<\ 
 
 '/^, 
 
 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924073916342 
 
CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 
 
 924 073 916 342 
 
Production Note 
 Cornell University Library produced 
 this volume to replace the irreparably 
 deteriorated original. It was scanned 
 using Xerox software and equipment at 
 600 dots per inch resolution and 
 compressed prior to storage using 
 CCITT Group 4 compression. The digital 
 data were used to create Cornell's 
 replacement volume on paper that meets 
 the ANSI Standard Z39. 48-1992. The 
 production of this volume was 
 supported in part by the National 
 Endowment for the Humanities . Digital 
 file copyright by Cornell University 
 Library 1995. 
 
 Scanned as part of the A.R. Mann 
 Library project to preserve and 
 enhance access to the Core Historical 
 Literature of the Agricultural 
 Sciences. Titles included in this 
 collection are listed in the volumes 
 published by the Cornell University 
 Press in the series THE LITERATURE OF 
 THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, 1991-1995, 
 Wallace C. Olsen, series editor. 
 
g>tate College of Agriculture 
 
 at Cornell SHnibersfitp 
 
 aitljaca, iS. g. 
 
 ?Ci6rarj> 
 
SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS. 
 
M g 
 
 3 Publishea by g 
 
 I The Chemical Publishing Co. | 
 
 ]k Easton, Penna. g 
 
 g Publishers of Scientific Books " 
 
 g Engineering Chemistry Portland Cement 
 
 g Agricultural Chemistry Qualitative Analysis 
 
 In! jg 
 
 ij Household Chemistry Chemists' Pocket Manual ra 
 
 g Metallurgy, Etc. g 
 
 g| g 
 
Soil Fertility 
 
 and 
 
 Fertili 
 
 izers 
 
 By 
 
 JAMES EDWARD HALLIGAN 
 
 CHEMIST IN CHARGE, LOUISIANA STATE EXPERIMENT STATION 
 
 EASTON. PA. 
 
 THE CHEMICAL PUBLISHING CO. 
 
 1912 
 
 LONDON, ENGLAND: 
 
 WILLIAMS & NORGATE 
 
 14 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W. C 
 
Copyright, 1912, by JEdward Hart. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 This book has been written to be within reach of the student, 
 farmer, manufacturer and other persons interested in the sub- 
 ject of "FertiHzers." Technical terms have been omitted as 
 much as possible. 
 
 It has been the aim of the writer to bring this subject up to 
 date, not only from the manufacturers viewpoint but from the 
 actual field results as well. A full discussion of the data in the 
 tables has necessarily been avoided so as not to make the book 
 too voluminous. 
 
 Acknowledgments. 
 
 The writer is indebted to the German Kali Works, Nitrate of 
 Soda Propaganda, American Phosphate Mining Co., The Ameri- 
 can Fertilizer Magazine and The American Coal Product.s Co. 
 for illustrations. Credit is given in the text for illustrations 
 secured from other sources. 
 
 J. E. Halligan. 
 Baton Rouge, La. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I— Chemical Elements Needed by Plants 
 
 and the Composition of Plants 1-16 
 
 The Fifteen Elements. Distribution of the Elements. 
 Composition of the Air. How Plants Feed. The Food 
 of the Plant. Composition of Plants. Amounts of 
 Water Used by Plants. Water in Young and Mature 
 Plants. Dry Matter in Plants. Composition of the 
 Dry Matter in Plants. Distribution of the Mineral 
 Elements in Plants. Ash in Plants. Acids and Bases. 
 Salts. Variation of Ash. Mineral Elements in Vege- 
 table Substances. Distribution of Ash in Plants. Ash 
 of Young and Mature Plants. 
 
 CHAPTER II— The Fertility of the Soil 17-34 
 
 Composition of Soils. Factors Influencing Soil Fer- 
 tility. The Plant Food Supply. Plant Food Removed 
 by Some Crops. Plant Food not Available. The Es- 
 sential Elements. One Element Cannot Replace An- 
 other. Physical Condition of the Soil. Temperature. 
 Mechanical Composition. Mechanical Analyses of 
 Some Soils. Surface Area of Soil Grains. Relation of 
 Mechanical and Chemical Composition. Lumpy Soil. 
 Cracking of Soils. Puddling of Soils. Freezing and 
 Thawing. Plants are Benefited by Open Soils. Plants 
 Must Have Room. Plants Require Oxygen. Drainage. 
 Capillary Water. The Biological Condition of the Soil. 
 The Number of Bacteria in the Soil. Nitrification. 
 Denitrification. Organisms that Gather Nitrogen. 
 Inoculation of the Soil. 
 
 CHAPTER III— Maintaining Soil Fertility 35-51 
 
 Erosion and Ways to Check It. Loss of Fertility by 
 Drainage. Fallowing. Loss of Nitrogen by Con- 
 tinuous Cropping. Losses of Phosphoric Acid and 
 Potash. One Crop Farming. Diversification and Ro- 
 tation of Crops. Make Up of a Rotation. Reasons for 
 Rotating Crops. Rotation Keeps Down Weeds. Le- 
 gumes are Profitable. Rotation Helps to Distribute 
 F^arm Labor. Rotation Helps to Check or Eradicate 
 Insects and Plant Diseases. It Furnishes Feed for 
 LiveStcck. It Allows of a Regular Income. It Pre- 
 vents Losses of Fertility. It Utilizes Plant Food More 
 Evenly. It Saves Fertilizer Expenditure. It Regulates 
 
CONTENTS V 
 
 the Humus Supply. Crop Rotations. System of Farm- 
 ing. Loss of Fertility by Exclusive Grain Farming 
 and by Stock Farming. 
 
 CHAPTER IV— Farm Manures 52-74 
 
 Kinds of Manure. Conditions Affecting the Value of 
 Manure. The Age of the Animal. The Use of the 
 Animal. The Kind of Bedding and Amount Influences* 
 the Value of Manure. Straw. Leaves. Sawdust. Peat. 
 Absorptive Power of Bedding. Horse Manure. Cow 
 Manure. Hog Manure. Sheep Manure. Hen Manure. 
 Fowl Manure. Analyses of Farm Manures. How to 
 Calculate the Amount of Manure Produced. The Na- 
 ture and Amount of Feed Used Affects the Value of 
 Manure. Commercial Value of Manure. Lasting 
 Effect of Manure. Care, Preservaiion, and Use of 
 Manure. Waste of Manure. Leaching. Fermenta- 
 tions. Keep Manure Moist. Composition of Gases 
 Formed in Manure Heaps. Composting Manure. 
 Store Manure under Cover. Preservatives. Physical 
 Effects of Manure. It Produces a Better Moisture 
 Condition. Its Effect in Dry and Wet Seasons. It 
 Improves the Texture of the Soil. Its Prevents Me- 
 chanical Loss by Winds. It Benefits Grass Land. 
 Bacteriological Effects of Manure. Time to Apply. 
 Amount to Apply. How to Appl)'. 
 
 CHAPTER V— High Grade Nitrogenous Materials. . 75-103 
 Forms of Nitrogen. The Meaning of the Form of 
 Nitrogen. The Vegetable Substances. Cotton-Seed 
 Meal. Commercial Classification Cotton-Seed Meal. 
 Value of Cotton-Seed Meal. Linseed Meal. Castor 
 Pomace. Rape Meal. The Chief Animal Substances. 
 Dried Blood. Tankage. Grades of Tankage. Varia- 
 tion in Tankage. Azotin. Steamed Horn and Hoof 
 Meal. Dry Ground Fish. King Crab. Guano. Anal- 
 yses of Guanos. Ammonium Sulphate. The Old and 
 New Processes of Manufacture. Extent of Manufac- 
 ture. Composition and Availability. Nitrate of Soda. 
 Deposits and Shipments of Nitrate of Soda. Caliche. 
 Composition and Properties of Nitrate of Soda. Cal- 
 cium Nitrate. Process of Manufacture. Output and 
 Value. Calcium Cyanamid. Composition of. Proper- 
 ties of. Fertilizing Value of. Composition of High 
 Grade Nitrogenous Materials. 
 
VI CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER VI— Low Grade Nitrogenous Materials and 
 
 Functions of Nitrogen 104-1 22 
 
 Raw Leather Meal. Feather Waste. Hair and Fur 
 Waste. Mora Meal. Beet Refuse. Scutch. Horn and 
 Hoof Meal. Wool Waste, Shoddies, Etc. Dissolved 
 Wool, Shoddy, Etc. Garbage Tankage. Dried Peat. 
 Availability of Nitrogenous Materials. Vegetation Ex- 
 periments and Laboratory Experiments for Determining 
 Availability. Description of Some Low Grade Mate- 
 rials. Value of Low GradeMaterials. Use of Low Grade 
 Materials is Increasing. Nitrogenous Materials to U.se. 
 Statistics. Nitrogen Removed by Crops. Functions of 
 Nitrogen. Excessive Nitrogen Invites Diseases. 
 
 CHAPTER VII— Phosphates . . , 123-146 
 
 Bones. Raw Bone-Meal. Steamed Bone-Meal. Com- 
 position of Raw and Steamed Bones. Bone-Black. 
 Composition of Bone-Black. Bone-Ash. Composition 
 of Bone-Ash. Dry Ground Fish. Mineral Phosphates. 
 Production of. Exports. Western Deposits. Devel- 
 opment and Production. Available Phosphate De- 
 posits. Estimated Life of the United States Phosphate 
 Deposits. Foreign Deposits. Utilization of the Phos- 
 phates. South Carolina Pho.sphates. Florida Phos- 
 phates. Tennessee Phosphates. Canadian Apatite. 
 Rodunda Phosphates. Basic Slag. Comments on 
 Basic Slag. Phosphatic Guanos. Classification of 
 Phosphates. Form of Phosphates. Availability of 
 the Phosphates. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII— Superphosphates and Effect of 
 
 Phosphoric Acid 147-177 
 
 Manufacture of Super or Acid Phosphate. Phosphates 
 of Lime. Insoluble Phosphoric Acid. Soluble Phos- 
 phoric Acid. Reverted Phosphoric Acid. Basic Slag 
 Phosphate. Amounts of Acid to Dissolve Phosphates. 
 The Reversion of Phosphoric Acid. Value of Reverted 
 Phosphoric Acid. Difference Between Phosphate and 
 Superphosphate. Names Applied to Superphosphates. 
 Available Phosphoric Acid. The Diflference of the 
 Forms of Phosphoric Acid in Superphosphate. Some 
 People Favor Bone Superphosphates. Double Super- 
 phosphates. No Free Acid in Treated Phosphates. 
 The Color of an Acid Phosphate. Average Composi- 
 tion of Superphosphates and Double Superphosphates. 
 How to Make Superphosphate at Home. Amounts of 
 
CONTENTS Vll 
 
 Phosphates Used for Manufacturing Fertilizers. Phos- 
 phoric Acid Removed by Crops. Amount of Phos- 
 phoric Acid in Soils. Fixation of Phosphoric Acid. 
 Absorption of Phosphoric Acid. Functions of Phos- 
 phoric Acid. Effect of Phosphoric Acid on Wheat. 
 Crop Returns from Phosphatic FertiHzers. Rhode Is- 
 land Field Experiments with Nine Different Phos- 
 phates on Limed and Unlimed Plots. Comments and 
 Summary on These Experiments. 
 
 CHAPTER IX— Potash Fertilizers 178-206 
 
 Potash Salts (Stassfurt). History of. Discovery of. 
 Kinds of. Kainit. Sylvinit. Muriate of Potash. 
 Sulphate of Potash. Double Sulphate of Potash and 
 Magnesia. Potash Manure Salts. Potassium. Magne- 
 sium Carbonate. Composition of Stassfurt Potash 
 Salts. Production of Crude and Manufactured Salts. 
 Importations of. Consumption of. Potash from Or- 
 ganic Sources. Wood Ashes. Analyses of Leached 
 and Unleached Wood Ashes. Wood Ashes from 
 Different Woods. Value of Wood Ashes. Tobacco 
 Stems and Stalks. Cotton-Seed Hull Ashes. Carbon- 
 ate of Potash. Beet Molasses. Wine Residues. Sta- 
 tistics of Potash Fertilizer. Materials Used in Com- 
 mercial Fertilizers. Amount of Potash Removed by 
 Crops. Amount in Soils. Forms of Potash. Crop 
 Producing Value of Potash Salts. Comparative Values 
 of Sulphate of Potash and Muriate of Potash. Fixation 
 of Potash. Functions of Potash. Potash Favors Car- 
 bohydrate Formation. It Benefits Legumes. It Favors 
 Seed Formation. It Effects the Leaves and Maturity. 
 It Neutralizes Plant Acids. It Checks Insect Pests and 
 Plant Diseases. 
 
