crops. It usually contains 2G per cent,
actual potash.
Potassium Magnesium Cardonate. — This is a dry white manufactured product
and is an excellent source of potash for crops injured by chlorides. It contains 20
to 25 per cent, actual potash. It is not sold extensively.
Wood-ashes. — The potash in wood-ashes is in the form of carbonate, which is
very desirable for all plants. Good unleached ashes should contain 5 to 6 per cent,
of potash. Leached ashes or ashes that have been exposed to the weather usually
have lost all but one-half of 1 per cent, of their potash. But they contain some
phosphoric acid and 25 to 50 per cent, of the whole material is carbonate of lime.
This phosphoric acid and lime remain unchanged by weathering and leaching.
Seaiveed. — The practice of using seaweed as a fertilizer is very old. During the
war greater attention was paid to the value of this material owing to the scarcity
of other potash fertilizers. In the fresh state the Pacific Coast seaweed contains
almost as much nitrogen and more potash than farmyard manure. The analysis of
dried samples proved to contain over 12 per cent, potash. Seaweed ash samples
contained as high as 30 per cent, actual potash. Its value, applied either in the
fresh, dried, or burnt condition, proved it to be a valuable potash fertilizer. It
readily decomposes in most soils.
LIME.
Lime should be classed as a soil-stimulant rather than a fertilizer, for there are
few soils that do not contain sufficient lime to supply the needs of a crop as a plant-
food. The action of lime is usually not so immediate as that of a true fertilizer. It
is only when soil needs lime badly and where a liberal application is given that the
effect may be immediate and striking. The immediate effect of liming is more
frequently seen in the case of alfalfa and clover fields than with other crops.
Although a plant-food, the primary purpose of liming is to neutralize soil-
acidity. Certain crops require more lime than they are able to secure from a soil
which is acid. But perhaps the most important benefit of lime is that by neutralizing
the soil-acidity it stimulates favourable forms of soil organisms that increase the
crop-producing power of soils.
Lime improves the texture of clay soils, an important consideration in their
management.
Burnt lime, and to a lesser degree ground limestone rock, has an effect of
increasing the available supply of plant-food, particularly potash in soils.
Fertilizers. 13
WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY LIME.
Although there are a few crops that prefer a slightly acid soil, for the most
part a soil that is neutral or slightly alkali is more favourable for crop production.
Soil-acidity tests are made to determine whether lime is required. The litmus is
the most common test for this purpose. If a good quality blue litmus-paper Is
secured from a druggist and a strip pressed against the moist surface of the soil
under test, the paper will turn pink, either completely pink or pink in spots, if the
soil is acid. The rapidity with which the paper turns pink is a rough guide as to
the degree of acidity. A little experience may be necessary in knowing just what
shade is required to indicate acidity, as the paper will lose its blue colour even in
a neutral soil and turn purplish in colour, which may be mistaken for the proper
pink.
The hydrochloric-acid test to determine the lime content of soils is made as
follows: Take 1 or 2 oz. of hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) and dilute with equal
parts water. A handful of soil, preferably wet and worked into a mud-ball should
be tested by adding the hydrochloric acid. If unmistakable and distinct bubbling
takes place the soil almost invariably contains sufficient lime. If no bubbling occurs
lime is required. The amount of bubbling as a rule varies directly with the lime
content of the soil.
FORMS OF LIME AND THEIR COMPARATIVE VALUES.
Quick or burnt lime, water-slaked or hydrated lime, and ground limestone rock
are the three forms chiefly used for agricultural purposes. The kind of lime to use
should be determined largely upon the basis of the amount of active lime (calcium
oxide) one can buy for the dollar. In order to determine this it should be
remembered that approximately 2,000 lb. of finely ground limestone or old air-slaked
lime is required to equal 1,100 lb. of burnt lime or 1,500 of fresh water-slaked lime.
With a delivered price on each, one can figure the cheapest form when hauled and
spread. On soils that are lacking in vegetable matter the use of ground limestone
is recommended. The burnt lime or fresh water-slaked lime causes a too rapid decay
of vegetable matter. On peaty soils the latter forms are superior. On such soils
there is a surplus of vegetable matter. Any treatment that will encourage the decay
of the vegetable matter will release plant-food and is therefore beneficial.
GUARANTEES.
To aid the purchaser of fertilizers the Dominion Government has enacted a law
whereby it is made illegal for any manufacturer or manufacturer's agent to offer
for sale any fertilizer without giving a guarantee of the amount of plant-food
constituents contained therein. The purchaser will do well to remember that, no
matter how complex the guarantee may be, the valuation should be on the three
items: (1) Nitrogen; (2) available phosphoric acid; (3) potash. This fact is
recognized in fertilizer formulas written as 3-7-9. The meaning is that it contains
3 per cent, nitrogen, 7 per cent, phosphoric acid, and 9 per cent, potash.