 CHAPTER X— Miscellaneous Fertilizer Materials... 207-227 
 Compost. Seaweed. Seaweed Ash. Marl. Peat and 
 Muck. House Plant Fertilizers. Pulverized Manures. 
 Fresh Fish Scrap. Lobster Shells. Mussels. Shrimp 
 Waste. King Crab. Sewage. Sewage Sludge. Coal Ashes. 
 Lime Kiln Ashes. Tan Bark Ashes. Rice Hull Ashes. 
 Corn Cob Ashes. Leather Scrap Ashes. Brick Kiln 
 Ashes. Ivory Dust. Spent Hops. Soot. Street 
 Sweepings. Potassium Nitrate. Ammonium Nitrate. 
 Silicate of Potash. Vegetation Experiments with 
 Silicate of Potash. Production of Feldspathic Rock. 
 Iron Sulphate. Common Salt. Powder Waste. Sul- 
 
VUl CONTENTS 
 
 phates of Magnesia and Soda. Effect of Alkaline Salts 
 on Wheat. Carbonate of Magnesia. Ammoniiini 
 Chloride. Manganese Salts. 
 
 CHAPTER XI — Lime, Gypsum and Green Manures. 228-249 
 Lime. Forms of. Sources of Carbonate of Lime. 
 Analyses of Lime, Limestone, and Slaked Lime. 
 When Soils Need Lime. How to Find out when Soils 
 are Acid. How to Apply Lime. The Form to Use. 
 Experiments with Slaked Lime and Limestone. 
 Amount of Lime to Apply. Amount Removed by Crops. 
 Amount of Lime in Soils. Mechanical Action of Lime. 
 Lime Renders Plant Food Available. It Decreases the 
 Action of Some Fungus Diseases. Rhode Island Ex- 
 periments With Lime. Acidity of Upland Soils. Effect 
 of Lime on the Growth of Plants. Effect of Lime in 
 Conjunction with Nitrate of Soda and Sulphate of Am- 
 monia. Gas Lime. Gypsum. Green Manures. Class- 
 es of. Fertility Restored by Some Plants. Fixation of 
 Nitrogen by Alfalfa. The Best Time to Plow Under a 
 Green Manure. The Time to Grow a Green Manure. 
 Deep Rooted Plants Valuable. 
 
 CHAPTER XII— Commercial Fertilizers 250-274 
 
 Statistics. Consumption of Fertilizers by States. Cau- 
 ses of the Large Consumption of Fertilizers. Fertilizer 
 Materials Used by Manufactures. Approximate Output 
 of Fertilizer Factories. Basis of Purchase. Unit and 
 Ton Basis. Fertilizer Laws. Comparison of Require- 
 mentsof. Model Fertilizer Law. Comments on. Ten- 
 tative Definitions of Fertilizers and of Misbranding and 
 Adulteration. The Meaning and the Interpretation of 
 the Guarantee. Conversion Factors. Raw Materials 
 Sometime Sold on Purity. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII— Valuation of Fertilizers 275-291 
 
 Interpretation of Chemical Analyses. Agricultural 
 Values. Commercial Values. Trade Values. How 
 to Calculate Commercial Values. Comments Re- 
 garding Valuations. Valuations Show Cost of Plant 
 Food. Objections to Valuations. Some Favor Valua- 
 tions. Valuations in Other States. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV— High, Medium and Low Grade 
 
 Fertilizers 292-307 
 
 Fillers. How to Avoid Paying Freight on. Cheap 
 Fertilizers Often Demanded. Cost of Different Grades 
 of Fertilizers. From the Standpoint of Cost. From 
 
CONTENTS IX 
 
 the Standpoint of Value. Cost of Placing a Dollar's 
 Worth of Plant Food in the Farmers Hands. As 
 Between Manufacturers. Comparisons of Grades of 
 Fertilizers. No Fertilizer Contains loo per cent, of 
 Plant Food. Complete Analysis of a Commercial 
 Fertilizer and of an Acid Phosphate. 
 
 CHAPTER XV— Home Mixtures 308-325 
 
 Definitions. Manufacturers' Claims against Home 
 Mixing. Reasons Why Farmers should Mix Fertilizers 
 at Home. Plant Food Bought for $30 in Fertilizers. 
 Selling Prices and Valuations of Factory Mixed 
 Fertilizers. Home Mixing Acquaints the Farmer with 
 Materials Used. Analyses and Valuations of Home 
 Mixtures. Home Mixing Does Away with the Purchase 
 of Unnecessary Constituents. How to Mix Fertilizers 
 at Home. Rebates. How to Calculate Percentages 
 from Known Amounts. How to Calculate Amounts 
 from Known Percentages. Some Home Mixtures. 
 How to Determine the Requirements of the Soil. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI— A Few Remarks about Fertilizers. . 326-339 
 Brand and Trade Names. How to Purchase a Fer- 
 tilizer. Study the Guarantee. Fertilizers Should 
 Reach Their Guarantees. Fertilizer Recipes or Patent 
 Formulas. Fertilizers do not Deteriorate Much on 
 Standing. Incompatibles in Fertilizer Mixtures. How 
 Fertilizers are Applied. Is it Profitable to Use Fer- 
 tilizers ? Amount of Fertilizer to Use. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII— Fertilizer Formulas for Crops 340-378 
 
 Staple and Special Crops. Small Grains. Corn. Cot- 
 ton. Tobacco. Sugar-Cane. Irish Potatoes. Sweet 
 Potatoes. Sugar-Beet. Sorghum. Peanuts. Flax. 
 Hops. Lawns. Forage Crops. Soiling Crops. 
 Scheme of. Ensilage. Pasturage. Hay and Grass 
 Crops. Roots. Market Garden and Truck Crops. 
 Requirements of. Formulas for. Fruits. Require- 
 ments of. Pomaceous Fruits. Stone Fruits. Citrous 
 Fruits. Bush Fruits. Miscellaneous Fruits. Nuts. 
 
 Appendix. 
 
 The Agricultural Experiment Stations 379 
 
 How to Collect an Exhibit of Fertilizer Materials 380-381 
 
 Fertilizer Constituents in Feed Stuffs 382-385 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 CHEMICAL ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS AND THE COMPO- 
 SITION OF PLANTS. 
 
 In order to thoroughly understand the subject "fertilizers," 
 we must become familiar with the chemical elements needed by 
 plants. 
 
 There are about 8i chemical elements known to us, but only 
 15 of these are required for plant life so far as we know. 
 
 The Fifteen Elements. — Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium, 
 phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, silicon, iron, chlorine, magnesium, 
 sodium, aluminum and manganese are the elements used by 
 plants. Hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and chlorine, in the pure 
 state, generally occur as gases, while the other elements are 
 solids. 
 
 The Symbols. — The chemist uses the following symbols for these 
 elements. 
 
 Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) 
 
 Carbon (C) Potassium (K) Phosphorus (P) 
 
 Calcium (Ca) Sulphur (S) Silicon (Si) 
 
 Iron (Fe) Chlorine (CI) Magnesium (Mg) 
 
 Sodium (Na) Aluminum (Al) Manganese (Mn) 
 
 Small amounts of oxygen are sometimes used by plants in the 
 elementary state. Certain plants also use nitrogen in the free 
 state. All other elements, and generally oxygen and nitrogen 
 must be combined with other of these elements to be favorable 
 for the support of plant life. 
 
 Hydrogen. — This is a colorless invisible gas, having no smell 
 or taste. It is generally found in combination with other ele- 
 ments as water, hydrochloric acid, marsh gas, sulphuretted 
 hydrogen, all acids and most organic (animal and vegetable) 
 compounds. It is most commonly found as water (HjO), which 
 is the most necessary food of the plant. In the free state hydro- 
 gen occurs only in small quantities upon the earth in the gases 
 of petroleum wells, around volcanic eruptions, and it is evolved 
 by the fermentation and decomposition of some organic sub- 
 stances. 
 
2 SOIL KEUTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Oxygen. — In the free gaseous state, about one-fifth, by bulk, 
 of the atmosphere is made up of this element, mechanically 
 mixed with nitrogen. It is found in enormous quantities in 
 combination with other elements. It constitutes about eight- 
 ninths by weight of water and nearly one-half of the earth's 
 crust. All combustion and decay require oxygen. The plant 
 stores up oxygen in combination with other elements and with- 
 out oxygen plants would die. The plant takes in oxygen, from 
 the atmosphere, in combination with carbon, as carbonic acid 
 gas, through the openings on the under sides of the leaves; the 
 carbon is absorbed and the excess of oxygen given off. Oxygen 
 combines with most other elements forming oxides. It often 
 combines with other elements in varied amounts forming oxides 
 of diflferent composition which are generally quite stable. The 
 color of soils is often determined by oxides such as iron oxides. 
 The iron oxides influence the moisture condition of soils be- 
 cause of their absorptive qualities and help to oxidize organic 
 substances in the soil. The roots of plants when deprived of air 
 in the soil are able to draw upon iron oxides for oxygen. 
 
 Nitrogen. — About four-fifths of the atmosphere, or about 
 35,000 tons over every acre of land, is made up of nitrogen in 
 the free gaseous state. In combination this element is found in 
 many substances such as ammonia, sodium nitrate (Chile salt- 
 peter), potassium nitrate and many organic compounds. Cer- 
 tain plants, namely the legumes, of which the pea, bean, alfalfa, 
 clovers, cowpea, soy bean, etc. are members, have the power of 
 gathering nitrogen from the air, by means of certain growths 
 (tubercles) on their roots. Stone^ of the Massachusetts Agri- 
 cultural College says in part: "There is evidence to show that 
 a large number of organisms have the power of fixing nitrogen 
 in the soil, for example, besides the species of clover bacteria, 
 there is evidence to show that many of the algae which live in 
 the soil and certain molds will do the same thing. In our work 
 here, we find the largest percentage of nitrogen in those .-,olu- 
 tions which are contaminated with the blue bread mold (Pen- 
 cillium) showing that it is a nitrogen fixer. I think it will be 
 
CHEMICAI, ELEMKNTS NEEDED BY PLANTS 3 
 
 shown later on that quite a little nitrogen is fixed in the soil by 
 this type of organism, exclusive of those on the nodules of the 
 legumes." As far as we know our other plants are not capable 
 of obtaining nitrogen in the free state. Although nitrogen is 
 abundant in the free state it cannot be used as such by most 
 plants and it must be combined with other elements to be avail- 
 able as plant food. Nitrogen as sold in fertilizers is in com- 
 bination with other elements, and is the most fugitive and ex- 
 pensive of the essential elements. This will be described more 
 fully later on. 
 
 Carbon. — This element is found in the free state in charcoal, 
 graphite and diamonds. In coal it is also present in an impure 
 state. Muck and peat contain considerable carbon. Humus 
 (the decayed organic matter in soils) is made up partly of car- 
 bon. In combination with oxygen we find carbon as carbon 
 dioxide (carbonic acid gas) in the air. It is present in greater 
 quantities in plant life than any other element. Henry^ says : 
 ■'10,000 volumes of air contain about 3 volumes of carbonic 
 acid gas; 32 cubic yards of air hold one pound of this gas. An 
 acre of growing wheat will gather during four months, 2,000 
 pounds of carbonic acid gas, or an amount equal to all the air 
 contains over the same area of land to a height of three miles." 
 All of our farm crops use a great amount of carbon in the form 
 of carbonic acid gas. All carbonates (limestone, chalk, marble, 
 shells, etc.) and all organic substances contain carbon. The 
 carbonates of lime found in the soil exert a great influence upon 
 the conversion of some forms of nitrogen into available plant 
 food and in the general physical condition of the soil. 
 
 Potassium in combination is very common. It is mined in large 
 quantities as potassium salts in the Stassfurt mines of Germany. 
 The presence of this element in wood ashes, as potassium car- 
 bonate, makes this substance a valuable fertilizer. Potassium 
 is found in most rocks and soils. In plants it is associated with 
 organic acids. It is found in sea-water and saltpeter. This 
 element is essential to plant growth and is found in the stems, 
 leaves and fruits of plants. 
 
4 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Fhosphoms is found in combination with oxygen and metals, as 
 phosphates. Vast deposits of phosphates are found in Ten- 
 nessee, South CaroHna, Florida and some of the western states. 
 It is present in many rocks and most soils and is an important 
 element for plant food. It exists in combination with organic 
 substances in plants and constitutes an important part of the 
 ash of plants. Bones, which contain about 60-65 P^r cent, of 
 calcium phosphate, are an important source of phosphorus for 
 plant food. 
 
 Calcium is an element which occurs in combination in many 
 substances as lime, marble, shells, coral and gypsum. It makes 
 up about one-sixteenth part of the earth's crust. Plants and 
 animals require this element, sometimes in larger amounts than 
 one would imagine. The bones of animals are made up largely 
 of this element in combination as lime. Lime is a great factor 
 in regulating the physical condition of soils. 
 
 Sulphnr. — This is a yellow substance which is found in the free 
 state in large deposits in Louisiana, western United States, and 
 Sicily. It is found in combination in gypsum (an important in- 
 direct fertilizer), pyrites (a source of sulphuric acid), galena, 
 etc. It is also found in many natural waters. In plants it 
 occupies an important place, occurring in organic compounds as 
 protein, or nitrogenous portions, and also as sulphuric acid. 
 Most of our soils are sufficiently supplied with this element for 
 the nourishment of plants. 
 
 Silicon occurs in combination as sand, flint, quartz, etc., and 
 constitutes about one-half the earth's crust. It is present in 
 most rocks and soils and plays an important part in the physical 
 make up of the soil. Plants require this element to support 
 certain parts of their structure. The hulls and straws of plant 
 substances are often comparatively rich in this element. 
 
 Iron is a very common element and in combination it is widely 
 distributed. Although used in small amounts by plants it is 
 nevertheless very important, as it is necessary for the produc- 
 tion and activity of chlorophyll (the green coloring matter of 
 
CHEMICAL EI<EMENTS NEEDED BY PI<ANTS 5 
 
 plants). The color of soils (red and yellow) are chiefly due to 
 the presence of iron compounds. 
 
 Chlorine is most commonly found as chloride (common salt). 
 It also occurs in combination with hydrogen, as hydrochloric 
 acid. 
 
 Magnesium. — This element is found in most rocks and soils 
 in sufficient amounts for the needs of the plant. It is used in 
 different parts of the plant but mainly in the formation of seeds. 
 
 Sodium. — Chloride is the commonest compound of this element 
 and is present in common salt, sea-water, salt lakes, and in 
 many springs and waters. It occurs in sodium carbonate and 
 sodium nitrate; the latter compound is a valuable fertilizer be- 
 cause of its nitrogen content. Sodium is believed to be helpful 
 in plant growth. 
 
 Aluminum. — This element is the most widely distributed next 
 to oxygen and silicon of the earth's crust. About one-twelfth 
 of the earth's crust is aluminum. In combination it is found 
 in clay, slate, kaolin, etc. Although it is very abundant it is 
 not used much by plants. 
 
 Manganese occurs in combination as manganese blend, man- 
 ganese spar, manganite, etc. Plants use this element in small 
 amounts although it is not believed to be necessary for plant 
 growth. 
 
 Distribution of the Elements. — Clarke^ of the United States 
 Geological survey has estimated the relative proportions of the 
 common elements making up the earth's crust to a depth of ten 
 miles from the surface. He estimates that: 
 
 93 per cent, is composed of solid rock, etc. 
 7 per cent, is composed of water and air. 
 The air amounts to about 0.03 per cent. 
 
 The following give the distribution by weight of the elements 
 mentioned. 
 
SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Element 
 
 Solid crust 
 93 per cent. 
 
 Ocean 
 7 per cent. 
 
 Mean 
 including air 
 
 1. Oxygen . . . 
 
 2. Silicon .... 
 
 3. Aluminum 
 
 4. Iron 
 
 5. Calcium... 
 
 6. Magnesium 
 
 7. Sodium . . . 
 
 8. Potassium • 
 
 9. Hydrogen . 
 
 10. Titanium . . 
 
 1 1 . Carbon .... 
 
 12. Chlorine .. 
 
 13. Phosphorus 
 
 14. Manganese 
 
 15. Sulphur 
 
 16. Barium 
 
 17. Nitrogen . . 
 
 18. Fluorine . . 
 
 19. Chromium 
 
 47.29 
 27.21 
 7.81 
 546 
 3-77 
 2.68 
 2.36 
 2.40 
 0.21 
 
 0.33 
 0.22 
 o.oi 
 o.io 
 0.08 
 0.03 
 0.03 
 
 0.02 
 
 O.OI 
 
 85-79 
 
 0.05 
 0.14 
 1. 14 
 0.04 
 10.67 
 
 0.002 
 2.07 
 
 0.09 
 
 49.98 
 
 25.30 
 7.26 
 5.08 
 
 3-51 
 2.50 
 2.28 
 2 23 
 0.94 
 0.30 
 0.21 
 0.15 
 0.09 
 0.07 
 0.04 
 0.03 
 0.02 
 0.02 
 0.01 
 
 The above figures are not claimed to be absolutely correct but 
 have been estimated from analyses of rocks and serve to give 
 us an approximate idea of the distribution of the above named 
 elements. 
 
 Composition of Air. — The composition of air* at different 
 heights, if each element was separate from the others would be: 
 
 Altitude in kilometers 
 
 Carbon 
 dioxide 
 
 Oxygen 
 
 Argon 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Hydrogen 
 
 o 
 
 10 (= 6.214 miles) 
 20 
 
 30 
 
 40 
 
 50 
 
 60 
 
 70 
 
 80 
 
 90 
 
 100 (= 62.14 miles) 
 
 0.03 
 0.02 
 0.01 
 0.00 
 
 21.CO 
 
 18.43 
 
 16.07 
 
 13.90 
 
 11.86 
 
 9-83 
 
 7-52 
 
 4.70 
 
 2.20 
 
 0.70 
 
 0.30 
 
 1.20 
 
 0-75 
 0.46 
 0.28 
 0.16 
 0.12 
 0.00 
 
 77-75 
 80.74 
 83.26 
 85.18 
 85-94 
 83-94 
 75-54 
 56-20 
 31.00 
 12.90 
 4.60 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.20 
 
 0.64 
 
 2.04 
 
 6.11 
 
 16.94 
 
 39.10 
 
 66.80 
 
 86.40 
 
 95-10 
 
 The carbon dioxide and oxygen decrease in amounts as the 
 height increases. The carbon dioxide is not found at the height 
 
CHEMICAI, ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS 7 
 
 of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). Nitrogen is greatest at 25 miles 
 and diminishes as the height increases from that point. Hydro- 
 gen increases with the height. 
 
 Much of the remaining portion of this chapter has been 
 adapted from Halligan's "Elementary Treatise on Stock Feeds 
 and Feeding."' 
 
 How Plants Feed. — Every seed is made up of a germ (embryo 
 plant) surrounded by stored up food. When a seed is dropped 
 into the warm soil it germinates and feeds on this stored up 
 food material until it has put forth a root, stem and leaves. It 
 is now able to gather its food from the air, water and soil. On 
 the roots of plants are minute root hairs, composed of single 
 cells, which absorb food materials from the soil water, by means 
 of osmosis or diffusion. The leaves, on the under sides, have 
 minute openings which permit the breathing of air which con- 
 tains carbonic acid gas. The carbon is used in building up the 
 plant and the excess of oxygen is given back to the atmosphere. 
 This process requires the presence of light as does chlorophyll 
 (green coloring matter of plants). Plants will grow without 
 light as long as the food supply in the seed lasts, but they will 
 be white and will not produce seed. By the aid of sunlight the 
 materials gathered by the root hairs and leaves are manufac- 
 tured into compounds and retained by the plants. 
 
 The Food of the Plant. — The plant keeps growing until it pro- 
 duces seed. It may continue its growth for years as is the 
 case with trees. In this continual growing process we cannot 
 see the plant feeding but we know its nourishment is obtained 
 from the soil, water and air. The food of the plant, then, con- 
 sists of the mineral substances, water and gases taken from the 
 soil and air. 
 
 Composition of Plants. — All plants are made up of water and 
 dry matter. The water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen 
 while the dry matter contains many elements and combinations 
 of elements. 
 
 Water. — All plants and parts of plants contain water. The 
 
8 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 water is present in two forms, namely, physiological and hygro- 
 scopic. 
 
 1. Physiological water is that which is contained in the plant 
 structure. It is obtained from the soil. It is used to keep the 
 leaf tissues and their cell walls moist so that carbonic acid gas 
 may be absorbed, to transfer food materials, and to regulate the 
 temperature of the plant by means of evaporation of water, 
 just as the temperature of the animal body is regulated by the 
 evaporation of perspiration. When green grass is dried in the 
 sun the loss in weight is mostly due to evaporation of physio- 
 logical water. 
 
 2. Hygroscopic water is that which is taken up from the air 
 and may vary from day to day according to the humidity of 
 the surrounding air. On rainy days more water would be 
 taken up than on dry days. The writer has often determined 
 the water content of the same samples of corn-meal, wheat bran, 
 cotton-seed meal, hays, etc., on different days and found varia- 
 tions often of two per cent. Sometimes there is an increase and 
 at other times a decrease of hygroscopic water, depending upon 
 the humidity of the surrounding air. The hygroscopic mois- 
 ture also varies with different plant materials. 
 
 Amounts of Water Used by Plants. — According to Whitson: 
 "The amount of water used by plants varies greatly with the kind 
 of plant and with climatic conditions, but is always large. For 
 instance, in the growth of one pound of dry matter of corn 
 about 250 to 300 pounds of water are used; for potatoes, 350 
 to 400 pounds : for clover, 500 to 600 pounds." 
 
 Amounts of Water Exhaled by Plants." — 
 
 Founds of water 
 
 One acre of wheat exhales 409,832 
 
 One acre of clover exhales i ,096, 234 
 
 One acre of sunflowers exhales 12,585,994 
 
 One acre of cabbage exhales 5,049,194 
 
 One acre of grape vines exhales 730i733 
 
 One acre of hops exhales 4,445,02 1 
 
 Variation of Water in Plants. — Some species of plants contain 
 much more water than others and the different parts of the same 
 plant show a great variation in water content. We have all no 
 
CHEMICAL ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS 
 
 doubt noticed that certain fruits like the apple, pear, lemon, 
 plum, peach, strawberry, etc. and roots and tubers as the turnip, 
 beet, radish, carrot, Irish potato, etc., contain a great deal of 
 water. Perhaps some have not heretofore thought that sub- 
 stances like corn grain, wheat kernel, rice kernel, the several 
 grain straws, etc., have water present. The following table 
 gives us the percentage of water in some familiar plants and 
 parts of plants. 
 
 Forage plants (green ) 
 
 Apple 
 
 Grape 
 
 Peach 
 
 Pear 
 
 Strawberry . 
 
 Roots and tubers 
 
 Beet (mangel). 
 
 Carrot 
 
 Irish potato ■ ■ 
 Sweet potato . . 
 Turnip 
 
 80.0 
 83.0 
 88.4 
 
 83-1 
 90.2 
 
 90.9 
 88.6 
 78.9 
 71. 1 
 905 
 
 Alfalfa .. 
 
 Corn 
 
 Cowpea.. 
 Sorghum 
 Timothy . 
 
 Cereals and straws 
 
 Corn (grain) 
 Oats (grain) - 
 Rice (rough) 
 Rye straw . . . 
 Wheat straw • 
 
 71.8 
 79-3 
 83.6 
 79-4 
 61.6 
 
 10.6 
 
 II. o 
 
 10 9 
 
 7-1 
 9.6 
 
 Water in Young and Mature Plants. — The percentage of water 
 in young plants is greater than in mature plants. This is easily 
 accounted for because the young plant uses a great deal of 
 water in transferring food materials required for its growth. 
 The Alaine State College conducted an investigation on tim- 
 othv with the following results :' 
 
 Water 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nearly headed out 78.7 Out of blossom 65.2 
 
 In full blossom 71.9 Nearly ripe 63.3 
 
 The results on timothy are similar to what would be found 
 with other plants. It follows that the more mature a plant is, 
 the easier it is to field cure. 
 
 Active cells in plants contain more water than do the older 
 or less active cells and this may account for the larger percent- 
 age of water found in young plants. 
 