CALCULATION OF THE VALUE OF FERTILIZERS.
Every farmer should be able to calculate the true market value of the fertilizer
he purchases. The preference on the part of many to purchase mixed fertilizers is
not to be discouraged, providing the price is in proportion to its various constituents
if these were purchased singly. The manufacturers have facilities for mixing that
the average farmer does not possess. A nominal charge is always allowed for mixing.
METHOD OF CALCULATING THE VALUE PER POUND OF ACTUAL
PLANT-FOOD.
In the case of purely chemical fertilizers the value of a fertilizer depends upon
the amount of nitrogen phosphoric acid and potash present.
Nitrate of soda contains 15 per cent, nitrogen. One ton contains 15 per cent, of
2,000 lb. or 15/100 of 2,000 = 300 lb. If the commercial value of nitrate of soda is
$90 per ton, 300 lb. of actual nitrogen costs $90.
14 Department of Agriculture.
One pound of actual nitrogen would therefore cost 1/300 of $90=30 cents.
Similarly, superphosphate contains IG per cent, available phosphoric acid.
One ton contains 16 per cent, of 2,000 lb. or 16/100 of 2,000=320 lb.
If the commercial value Is $32 per ton, 320 lb. of available phosphoric acid costs
$32.
One pound of available phosphoric acid therefore costs 1/320 of $32=10 cents.
Similarly, muriate of potash contains 50 per cent, actual potash.
One ton contains 50 per cent, of 2,000 lb. or 50/100 of 2,000=1000 lb.
If the commercial value of muriate of potash is $150 per ton, 1,000 lb. of actual
potash costs $150.
One pound of actual potash would therefore cost 1/1000 of $150=15 cents.
A mixed fertilizer is guaranteed as a 4-9-5 fertilizer. A ton would contain the
following amounts of plant-food : —
Nitrogen, 4 per cent. ; therefore 1 ton contains 4/100 X 2,000 = 80 lb.
Available phosphoric acid, 9 per cent. ; therefore 1 ton contains 9/100 X 2,000 =
180 lb.
Potash, 5 per cent. ; therefore 1 ton contains 5/100 X 2,000 = 100 lb. .
A ton of mixed fertilizer guaranteed to contain 4 per cent, nitrogen, 9 per cent,
phosphoric acid, and 5 per cent, potash consists of 80 lb. actual nitrogen, 180 lb.
actual available phosphoric acid, and 100 lb. actual potash.
Having calculated the value per pound of these three plant-foods when purchased
singly, it is not difficult to estimate whether it is more economical to l)uy a mixed
fertilizer.
The value of a 4-9-5 fertilizer based on the commercial values of the nitrate of
soda, superphosphate, and muriate of potash quoted above would be : —
80 lb. nitrogen at 30c $24 00
180 „ phosphoric acid at 10c 18 00
100 „ potash at 15c 15 00
Total $57 00
Added to this is the manufacturer's charges for mixing.
No fertilizer contains 100 per cent, plant-food; therefore purchasing by the ton
without calculating the number of pounds of actual plant-food contained in each
ton is not a safe practice.
On soils that are deficient in humus or rotted vegetable matter the organic
fertilizers have a value in access of their actual plant-food content owing to their
effect in improving the physical condition of the soil.
MIXING FERTILIZERS.
The operation of home-mixing must be thoroughly done or the result may prove
unsatisfactory. Select a clean dry floor, preferably of concrete, and dump the
fertilizers in their required proportions in a heap. After thoroughly mixing with a
shovel the whole should be passed through a %-inch mesh screen. If the bulk to
be applied to an acre is less than half a ton the quantity should be increased by
adding fine dry sand or earth.
Some fertilizers cannot be mixed on account of unfavourable chemical action.
To avoid trouble do not mix the following : —
(1.) Lime, wood-ashes, or basic slag with any fertilizer containing ammonia,
such as ammonium sulphate, farmyard manure, or organic manure.
(2.) Lime, wood-ashes, or calcium cyanamide with any fertilizer containing
soluble phosphate, such as superphosphate or dissolved bones.
(3.) Nitrate of soda with superphosphate or dissolved bones, except for
immediate application, and under no circumstances if the superphosphate or bones
be not in a fine dry condition.
(4.) When muriate of potash and other potash salts are mixed with super-
phosphate a hard cement-like mass is likely to form if the mixture is not spread
Feutimzeks. 15
immediately. This can be avoided by adding a quantity of dry sand, sawdust, peat,
or other material.
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS.