 Dry Matter of Plants. — As previously stated, the plant is made 
 up of water and dry matter. When water is driven off from 
 
lO 
 
 SOIIv FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 plants the dry matter is what remains. Now if we burn this 
 dry matter a large proportion of it passes off in the form of in- 
 visible gases. This material which so disappears, in burning, is 
 known as organic matter, that which is left is the ash or mineral 
 matter or inorganic matter. The organic matter is composed 
 of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. The ash is made 
 up of soda, phosphorus, sulphur, iron, potassium, calcium, 
 silicon, etc. 
 
 The following table shows the elements that make up plants.' 
 
 f 
 
 Inorganic matter ■^ 
 
 Plants < 
 
 Water { 0^^f-,„ 
 
 • Oxygen 
 Sulphur 
 Chlorine 
 Phosphorus 
 Silicon 
 Fluorine 
 Ash <( Potassium 
 Sodium 
 Calcium 
 Magnesium 
 Iron 
 
 Manganese 
 Aluminum 
 
 Organic matter 
 
 Plants 
 
 ' Carbon 
 Oxygen 
 Hydrogen 
 
 ■{ Nitrogen 
 L I Sulphur (generally) 
 
 I Phosphorus (sometimes) 
 
 [ Iron (in a few cases) 
 
 We may express the composition of plants as : 
 / Water ( , 
 
 1 Dry matter S^,^^„i^ „,^tter 
 
 Composition of the Dry Matter of Plants. — A German scientist. 
 Knop, estimated ; according to Jordan :' "That if all the species 
 of the vegetable kingdom, exclusive of the fungi, were fused 
 into one mass, the ultimate composition of the dry matter of 
 this mixture would be the following:" 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Carbon 45.0 
 
 Oxygen 42.0 
 
 Hydrogen 6.5 
 
 Nitrogen 1.5 
 
 Mineral compounds ( ash ) 5.0 
 
CHEMICAt ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS 
 
 II 
 
 From the above analysis it is readily seen that cai'bon and 
 oxygen make up the largest proportion of plants. Let us ex- 
 amine the composition of some farm products that are familiar 
 to us, and find out if this same predominance of carbon and 
 oxygen exists.' 
 
 Carbon 
 Per cent. 
 
 Oxy(?en 
 Per cent. 
 
 Hydrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Clover hay 47.4 
 
 Wheat kernel 46. i 
 
 Fodder beets I 42.8 
 
 Fodder beet leaves | 38. i 
 
 Wheat straw 48.4 
 
 37-8 
 43-4 
 43-4 
 30.8 
 389 
 
 5.0 
 5-8 
 5.8 
 5-1 
 5-3 
 
 2.1 
 2.3 
 1-7 
 4-5 
 0.4 
 
 7-7 
 2.4 
 6-3 
 
 21-5 
 
 7-0 
 
 There is some variation in the composition of these farm 
 products but the carbon and oxygen constitute the largest 
 amounts of the elements present. 
 
 This predominance of carbon and oxygen is due to the fact 
 that about nineteen-twentieths of the plants' food is obtained 
 from air and water, and the remaining one-twentieth is derived 
 from mineral compounds of the soil and soil water. In other 
 words the farmer only has to supply a small proportion of the 
 elements necessary for producing good crops. 
 
 Distribution of the Mineral Elements in Plants. — Let us see the 
 proportions of mineral elements that the plant stores up in its 
 period of growth. This table is figured on dry matter.' 
 
 Potas- 
 sium 
 
 Sodium 
 
 Calcium 
 
 Magne- 
 sium 
 
 Phospho- 
 rus 
 
 Sul- 
 phur 
 
 Apple 
 
 Gooseberry 
 
 Strawberry 
 
 Orange 
 
 Sugar-beet 
 
 Sugar-beet leaves. . 
 
 Turnip 
 
 Turnip leaves 
 
 Cabbage 
 
 Cauliflower 
 
 Onion 
 
 0-43 
 1.09 
 
 0-59 
 0-93 
 1.69 
 
 324 
 3.02 
 2.26 
 3-57 
 307 
 1.49 
 
 0.28 
 0.25 
 0.72 
 0.31 
 0.25 
 1-52 
 0-59 
 0.82 
 0.58 
 0-37 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.04 
 0.30 
 
 0-35 
 0.54 
 0.17 
 
 2.15 
 0.61 
 
 2.74 
 0.84 
 
 0-33 
 0.86 
 
 0.08 
 0.12 
 
 0.15 
 0.18 
 I 02 
 0.18 
 0.28 
 0.21 
 0.19 
 0-15 
 
 0.01 
 o.ii 
 0.14 
 0.03 
 0.03 
 0.06 
 0.05 
 0.13 
 0.03 
 0.06 
 0.08 
 
 0.09 
 0.29 
 0.21 
 0.15 
 0.20 
 0.31 
 0.44 
 
 0.37 
 0.50 
 0.74 
 0.40 
 
 0.04 
 0.08 
 0.04 
 0.05 
 0.06 
 0.32 
 0.36 
 0.44 
 
 0-53 
 0.44 
 0.12 
 
12 SOIL FERTilJTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Ash in Plants. — Although carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen make 
 up most of the dry matter of plants the other elements are 
 nevertheless absolutely necessary for the growth of the plant. 
 Hall" illustrates the importance of these other elements by water 
 cultures. The roots of young plants were dipped in a large jar 
 of water in which salts of the elements found in the plant were 
 dissolved. The following were the kinds and amounts of salts 
 used : 
 
 Grams 
 per liter 
 
 Calcium nitrate o. 7 
 
 Potassium phosphate 0.6 
 
 Potassium chloride 0.8 
 
 Magnesium sulphate 0.3 
 
 Ferric chloride trace 
 
 Hall says: "This will contain all the elements, except silicon, 
 normally found in plant ashes, and under such conditions the 
 plant will grow and go through its whole cycle of life, assimilat- 
 ing freely, producing large quantities of dry matter, setting 
 flowers, and ripening healthy seed. Certain precautions have to 
 be taken, but if the right conditions are assured, the growth of 
 a plant in a water culture is perfectly normal, and may be taken, 
 as far as the plant is concerned, as representing the course of 
 its nutrition in the field. The advantage of the method lies in 
 the fact that it is possible to vary the composition of the nutrient 
 solution by omitting in turn from successive jars each of the 
 salts used in making up the complete solution, thus obtaining 
 media for the plant containing no nitrogen, no phosphorus, no 
 potassium, etc., the other constituents found in the plant being 
 present in each case." The results of such an experiment have 
 shown that where no nitrogen was supplied, the plant was un- 
 able to grow after it had used up its stored up material in the 
 seed, no matter how much of the other elements were supplied. 
 
 "The net result of such experiments, is that a plant must ob- 
 tain by means of its root, nitrogen in combination, phosphorus, 
 sulphur, potassium, magnesium, calcium and a little iron — all 
 of which constituents are indispensable to the growth of the 
 plant and cannot be omitted from the culture solutions. Sodium, 
 
CHEMICAI, ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS I3 
 
 silicon and probably chlorine, though invariable constituents of 
 the ash are not necessary and can be dispensed with. From 
 these water culture experiments we arrive, then, at the conclu- 
 sion that the plant must draw certain elements, in quantities 
 which are small compared with the weight of the crop but are 
 nevertheless indispensable, out of the soil by means of its roots, 
 the rest of the plant being built up from air and water." 
 
 Acids and Bases. = — The mineral elements that make up the ash 
 of plants are not present in the free state but in various com- 
 binations, as acids and bases. The acids and bases of the min- 
 eral elements of ash are: 
 
 Acids 
 Sulphuric (hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen) H^SO^ 
 Hydrochloric (hydrogen and chlorine) HCl 
 Phosphoric (hydrogen, phosphorus and oxygen) HsP-^Og 
 Carbonic (carbon and oxygen) CO^ 
 Silicic (silicon and oxygen) SiOj 
 
 Bases 
 Lime (calcium and oxygen) CaO 
 Soda (sodium and oxygen) Na^O 
 Potash (potassium and oxygen )K20 
 Magnesia (magnesium and oxygen) MgO 
 Iron oxide (iron and oxygen) FejOj. 
 
 The mineral elements do not exist as acids and bases in the 
 ash because in the burning of plant substances there is a re- 
 arrangement of the mineral elements and salts are formed. 
 
 Salts. — The elements exist in the ash of plants as salts. That 
 is the acids and bases are united and form : 
 
 Phosphates ) ( Calcium 
 
 Sulphates I Magnesium 
 
 Chlorides and ] ' Sodium 
 
 Carbonates j Potassium 
 
 We are all familiar with some of these salts. A few of the 
 combinations are: 
 
 Chloride of sodium (common salt) Sulphate of soda (Glauber's salts) 
 
 Carbonate of lime (limestone) Sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts) 
 
 Chlorideof potash (muriate of potash) Sulphate of calcium (gypsum) 
 Carbonate of soda (baking powder) Sulphate of potash (common sul- 
 phate of potash of commerce). 
 
 Variation of Ash. — The content of ash in diflferent plants and 
 parts of plants varies a great deal as the following table shows: 
 
14 
 
 SOIL FEKTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Corn . . . 
 Oats . . . 
 Rice . . . 
 Wheat . 
 
 Roots and tubers (fresh) 
 
 Beet (mangel) ■ 
 
 Carrot 
 
 Irish potato . . . 
 Sweet polato . - 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 1-5 
 
 5-5 
 l.S 
 
 I.I 
 i.o 
 i.o 
 I.o 
 
 straw 
 
 Oat . . . 
 Rice . . 
 Rye . . . 
 Wheat 
 
 Forage plants (hay) 
 
 .A.lfalfa 
 
 Crimson clover 
 Orchard grass • ■ 
 Timothy 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 5-1 
 7.8 
 3-2 
 
 4.2 
 
 7-4 
 8.6 
 6.0 
 
 4-4 
 
 Different parts of the same plant vary in ash content. 
 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 1.5 
 9-7 
 
 4-3 
 4-1 
 
 Corn stover (whole plant ex- 
 
 4-9 
 3-4 
 1.4 
 1-3 
 
 
 
 Corti (whole plant) 
 
 Corn germ _■ 
 
 
 
 
 There is also a variation in the amounts of compounds in the ash 
 of different parts of the same plant. The percentages of the com- 
 pounds in this table are figured on lOO per cent, ash of sugar-cane.'" 
 
 Ash of 
 
 leaves 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ash of 
 
 stalk 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ash of 
 
 roots 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 
 Soda 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Iron oxide 
 
 Alumina 
 
 Silica 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Sulphuric acid . 
 Carbonic acid ■ - 
 
 Chlorine 
 
 Carbon 
 
 Ash 
 
 31-25 
 1. 17 
 
 5-90 
 5-II 
 1-45 
 1.03 
 
 30-32 
 7-25 
 
 11.29 
 1. 10 
 3-08 
 0.16 
 2.23 
 
 38.23 
 1-30 
 5-19 
 5-76 
 
 I-13 
 0.25 
 
 15-70 
 5-27 
 
 18.47 
 2.70 
 4-52 
 0-54 
 0.64 
 
 17-39 
 0.85 
 
 3-45 
 2.61 
 3.60 
 4-70 
 49-52 
 3-99 
 9- '5 
 0-45 
 0.98 
 2.30 
 1.87 
 
 From the figures given in the foregoing tables we find that 
 
 the leaves of plants contain the most ash. 
 more ash than the grains. 
 
 The straws contain 
 
CI-IEMICAI, ELEMENTS NEEDED BY PLANTS 
 
 15 
 
 Let us see the relation of the ash of roots to the leaves of the 
 same plant. 
 
 Roots 
 Per cent, ash 
 
 l,eaves 
 Per cent, ash 
 
 14.88 
 11.64 
 
 Sugar-beet 3.83 
 
 Stock turnip 8.01 
 
 The per cent, of ash in seeds is generally less than in the 
 
 plant from which they are derived. 
 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 3-2 
 
 4-7 
 
 
 4.6 
 
 7.5 
 7.2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mineral Element in Vegetable Substances. (Dry Basis.) 
 
 Barley 
 
 Corn 
 
 Oats 
 
 Rice 
 
 Winter wheat 
 
 Alfalfa (in bloom) ■ ■ ■ 
 Red clover (in bloom) 
 White " (in bloom) 
 
 Soy beans 
 
 Blue grass 
 
 Timothy 
 
 Corn stover 
 
 Oat straw 
 
 Wheat straw 
 
 Potato 
 
 Radish 
 
 Sugar-beel 
 
 Sugar-beet leaves 
 
 Turnip 
 
 Turnip leaves 
 
 Cabbage 
 
 Cauliflower 
 
 Rape 
 
 White beans 
 
 Corn-meal 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Patent flour 
 
 Linseed meal 
 
 Rice bran 
 
 Wheat bran 
 
 Ash 
 
 Potas- 
 
 
 Cal- 
 
 Mag- 
 
 
 Phos- 
 
 
 sium 
 
 
 
 
 
 phorus 
 
 1.99 
 
 0.27 
 
 0.06 
 
 O.OI 
 
 0-I5 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.29 
 
 1-45 
 
 0.36 
 
 o.oi 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.14 
 
 0.08 
 
 0.29 
 
 3-12 
 
 0.46 
 
 0.04 
 
 1.08 
 
 0.14 
 
 0.03 
 
 0-35 
 
 0.39 
 
 0.07 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.01 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.003 
 
 0.09 
 
 1.96 
 
 0.51 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.14 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.40 
 
 7-,^» 
 
 1.44 
 
 o.lo 
 
 2.15 
 
 0.22 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.27 
 
 6.86 
 
 1.84 
 
 O.IO 
 
 1.71 
 
 0.45 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.29 
 
 7-32 
 
 1-31 
 
 0.39 
 
 1.58 
 
 0.42 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.41 
 
 3-14 
 
 1. 16 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.12 
 
 0.17 
 
 — 
 
 0.50 
 
 .s.-s 
 
 I.8t 
 
 — 
 
 0.18 
 
 0.10 
 
 — 
 
 0.22 
 
 6.82 
 
 1.96 
 
 0.09 
 
 0-39 
 
 0.13 
 
 0.04 
 
 0.35 
 
 S-33 
 
 i.6i 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.41 
 
 0.18 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.19 
 
 7.17 
 
 1.72 
 
 0.18 
 
 0.36 
 
 0.16 
 
 O.Ob 
 
 0.14 
 
 5-37 
 
 o.6i 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.22 
 
 0.08 
 
 0.02 
 
 O.II 
 
 3-79 
 
 1.89 
 
 0.08 
 
 0.07 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.28 
 
 15-67 
 
 2.86 
 
 0.44 
 
 0.98 
 
 0.35 
 
 0.13 
 
 2.81 
 
 3-83 
 
 1.69 
 
 0.25 
 
 0.17 
 
 U.18 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.20 
 
 14.88 
 
 3-24 
 
 1.52 
 
 2.15 
 
 1.02 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.31 
 
 8.01 
 
 3-02 
 
 0-59 
 
 0.61 
 
 0.18 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.44 
 
 11.64 
 
 2.26 
 
 0.82 
 
 2.74 
 
 0.28 
 
 O.I3 
 
 0-37 
 
 9.62 
 
 3-57 
 
 0.58 
 
 0.84 
 
 0.21 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.50 
 
 8.35 
 
 3-07 
 
 0-37 
 
 0-33 
 
 0.19 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.74 
 
 8.10 
 
 2.23 
 
 0.20 
 
 1.27 
 
 0.19 
 
 0.07 
 
 0-39 
 
 3.22 
 
 1.18 
 
 0.04 
 
 0-I5 
 
 0.15 
 
 O.OI 
 
 0.50 
 
 0.68 
 
 0.16 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.02 
 
 0-13 
 
 7.48 
 
 1.85 
 
 — 
 
 0.24 
 
 0.69 
 
 0.07 
 
 1.50 
 
 0.51 
 
 0.15 
 
 0.003 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.002 
 
 O.II 
 
 5-84 
 
 1. 18 
 
 0.06 
 
 0-35 
 
 0.56 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.81 
 
 6.08 
 
 0.56 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.64 
 
 0.23 
 
 1. 14 
 
 6.16 
 
 1.46 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.13 
 
 0.66 
 
 0.03 
 
 1-35 
 
 Sul- 
 phur 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.004 
 
 0.02 
 
 O.OOI 
 
 0.003 
 
 0.17 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.22 
 
 0.03 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.08 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.09 
 
 0.05 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.48 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.32 
 0.36 
 0.44 
 
 0-53 
 0.44 
 
 0-45 
 0.05 
 
 0.04 
 
 0.08 
 0.01 
 0.002 
 
1 6 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The per cent, of ash and the mineral elements that constitute 
 the ash are given for several vegetable substances in the fore- 
 going table.* 
 
 Occurrence of Mineral Elements in Plants. — According to 
 Forbes ;* "Mineral substances of foodstuffs are present in four 
 mechanical conditions: I. In solution in the plant juices; 2, 
 as crystals in the tissues; 3, as incrustations in cells and 4, in 
 chemical combination with the living substance. 
 
 "The mineral content of any species of plant varies consider- 
 ably as affected (i) by the composition of the soil and the soil 
 water, (2) by the various factors controlling transpiration of 
 water by the plant and (3) by the loss of mineral substance 
 either through shedding of parts or through the leaching effect 
 of dews and rains." 
 
 Distribution of Ash in Plants. — Roots and seeds generally con- 
 tain much less ash than leaves because the mineral elements are 
 carried to the leaves for the elaboration (manufacturing) of 
 food and then the water evaporates and the ash remains. The 
 ash present in roots and seeds is usually needed for supporting 
 germination and early growth of the plant, while some of that 
 in the leaves is in excess of what is really needed. 
 
 Phosphorus and potassium are present in the largest amounts 
 in seeds, followed by magnesia. Silicon and potassium pre- 
 dominate in cereal grasses and straws, and the per cent, of cal- 
 cium is usually larger than phosphorus or magnesium. The 
 leguminous crops (alfalfa, clovers, cowpeas, soy beans, etc.) 
 contain more calcium than phosphorus or potassium. Roots 
 and legumes contain much less silicon than straws. 
 
 Ash of Young and Mature Plants. — According to Wolff the per 
 cent, of ash of the dry matter of wheat, oats, rye, and clover 
 decreases with the growth of the plant. The ash of healthful 
 plants is generally higher in calcium than in sickly plants. 
 The per cent, of calcium and potassium in the ash of grass 
 plants decreases in the growing of the plant and the silicon in- 
 creases. In the ash of the dry matter of clover, the magnesium 
 and calcium increase while the potassium decreases. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE FERTILITY OF THE SOIL. 
 
 The fertility of the soil is shown in the crops produced and 
 a soil is said to be fertile when profitable crops are grown under 
 favorable conditions. 
 
 Composition of Soils. — In order to understand the conditions 
 which affect fertility let us become familiar with the composi- 
 tion of soils. Soils are made up of disintegrated (ground) 
 rocks and decayed plant and animal life. Some soils, like 
 sandy soils, predominate in rock particles while peaty soils are 
 rich in decayed plant material. Most soils contain both ground 
 rocks and decayed plants. 
 
 Inorganic Matter. — That part of the soil composed of ground 
 rocks (sand, silt, clay, etc.) is called inorganic matter and cor- 
 responds to some extent to the ash, or non-combustible, or in- 
 organic matter in plants. Of course the particles of inorganic 
 matter in the soil may be different from the original rocks 
 from which they were derived, due to the action of rain, frost, 
 sun, etc., yet we find that a considerable portion of these parti- 
 cles is often of the same composition as the original rocks. 
 
 Organic Matter. — The decaying vegetable or animal matter in 
 the soil is called organic matter. It is that part of the soil 
 which is driven off when burned and corresponds to the organic 
 matter in plants. Most of the organic matter in soils comes 
 from decaying vegetation. When this decaying vegetable or ani- 
 mal matter becomes thoroughly decomposed it assumes a black 
 waxy consistency and is called humus. This humus is a very 
 important constituent and influences to a great extent the physi- 
 cal and biological condition of soils. 
 
 The amount of organic matter in soil influences its water 
 holding capacity, texture, temperature, color, supply of avail- 
 able plant food and general productiveness. 
 
 Factors Influencing Soil Fertility. — There are many factors in- 
 fluencing soil fertility and these may be summed up under the 
 following heads : 
 
 1. The available supply of plant food. 
 
 2. The physical condition of the soil. 
 
 3. The biological condition of the soil. 
 
SOIt FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 I. The Plant Food Supply. — It may be surprising to know that 
 most farm soils, even those that produce poor crops, are abun- 
 
 ANIMAL PRODUCTS 
 TO MARKET 
 
 GRAIN AND VEGETABLES 
 ^O MARKET 
 
 COMMERCIAL FERTILIZER 
 
 ATMOSPHERIC NITROSEN 
 LOSS OF CO, TO 
 ATMOSPHERE 
 
 MINERAL BASE OF SOIL . 
 
 Fig. I. — Indicating the factors which influence soil fertility — after Whitson. 
 
 dantly supplied with plant food. The following table shows the 
 supply of plant food in representative soils. 
 
 Native Plant Food in Farm Soils." 
 
 Location 
 
 Alabama • • . 
 Alabama ■ • . 
 
 Canada 
 
 Canada 
 
 Colorado . . . 
 Connecticut 
 Connecticut 
 Michigan - . 
 Michigan - . 
 
 Missouri 
 
 Missouri 
 
 Nebraska • • 
 Nebraska . . 
 New York ■ ■ 
 New York.. 
 
 2 p. 
 
 0.195 
 0.282 
 0.048 
 o.ir4 
 0.040 
 
 0.334 
 0.140 
 o. no 
 0.070 
 0.140 
 0.130 
 0.070 
 
 0.073 
 
 0.204 
 0.130 
 
 o y 
 
 in p. 
 o - 
 
 0.196 
 0.267 
 0.140 
 0.130 
 0.230 
 0.038 
 0.051 
 0.280 
 0.210 
 0.080 
 0.070 
 1.420 
 0.062 
 0.II5 
 0.160 
 
 OS cj 
 O U 
 PL, U 
 
 0.183 
 0.866 
 0.250 
 0.390 
 0.230 
 0.056 
 0.047 
 1-950 
 I. 100 
 1.320 
 2.540 
 0.197 
 0.741 
 0.960 
 0.510 
 
 _. "J 
 
 |P1 
 
 "in 
 
 4,218 
 6,436 
 
 1,112 
 
 2,638 
 
 872 
 
 7,224 
 
 2,971 
 
 2,455 
 
 1,484 
 3,012 
 2,814 
 1.530 
 1,581 
 4.362 
 3,074 
 
 O u £ n 
 
 in 0,^iM 
 
 S O-C CO 
 
 oS-o* 
 
 4,240 
 6,094 
 
 3.244 
 3,008 
 5.016 
 822 
 1,082 
 6,250 
 
 4.451 
 1,721 
 
 i.5'5 
 31,062 
 
 1,334 
 2,460 
 
 3.784 
 
 b P.U 
 
 3,959 
 19.756 
 
 5,793 
 9,024 
 5.016 
 1,211 
 
 997 
 43,526 
 23.314 
 28,395 
 54,986 
 4,306 
 15,938 
 20,532 
 12,063 
 
TUiJ I'ERTILITY OF THE SOII, 
 
 19 
 
 The above analyses show from 872 to 7,224 pounds of nitro- 
 gen, 822 to 31,062 pounds of phosphoric add and 997 to 54,986 
 pounds of potash per acre. 
 
 Chester of the Delaware Agricultural College, states:^ "An 
 average of the results of 49 analyses of the typical soils of the 
 United States showed for the first eight inches of surface, 2,600 
 pounds of nitrogen, 4.800 pounds of phosphoric acid and 13,400 
 pounds of potash. The average yield of wheat in the United 
 Plant Food Removed by Crops in Pounds per Acre.'^ 
 
 Crop 
 
 Wheat, 20 bu . 
 Straw 
 
 Total. 
 
 Barley, 40 bu. 
 Straw 
 
 Total . 
 
 Oats, 50 bu. 
 Straw 
 
 Total. 
 
 Corn, 65 bu- 
 Stalks 
 
 Total. 
 
 Peas, 30 bu. 
 Straw 
 
 Total. 
 