Oypsum. — Gypsum, land-plaster, or sulphate of calcium acts more as a soil-
stimulant than a direct fertilizer. Its value from an agricultural standpoint is
similar in some respects to lime, in that it improves the mechanical condition of
clay soils and tends to make the potash content of soils more available. Gypsum
will not correct soil-acidity and therefore cannot be used to take the place of lime
for such a purpose. It does not hasten the decay of vegetable matter in soils to the
same extent as lime. The value of gypsum to lessen the toxic properties of black
alkali in soils has long been recognized.
Sulphur. — That gypsum, calcium sulphate, is of value as a plant-food owing to
its sulphur content has long been a debated question. The consensus of opinions
appears to be that most soils contain enough sulphur as a plant-food. In humid
districts the amount of sulphur added to the soil dissolved in the rain-water is in
itself suflBcient. It is probable, however, that indirectly sulphur has a beneficial
effect when applied to some crops. The most apparent results from sulphur have
been secured when it is applied to alfalfa and clover. Flowers of sulphur are used,
but the sulphur has to be converted in the soil into a sulphate form before it is of
value to the crop. For this reason an application in the fall is preferable to a spring
application. Gypsum .or calcium sulphate may be applied in the spring to better
advantage.
Common Salt. — Common salt, or sodium chloride, has been used for many years
in the older countries. It supplies no essential ingredient of plant-growth. The
value as a fertilizer is probably due to its action in the soil of setting free more
important constituents.
FERTILIZER FORMULAE FOR CROPS.
Nitrogen. ^g^J^d" I*otash. Lb. to Acre.
Per Cent. Per Cent. Per Cent.
Wheat 4 7 3 300 to 600
Barley 5 7 3 250 to 600
Rye 4 6 9 300 to 600
Oats 4 5 9 300 to 800
Buckwheat 4 7 9 400 to 800
Corn 3 7 6 500 to 1,000
Tobacco 5 5 8 1,000 to 2,000
Potatoes 5 6 . 8 500 to 1,500
Clovers and legumes ... 1 7 9 400 to 800
Rape 3 4 4 300 to 600
Roots 5 5 7 400 to 800
Asparagus and rhubarb. . 4 6 7 400 to 800
Beans and peas 1 7 8 400 to 800
Lettuce 5 5 8 900 to 1,500
Cabbage and Cauliflower 5 6 8 800 to 2,000
Cucumbers 5 5 7 500 to 1,500
Celery 5 5 9 1,100 to 1,500
Tomatoes 5 5 7 500 to 1,000
Onions 5 5 10 500 to 1,000
Sweet corn 4 8 10 500 to 1,000
Strawberries 3 9 12 500 to 800
Fruit-trees 2 8 11 400 to 700
Blackberries 2 5 8 500 to 800
Raspberries 3 6 9 500 to 800
Loganberries 3 6 9 500 to 800
16 Department op Agriculture.
Example. — Formula selected : Strawberries 3-9-12.
Quantity to be used: 500 lb.
Amount of actual nitrogen to be supplied: 3 per cent, of 500 = 15 lb.
Amount of actual phosphoric acid : 9 per cent, of 500 = 45 lb.
Amount of actual potash to be supplied : 12 per cent, of 500 = 60 lb.
If the composition of fertilizers used to supply the three plant foods are : —
• Nitrate of soda, 15 per cent, nitrogen ;
Superphosphate, 16 per cent, available phosphoric acid ;
Muriate of potash, 52 per cent, actual p€»tash, —
15 lb. nitrogen will be supplied by 100 lb. nitrate of soda.
45 „ phosphoric acid supplied by 45/16x100 = 280 lb. superphosphate.
60 „ potash supplied by 60/52x100 = 115 lb. muriate of potash.
The fertilizer formulae for the crops given are compiled for average conditions.
On heavy soils well supplied with lime the proportion of the potash may be decreased.
On soils that have an excess of vegetable matter the nitrogen proportion may be
decreased. If clovers or other legumes are included at short intervals in a crop-
rotation the amount of nitrogen that is necessary to apply may be materially
decreased.
The commercial value of fertilizers varies from year to year. This variation
must be considered when a fertilizer formula for any crop is selected. For example,
the present price of potash is so high that it would probably be wise to reduce the
amount of potash in the formulae listed until the price returns to normal.
Soil conditions are so variable in the Province of British Columbia that it would
be unwise to lay down any hard-and-fast formula. Every farmer should attempt
to determine the fertilizer formula that suits his particular soil and crop needs.
This may be done by selecting a uniform field and applying different fertilizers and
fertilizer mixtures in a manner that the comparative yields resulting therefrom can
be easily determined.
VICTORIA, B.C.:
Printed by William H. Cullix, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
1921.
4
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