 Flax, IS bu. 
 Straw 
 
 Total ..•• 
 
 Meadow hay 
 
 Red clover hay • ■ 
 Potatoes, 300 bu . . 
 Mangels, 10 tons ■ 
 
 Gross 
 weight 
 
 1,200 
 
 2,000 
 
 1,920 
 3,000 
 
 1,600 
 3,000 
 
 2,200 
 6,000 
 
 1,800 
 3.500 
 
 900 
 1,800 
 
 2,000 
 
 4,000 
 
 18,000 
 
 20,000 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 25 
 10 
 
 35 
 
 28 
 12 
 
 40 
 
 35 
 15 
 
 50 
 
 40 
 45 
 
 85 
 
 39 
 15 
 
 54 
 
 30 
 
 80 
 75 
 
 Phosphoric 
 acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 12-5 
 
 7-5 
 
 15 
 5 
 
 12 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 18 
 14 
 
 32 
 
 18 
 
 7 
 
 25 
 
 15 
 3 
 
 18 
 20 
 28 
 
 40 
 35 
 
 7 
 28 
 
 35 
 
 30 
 
 38 
 
 10 
 35 
 
 45 
 
 15 
 80 
 
 95 
 
 22 
 38 
 
 60 
 
 ■8 
 19 
 
 27 
 
 45 
 
 66 
 
 150 
 
 150 
 
 Lime 
 
 1-5 
 9-5 
 
 I 
 20 
 
 4 
 
 71 
 
 75 
 
 3 
 13 
 
 16 
 
 12 
 
 75 
 
 50 
 
 30 
 
20 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 States is 14 bushels per acre. Such a crop will remove 29.7 
 pounds of nitrogen, 9.5 pounds of phosphoric acid and 13.7 
 pounds of potash. Now if all the potential nitrogen, phosphoric 
 acid and potash could be rendered available, there is present in 
 such an average soil, in the first eight inches, enough nitrogen 
 to last 90 years, enough phosphoric acid for 500 years and 
 enough potash for 1,000 years.'" 
 
 On page 19 the amount of nitrogen, phosphoric acid pot- 
 ash and lime removed per acre by some of our leading farm 
 crops are given. 
 
 Fi-om these figures it is evident that all of the above soils 
 have sufficient amounts of plant food to last for many years. 
 Corn yielding 65 bushels per acre, only takes away 85 pounds 
 of nitrogen, 32 pounds of phosphoric acid and 95 pounds of 
 potash. Mangels which are heavy users of potash only show 
 a removal of 150 pounds for a ten ton crop. When we com- 
 pare the amounts of these constituents removed by crops and 
 the total supply in the average soil we may better realize the 
 amount of stored up plant food in soils. 
 
 Hall states :" "That an average soil contains enough plant 
 food for one hundred full crops, yet without fresh additions of 
 plant food as manures the production will shrink in a very few 
 years to one-third or one-fourth of the average full crop. Once, 
 however, the yield has reached this lower level, it will remain 
 for an indefinite period comparatively stationary, affected only 
 by the fluctuations due to season. At Rothamstead (Experi- 
 ment Station in England) for example, wheat has now been 
 grown year after year on the same land for sixty-five seasons, 
 and one plot has received no manure throughout the whole 
 period. In the first few years the crop declined steadily, but 
 since then little or no further drop has been seen. The yield 
 remains about I2j4 bushels per acre for each successive ten 
 years' average, and has considerably overtopped that amount 
 during recent favorable seasons. This yield, however, of 12I/2 
 bushels per acre, is only about one-third of that obtained on 
 adjacent plots receiving manure every year during the same 
 period." 
 
TKE FERTILITY OF THE SOIL 21 
 
 Plant Food not Available. — The question naturally arises, what 
 is the use of adding fertilizers or manure to soils when such 
 large amounts of plant food are present? The plant food in the 
 soil is dormant; it is locked up; it is unavailable. Available 
 plant food may be present but the condition of the soil may be 
 such that the plant cannot utilize it. The soil may be acid or 
 sour, or it may contain objectionable substances distasteful to 
 plants. 
 
 The plant obtains its nourishment from the salts in solution 
 in the soil water and these soluble salts constitute the available 
 plant food. The chemist can determine the total plant food, or 
 the potential fertility, in the soil, but he cannot tell us how 
 much is available. The available plant food supply may be 
 ascertained, to a certain extent, by carrying on field experi- 
 ments. The results of such experiments will of course vary 
 with different soils and different crops. The chemist can de- 
 termine whether a soil is acid, alkaline or neutral and from such 
 data advise whether lime would benefit the soil, the amount to 
 apply and the kind of fertilizers to use. In such cases a chemi- 
 cal analysis is exceedingly valuable but ordinarily field trials 
 with crops prove the better way of determining productiveness. 
 
 The Essential Elements. — In the preceding chapter the ele- 
 ments needed by plants were discussed and the composition of 
 plants given. From the composition of plants aided by field ex- 
 periments it has been possible to learn that certain elements are 
 necessary for plant growth. From this data it has been ascer- 
 tained that only three and sometimes four elements are required 
 to be furnished the plant for its complete development, as the 
 other elements are fortunately present in sufficient quantities in 
 the air and the soil so that we need not consider them. Nitrogen 
 (N), phosphorus (phosphoric acid PoOj) and potassium (pot- 
 ash KjO) are the elements usually exhausted most readily from 
 the soil, and occasionally calcium (lime, CaO). Because of 
 the necessity of adding nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash 
 for the growth of most crops the name "essential" is applied 
 to these elements, and the remaining elements are termed "un- 
 
22 
 
 SOIL FERTII.ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 essential." The essential elements, nitrogen, phosphoric acid 
 and potash are usually found in larger amounts in plants and in 
 smaller quantities in soils than the other elements. Nitrogen 
 and phosphoric acid are usually more liable to be deficient than 
 potash, and lime is only occasionally lacking. The term fer- 
 tilizers is applied to materials containing any or all of these 
 essential elements, in available form, and are supposed to make 
 up for the deficiencies in the soil. Fertilizers may contain 
 other elements as magnesia, sulphuric acid, etc., though needed 
 by the plant are unessential as the soil contains a sufficient 
 amount for crops. 
 
 The fifteen elements used by plants may be classified as: 
 
 Elements sometimes 
 lacking in the soil 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphorus 
 
 Potassium 
 
 Calcium (occasionally) 
 
 Elements obtained from 
 the air or water 
 
 Hydrogen 
 
 Oxygen 
 
 Carbon 
 
 Nitrogen (sometimes) 
 
 Elements that are present 
 usually in sufficient amounts 
 
 Calcium (usually) 
 
 Iron 
 
 Sulphur 
 
 Magnesium 
 
 Silicon 
 
 Sodium 
 
 Chlorine 
 
 Manganese 
 
 Aluminum. 
 
 One Element Cannot Beplace Another. — It must be understood 
 that no one of these essential elements can take the place of 
 another, as each has its particular functions to perform which 
 are different for each element. Therefore should a soil be 
 deficient in any of these essential elements, the addition of those 
 that are lacking will tend to produce good crops, provided other 
 conditions are favorable. Let us illustrate this by supposing we 
 wish to plant a field of corn. We have perhaps plenty of avail- 
 able phosphoric acid, potash and lime for the needs of the corn 
 and the land is in good condition, but the available supply of 
 nitrogen is deficient in the soil. We cannot grow a profitable 
 crop of corn under such conditions because the phosphoric acid, 
 potash and the lime are unable to take the place of the nitrogen, 
 no matter how abundant they may be. Should nitrogen be 
 
THE FERTILITY 01? THE SOIL, 
 
 23 
 
 supplied in sufficient amount the crop would be satisfied and 
 should prove profitable, other conditions being right. 
 
 vS g 
 
 yet 
 I tmed 
 
 \j{^G^5T Yieio 
 
 ^"^ 
 
 -rri 
 
 J 
 
 
 1 — ■ 
 
 
 a 
 
 M 
 
 
 
 p- 
 
 c5- 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 r 
 
 3 
 
 L 
 
 ^ 
 Q, 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 3 
 
 
 1: 
 
 Fig, 2. — Illustration of the principle of limiting factors in soil fertility 
 — after Dobenecks, from Whitson. 
 
 It has been found that sodium and potassium may replace 
 each other, to a limited extent, in correcting the acidity that 
 may take place in plants, although they cannot replace each 
 other in supplying plant food. There are some elements which 
 have common functions, but each element has its work to per- 
 form for the complete development of plants. 
 
 2. Physical Condition of the Soil. — There are some soils which 
 contain sufficient amounts of available plant food for the needs 
 of crops but this food cannot be utilized because of other factors 
 which affect the physical condition of soils. Some of these 
 factors will be briefly discussed. 
 
 Temperature. — The temperature of the soil depends upon the 
 heat of the air and the nature of the soil. It is a very important 
 consideration in plant growth. The following table gives soil 
 temperatures for hourly periods at a depth of one foot from the 
 surface.^^ 
 
24 24 
 
 SOIL FICRTILITY AND FERTIUZERS 
 
 
 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 c 
 
 p) 
 
 
 
 lO « CO lO 
 
 
 ■* 
 
 ro CS 
 
 00 t- 
 
 
 ■«■ 
 
 <* fo r^ r^ 
 
 
 
 \0 
 
 vo 
 
 vo vc 
 
 
 
 vc 
 
 vD vo vo 
 
 
 to - 
 
 m u 
 
 
 OC 
 
 to 
 
 
 w 
 
 fO (N 
 
 00 ^ 
 
 
 N 
 
 TT rO 00 CO 1 
 
 
 
 VC 
 
 vo 
 
 vo V£ 
 
 
 
 VC 
 
 vo vO vO 
 
 s 
 
 VC 
 
 ^ 
 
 C 
 
 
 C 
 
 ro lO rO 
 
 
 fO P 
 
 2> "E 
 
 
 s 
 
 lO fO CO CO 
 
 
 
 VC 
 
 vc 
 
 vo VC 
 
 
 
 vo vo vo vc 
 
 
 vc 
 
 c 
 
 to oc 
 
 s 
 
 q fo CO 1^ 
 
 tn 
 
 — 
 
 fO ^ 
 
 dv oc 
 
 CO 
 
 lO fO CO 00 
 
 •a 
 
 
 vo vt 
 
 vo vc 
 
 •a 
 
 
 vo vo vo vO 
 
 .2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 00 
 
 »o t^ lO c 
 
 Z. 
 
 
 q CO 00 q 
 
 
 to ^ ON C 
 
 ■^ u 
 
 00 
 
 lo N 00 a^ 
 
 3 
 
 
 >o vo vo vj: 
 
 d 
 
 
 vo vo vo so 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 q « t- c 
 
 ■» B 
 
 
 lO « t^ 00 
 
 VO 
 
 KJ - 
 
 c^ c 
 
 \o 
 
 ^ M 00 CO* 
 
 
 
 vO VC vo VC 
 
 
 
 vo vo vo vo 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 _c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s> 
 
 
 in \o 00 o 
 
 (ft 
 
 
 q 00 ^9 « 
 
 c 
 
 ^ 
 
 rJ d ON c 
 
 h c 
 
 ■^ 
 
 tJ- >-^ 00 CO 
 
 ■o 
 
 
 vo >o vo vc 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 vo vo vO vo 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 oi 
 
 
 O to u 
 
 ? f 
 
 
 q to 00 lo 
 
 1. 
 
 N 
 
 « Q d c 
 
 rv 1 
 
 (S 
 
 ro M r^ I^ 
 
 V 
 
 
 vo vT 
 
 t^ vc 
 
 ti 
 
 
 vo vo vo vo 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 rn to 00 « 
 
 s 
 
 
 t>. -^ W up 
 
 
 z 
 
 vo vo VD v£ 
 
 r - 
 
 z 
 
 pI t-^ r^ vd 
 vo vo vO vo 
 
 ° 
 
 O O " 
 
 o 
 
 lo «o w q 
 
 
 
 -' " d c 
 
 ^ 
 
 N 11 r^ so 
 
 
 
 vo vo r^ v£ 
 
 
 
 vo vo vo vo 
 
 
 O 
 
 o c 
 
 
 
 lO CO fO »o 
 
 
 ao 
 
 ^ 
 
 d >- 
 
 _ 
 
 00 
 
 N iJ I-C. vo* 
 
 
 
 VO 
 
 t^ r 
 
 ■5 
 
 
 vo vo vo vo 
 
 
 "? 
 
 q u 
 
 
 CO q q q 
 
 
 vD 
 
 d 
 
 N P 
 
 i 
 
 \o 
 
 rJ cJ CO r^ 
 
 
 
 vo 
 
 t^ r 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 vo vo vo vo 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 _c 
 
 
 
 i 1 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 ." 
 
 , 1 
 
 \ ^ 
 
 i 2 
 
 < 
 
 , 1 
 
 i 5 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 t 
 
 
 ■> 1 
 
 : 
 
 1 C 
 
 > 1 
 
 !2; 
 
 
 c 
 
 > 
 
 ■ J 
 
 : c 
 
 c 
 
 i> 
 
 ■■ ;c 
 
 
 c 
 a 
 
 "s 
 
 . t 
 
 I ^ 
 
 : S 
 
 r 
 
 ^ ^ 
 
 
 (1 
 
 u 
 
 c 
 - r 
 
 i 
 
 > 
 
 ^ 
 
 - C 
 
 1 c 
 i !2 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 - 
 
 c 
 
 : 
 
 a 
 
 > 
 
 M 
 
 
 p. 
 
 I 
 
 1 S 
 
 ! ; 
 
 p. 
 
 < i 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 'f 
 
 CI 
 
 * C 
 
 4 e 
 
 ^ 
 
 ? 
 ^ 
 
 ^ I 
 
 a 
 
 5 "^ 
 
 
 
 C 
 
 1 h- 
 
 i/ 
 
 ) V 
 
 ! 
 
 
 C 
 
 > H 
 
 I 5 
 
 3 a 
 
 3 1 
 
THE FERTILITY OP THE SOIL 25 
 
 The germination of seed, the transference of soil water, which 
 contains the available plant food, the movement of soil air, the 
 development of organisms are all greater when the soil is warm. 
 The coarser soils seem to warm up more readily than the heavy 
 clays. The location of the land influences soil warmth. A soil 
 with a southern exposure is naturally warmer than one with a 
 northern location. 
 
 In the following table are given the average mean monthly 
 range in temperature of the air and soil for twelve years at 
 Lincoln, Nebraska. ^^ 
 
 
 >, 
 
 >> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .0 
 
 
 M 
 
 u 
 
 Depth 
 
 3 
 
 S 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 < 
 
 fl 
 
 S 
 
 V 
 
 = 
 
 3 
 
 
 s 
 u> 
 
 s 
 
 < 
 
 s 
 
 V 
 
 to 
 
 k 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 .a 
 
 Air 
 
 25.2 
 
 24.2 
 
 .^S.8 
 
 52.^ 
 
 61.9 
 
 71.0 
 
 76.0 
 
 74-5 
 
 67.6 
 
 .55.5 
 
 38.7 
 
 28.3 
 
 Soil, I inch.. 
 
 27-.1 
 
 27.7 
 
 38.2 
 
 57-,S 
 
 68.7 
 
 78.1 
 
 8.S.I 
 
 82.9 
 
 73.8 
 
 56.7 
 
 38.7 
 
 31.6 
 
 Soil, 6 inches 
 
 28.6 
 
 27.8 
 
 36.6 
 
 5^■^ 
 
 65.1 
 
 7.'>.7 
 
 81.6 
 
 80.1 
 
 72.0 
 
 ,57-8 
 
 4i-,'> 
 
 32-0 
 
 Soil, 12 inches 
 
 ?,i-?, 
 
 30.2 
 
 ?,^-4 
 
 49-3 
 
 60.7 
 
 69.9 
 
 7,5.7 
 
 y."!-? 
 
 69.2 
 
 ,'i7-8 
 
 44-7 
 
 ,3.'>-2 
 
 Soil, 36 inches 
 
 3«.5 
 
 35-5 
 
 35-« 
 
 43.« 
 
 53-5 
 
 61.3 
 
 67.4 
 
 69.8 
 
 67.6 
 
 61.3 
 
 52-2 
 
 43-3 
 
 The effect of the summer sunshine shows that the upper soil 
 is warmer in summer than the lower or deeper soil. In winter 
 the deeper soil is warmer than the surface soil. This shows 
 the effect of the temperature of the air on soil warmth. 
 
 Mechanical Composition. — Should we examine a few different 
 soils we would find that there is a great difference in the size of 
 the particles or grains that make them up. For example, when 
 lumps of different soils are broken up and passed through sieves 
 of various sizes, or shaken in bottles with water, particles vary- 
 ing in size from gravel to fine dust are apparent. The grains 
 or particles of soil are usually classified into four groups ; gravel, 
 sand, silt and clay. Sandy soils predominate in the largest 
 particles, gravel and sand, alluvial or silt soils contain more 
 particles the size of silt, and clay soils have more of the finest 
 particles, clay. It should be understood that all soils contain 
 large and small particles. A loam soil contains all the particles 
 in about equal proportions. 
 
26 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The Bureau of Soils of the United States Department of 
 Agriculture has adopted the following measurements for the 
 size of soil grains. 
 
 Fine gravel 2.0 to i.o millimeters 
 
 Coarse sand I.o to 0.5 millimeters 
 
 Medium sand 0.5 to 0.25 millimeters 
 
 Fine sand 0.25 to o.io millimeters 
 
 Very fine sand o. 10 to 0.05 millimeters 
 
 Silt 0.05 to 0.005 millimeters 
 
 Clay. 
 
 0.005 'o 0.0000 millimeters 
 
 Mechanicai, Analyses of Some Soils." 
 
 
 Coarse 
 
 Coarse 
 
 Fine 
 
 Heavy 
 
 Heavy 
 clay 
 
 
 barren 
 
 sandy 
 
 sandy 
 
 clay 
 
 
 sand 
 
 loam 
 
 loam 
 
 loam 
 
 Fine gravel, 3 to i mm . . 
 
 0.2 
 
 7.6 
 
 05 
 
 2.8 
 
 0.4 
 
 Coarse sand, i to 0.2 mm. 
 
 22.6 
 
 44-9 
 
 15.0 
 
 14. 1 
 
 0.8 
 
 Fine sand, 0.2 to 0.05 mm. 
 
 60.8 
 
 23.1 
 
 490 
 
 31.2 
 
 6.4 
 
 Silt, 0.05 to o.oi mm 
 
 4.8- 
 
 4.3 
 
 15.3 
 
 17.4 
 
 18.6 
 
 Finesilt,o.oi to 0.005 mm. 
 
 0.6 
 
 2.9 
 
 3-9 
 
 6.9 
 
 13-6 
 
 Clay, below 0.005 mni ■ • ■ 
 
 1.8 
 
 11.7 
 
 9-7 
 
 18.5 
 
 42.2 
 
 The percentages of moisture, humus and carbonate of lime 
 are not included in the mechanical analyses of soils. 
 
 Surface Area of Soil Grains. — The surface area of soil grains 
 varies with the size of the particles. The smaller the grains the 
 more surface area is exposed to the action of water and soil 
 organisms, and the more quickly is plant food rendered avail- 
 able. 
 
 Diameter Square feet 
 
 of of surface 
 
 grain in a pound 
 
 Coarse sand, i mm 1 1.05 
 
 Fine sand, o.i mm iio.54 
 
 Silt, 0.01 mm 1,105.38 
 
 Clay, o.ooi mm 1 1,053.81 
 
 Fine clay, o.oooi mm 1,100,538.16 
 
 Relation of Mechanical and Chemical Composition. — The follow- 
 ing table gives the chemical composition of different classes of 
 soils.' ° 
 
THR FERTILITY OP THE SOIL 
 
 27 
 
 Conventional name . . . 
 Per cent, present in soil . . 
 Diameter of particles . . 
 
 Clay 
 
 21.64 
 
 O.OII-O.OOO 
 
 mm. 
 
 Finest silt 
 
 23-56 
 
 0.005-o.ori 
 mm. 
 
 Pine silt 
 12.54 
 
 0.013-0.016 
 mm. 
 
 Medium 
 silt 
 
 13-67 
 
 0.022-0.027 
 mm. 
 
 Coarsest 
 silt 
 
 13- 1 1 
 
 0.033-0.038 
 mm. 
 
 Constituents 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Insoluble residue 
 
 Soluble silica (SiOj) 
 
 Alumina ( AljOg) 
 
 Ferric iron { FCjOa ) 
 
 Phosphoric acid (P2O5) • • 
 Sulphur trioxide (SOg).- 
 
 15-96 
 
 33-IO 
 
 18.19 
 
 18.76 
 
 0.18 
 
 0.06 
 
 0.09 
 
 1-33 
 
 1.47 
 9.00 
 
 73-17 
 9-95 
 4-32 
 4.76 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.02 
 
 0.13 
 0.46 
 0.24 
 
 0-53 
 5-61 
 
 87-96 
 4.27 
 2.64 
 
 2-34 
 0.03 
 0.03 
 0.18 
 0.26 
 0.28 
 0.29 
 1.72 
 
 94-13 
 2-.^5 
 1. 21 
 1.03 
 0.02 
 0.03 
 0.09 
 O.IO 
 0.21 
 0.12 
 0.92 
 
 96- 
 
 52 
 
 Magnesia (MgO ) 
 
 Soda (Na^O) 
 
 Potash (KjO) 
 
 Volatile matter 
 
 
 Totals 
 
 99.84 
 
 99-30 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.21 
 
 96-52 
 
 Total soluble constitu- 
 
 75-18 
 
 20.52 
 
 10.32 
 
 5-16 
 
 
 
 
 
 The results given in this table show that clay contains more 
 plant food than finest silt; finest silt more than fine silt and fine 
 silt more than medium silt. In other words the finer the parti- 
 cles in a soil the more total plant food is present. There is also 
 more soluble silica and alumina in the finer soils. 
 
 Lnmpy Soils. — The mechanical composition of a soil is import- 
 ant, for the farmer to consider, in order to keep the soil recep- 
 tive for growing crops. The clustering or lumping of soils is 
 brought about by the adhering of the particles due to the surface 
 tension of the films of water surrounding the grains. As the 
 water dries out the grains are held together with the aid of 
 the salts in solution. Fine soils, like clay, contain many more 
 particles than sandy soils, so it is apparent that clay soils are 
 more apt to form lumps than the coarser soils. 
 
 Cracking of Soils. — When soils become dry the films of water 
 around the soil particles become thinner and the soil contracts, 
 breaking in the weakest point, causing cracks. 
 
28 SOIL PEETILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Fuddling of Soils. — If soils are worked when in a very wet con- 
 dition the soil particles run together and a puddled soil is 
 formed. After such a soil, especially a clay soil, dries out it 
 becomes very hard and most difficult to restore to good con- 
 dition. A farmer should never work a clay soil when it is too 
 wet. 
 
 Freezing and Thawing. — When soils are plowed deeply in the 
 fall and allowed to be acted upon by the frosts a helpful crumb 
 like condition results. The action of frosts is more apparent 
 when northern and southern soils are compared. The northern 
 soils treated as above are usually in better tilth than the southern 
 soils in sections of little or no frost. 
 
 Plants are Benefited by Open Soils. — A good tilth of the soil 
 helps the plant a great deal in securing its food, and is therefore 
 an important factor in the production of crops. A soil should 
 be compact enough to support the plant in an upright position, 
 but if it is too compact the young plant has to overcome a great 
 deal of resistance in securing its food. 
 
 Plants Must Have Room. — Only a certain number of plants can 
 be grown successfully on a given space of land. We have 
 only to examine the root development of mature plants to 
 learn the spreading tendency of plants. If plants are too 
 crowded, imperfect development is the result. The roots of 
 plants spread somewhat and the distance apart is regulated to 
 some extent by the available plant food, the nature of the plant 
 and the tillage of the soil. In the foreign countries more plants 
 are usually grown on a given area than in America but the land 
 is perhaps more thoroughly tilled, because land is high in price 
 and labor cheap, while in America land is comparatively cheap 
 and labor high. In well tilled soils roots go deeper and do 
 not spread so much as in soil in poor condition. 
 
 Plants Require Oxygen. — A soil that is too compact will not per- 
 mit of the free circulation of air. When air is excluded from 
 the soil, free oxygen which is absolutely necessary for growth 
 is excluded. It has been shown that when air is not freely 
 supplied to plants they become sickly and growth is retarded. 
 
THE FERTILITY OF THE SOU, 29 
 
 When a soil becomes water-logged, plants will not grow and if 
 the condition continues the plants will die. Some plants will 
 grow in water but the water must be fairly free from soil so as 
 to be able to absorb and diffuse oxygen from the air. It has 
 been found that 40 to 60 per cent, of the water holding capacity 
 of soils is the best amount and 80 per cent, is injurious. 
 
 Drainage. — Good crops cannot be grown unless the land is well 
 drained, either naturally or artificially. A certain amount of 
 water is essential for crops, but a water-logged condition must 
 be avoided to secure good results. 
 
 Capillary Water. — In the preceding chapter we learned that 
 crops use a great deal of water, the clover crop for example 
 exhales as much as 1,096,234 pounds per acre. Crops usually 
 rely on capillary water for their supply of this constituent. 
 The upward movement of water in the soil is termed capillary 
 moisture or capillary water, and is caused by the surface tension 
 of the films of water around the soil particles becoming greater 
 as evaporation from the upper surface of the soil takes place. 
 One of the most important problems in farming is to conserve 
 this soil moisture and prevent its evaporation. 
 
 Amounts of Capillary Water Held by Soils. — Sandy soils hold 
 very little capillary water. After a rain it is estimated that 5 
 to 10 per cent, by weight of the soil will be water. Sandy 
 loams and silt loams retain 15 to 20 per cent, and heavy clay 
 soils 30 to 50 per cent. Heavy clay soils are suitable for grass 
 lands because of this power of holding water, as grasses re- 
 quire considerable water for maximum growth. 
 
 How to Prevent Loss of Capillary Water. — As capillary water 
 is so important for the welfare of crops we should learn how to 
 prevent its loss. Water will follow along the path of least 
 resistance. So if we form a soil mulch by cultivating or stirring 
 the soil to the depth of two or three inches we will offei- resist- 
 ance to the upward movement of water. The soil should not 
 be cultivated too deeply because some of the small roots are 
 liable to be injured. 
 
30 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 How to Increase the Upward Movement of Capillary Moisture. — 
 When seed are planted in dry seasons it is often advisable to 
 bring up the water to aid in their germination. This may be 
 accomplished by rolling the soil thus making it firmer. After 
 rolling it is important to form a soil mulch again to prevent the 
 loss of all the water. 
 
 The following table may be interesting in that it gives us 
 some idea of the rate of the upward movement of water in 
 different dry soils. ^° 
 
 
 Time 
 
 
 Min. 
 
 Hours 
 
 Days 
 
 
 15 
 
 I 
 
 2 
 
 I 
 
 •3 
 
 8 
 
 13 
 
 19 
 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Inches 
 
 Silt and very fine sand 
 Very fine sand 
 
 2.7 
 7.6 
 9.0 
 
 5.8 
 4.0 
 
 4-7 
 
 lO.O 
 
 9-5 
 
 6.0 
 5-0 
 
 7.0 
 12.4 
 10.0 
 
 6.3 
 
 5-3 
 
 20.0 
 21.0 
 II.6 
 
 7-5 
 6.4 
 
 30 
 23 
 13 
 
 9 
 8 
 
 45-0 
 26.0 
 
 14-3 
 
 lo.o 
 9.0 
 
 52.0 
 27-5 
 15-2 
 
 II.5 
 
 lO.O 
 
 56-0 
 28.5 
 
 Coarse and medium 
 
 12.5 
 
 
 
 
 3. The Biological Condition of the Soil. — All cultivated pro- 
 ductive soils are full of organisms, both animal and vegetable, 
 which aid in furnishing plant food. There are many different 
 organisms whose functions vary a great deal. Most of these 
 organisms are so small that they cannot be seen without the aid 
 of the microscope, while some, with which we are all familiar, 
 are large. 
 
 The rodents, worms and insects all have their place in stirring 
 the soil although the rodents and some of the insects are in- 
 jurious to crops. Plant roots are beneficial in that they leave 
 organic matter in the soil and openings for the access of water 
 and air. 
 
 The organisms we are most interested in are the bacteria 
 
THE FERTILITY OP THE SOU, 
 
 3^ 
 
 (minute plants) because of their beneficial efifect in crop produc- 
 tion. 
 
 The number of bacteria in the soil depends upon its physical 
 condition. Water-logged soils, sandy soils, acid soils, and soils 
 low in organic matter contain very few and sometimes no 
 bacteria. Soils rich in humus, contain sometimes as high as 
 100,000,000 bacteria per gram,^ while the average well cultivated 
 soil contains 1,000,000 to 5,000,000 per gram. The cold winters 
 of the north decrease the number of bacteria but these multiply 
 during spring and summer. 
 
 The following table shows the number of bacteria found in a 
 gram of soil during some part of the growing period.^^ 
 
 state 
 
 Soil 
 
 Crop 
 
 Investigator 
 
 Number 
 
 
 
 Grass, 12 yrs. 
 Grass, 4 yrs . . 
 
 Chester 
 
 425,000 
 425,000 
 
 Delaware . ■ . 
 
 
 Chester 
 
 Delaware • • . 
 
 
 Clover follow- 
 
 
 
 
 
 ing fallow . . 
 Vegetables . . . 
 
 Chester 
 
 
 
 Rich garden 
 
 Chester 
 
 
 
 Chester 
 
 70,000 
 
 
 Loam (2.19 per 
 
 
 
 Kansas 
 
 cent, humus). 
 Loam (3.07 per 
 
 
 Mayo & Kinsley- 
 
 33-931.747 
 
 Kansas 
 
 cent, humus). 
 Thin soil , gumbo 
 
 
 Mayo & Kinsley. 
 
 53,596,060 
 
 Kansas 
 
 subsoil 
 
 Loam, low in 
 
 
 Mayo & Kinsley- 
 
 78,534 
 
 Kansas 
 
 humus 
 
 Loam, lo w in 
 
 
 Mayo & Kinsley - 
 
 8,543,006 
 
 Kansas 
 
 humus 
 
 
 Mayo & Kinsley • 
 
 3.192. 131 
 
 Nitrification. — Certain bacteria have the power of converting 
 the organic nitrogen present in animal and vegetable matter into 
 ammonia. No doubt you are all familiar with the ammonia 
 smell around fermenting manure. This is the result of the ac- 
 tion of bacteria. The same action that takes place in the manure 
 heap occurs in the soil when organic matter is present. When 
 the ammonia is formed another kind of bacteria seizes it and 
 changes the ammonia into nitrous acid or nitrites, and this latter 
 
 1 One ounce = 28.35 grams. 
 
32 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 compound is in turn attacked by another organism and con- 
 verted into nitric acid or nitrates. In this latter form it is 
 readily dissolved by the soil water and available as plant food. 
 There is a continual cycle of the forms of nitrogen. The plant 
 
 1 
 A' 
 
 ootV 
 
 j»iio--«4«4'«^ . 
 
 
 ./ 
 
 o 
 
 
 NITROGEN CYCLE 
 in l-he 
 SOIL 
 
 ■3 
 O 
 
 o- 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 
 
 c 
 o 
 
 e 
 
 \ 
 
 ^, 
 
 il \ % 
 
 .X 
 
 Nitrogen of air 
 
 Fis. 3.— The nitrogen cycle in the soil— after Whitson. 
 
 uses the nitrogen in the form of nitrates, converts it into organic 
 nitrogen, and when the plant dies it may be returned to the 
 soil to go through the same process again. 
 
 Manure or other organic matter helps nitrification as is shown 
 in the following :^^ 
 
THE FERTILITY OF THE SOIL 
 
 33 
 
 Nitrates in parts per million, dry soil 
 
 Unmanured soil 
 
 20 tons manure per 
 acre for three years 
 
 Land in timothy 
 
 April 23 
 
 May 3 
 
 May 14 
 
 May 30 
 
 June I 
 
 June 13 
 
 June 20 
 
 July 24 
 
 August 14 
 
 Land in maize 
 
 May 19 
 
 June 22 
 
 July 6 
 
 July 28 
 
 August 10 
 
 8.2 
 
 4.1 
 
 .1-3 
 2.0 
 2.4 
 0.8 
 
 1-3 
 2.2 
 1.8 
 
 17-5 
 42.8 
 
 50-0 
 I95-0 
 151.0 
 
 31. 
 
 4.6 
 
 4-5 
 4.0 
 2.0 
 I.I 
 
 3-0 
 2.8 
 
 3-0 
 
 20.1 
 
 79-3 
 105.0 
 304.0 
 184.0 
 
 Keeping the soil well open so that a liberal supply of air 
 may permeate it has a beneficial effect on nitrification.^^ 
 
 Date of Analysis 
 
 ' Nitrates in dry soil, parts per million 
 
 Unaerated 
 
 Aerated 
 
 
 3-2 
 4.2 
 9.0 
 
 3-2 
 17-6 
 45-6 
 
 
 
 
 The more porous the soil the deeper nitrification occurs. 
 
 Dentrification. — There are some bacteria that set free nitrogen. 
 These bacteria exert a reducing action rather than an oxidizing 
 one. Some reduce nitrates (nitric acid) to nitrites (nitrous 
 oxide) and ammonia. Others reduce nitrates to nitrites and 
 then to free gaseous nitrogen. It has been found that there are 
 more denitrifying organisms than nitrifying bacteria, although 
 the loss of nitrogen from well drained and tilled soils is not 
 large, because the denitrifying bacteria cannot attack the nitro- 
 gen in such soils. The nitrogen wasting bacteria work con- 
 siderable damage in manure heaps. 
 
34 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Organisms that Gather Nitrogen. — Other organisms found in the 
 soil that exert an effect on its fertility are those that live in 
 the tubercles or nodules on the roots of certain plants called 
 the legumes, of which cowpea, bean, pea, clovers, alfalfa, vetch, 
 etc. are examples. These plants through the action of these 
 bacteria have the power of acquiring the free gaseous nitrogen 
 from the air and utilizing it in their growth. The bacteria secure 
 this free nitrogen from the air in the soil and the plant acquires 
 it from the bacteria. When the plant dies the nitrogen left 
 in the roots remains in the soil and thus enriches it. The par- 
 ticular bacterium can only attach itself to the legume it is suit- 
 able to. That is, bacteria forming tubercles on the roots of 
 clover will not grow on cowpea roots. When there is a plenti- 
 ful supply of nitrogen as nitrates in the soil the legumes will 
 not always form tubercles and utilize the free atmospheric nitro- 
 gen, but will gather their supply from the soil. Legumes 
 therefore are able to secure nitrogen from the soil and the air. 
 The tubercles seem to form better in alkaline soils containing 
 lime. 
 
 Inoculation of the Soil. — The absence of tubercles on the roots 
 of legumes may therefore be due to the absence of the particular 
 bacteria required, to the excess of nitrates, or to the acidity of 
 the soil. Should the soil be deficient in the particular bacteria 
 needed, the soil should be inoculated. This inoculation is ac- 
 complished by sowing soil from a neighboring field that has 
 produced a good crop of the kind desired, or if such a soil can- 
 not be obtained, by inoculating the seed before planting with a 
 pure culture which has been obtained from the tubercles of the 
 kind of crop to be raised. These cultures may be obtained from 
 the United States Department of Agriculture and dealers in 
 seeds. In using soil from another field for inoculating, fungus 
 diseases, insects and objectionable weeds are often introduced 
 which become a serious menace in the production of crops. 
 Care must be takefn to secure soil from a disease free field. 
 The pure cultures are not always satisfactory, as they are hard 
 to preserve in transportation, so that the use of soil is perhaps 
 the better method just now. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY. 
 
 As the fertilizer ingredients, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and 
 potash are the plant food elements that have to be supplied, let 
 us find out some of the ways they are taken away from the soil 
 and methods of preventing and restoring their loss. 
 
 Erosion is the loss of soil by the action of water or wind. 
 
 Any one who has ever lived in the South is familiar with the 
 tremendous losses of fertility incurred by erosion. The most 
 serious losses occur on hilly clay soils. Cotton and corn are 
 grown on many of the southern soils year after year and the soil 
 is left bare during the winter. These soils are not plowed very 
 deep and when a heavy rain comes only a small amount of the 
 water can soak into the soil. If the land is hilly the rain forms 
 little rills at first which finally become gullies and much of the 
 good fertile soil is washed to the valleys or bottom lands. In 
 a few seasons a great deal of such hill land becomes unpro- 
 ductive. 
 
 There are other sections in America besides the South where 
 erosion is damaging farms. In some of the far western states 
 and other sections where the land is hilly, erosion is a source 
 of loss of fertility. 
 
 Erosion by water besides carrying away the most fertile part 
 of the soil puts the land in such a condition that it is difficult 
 to operate. Gullies are objectionable in growing crops. 
 
 On light sandy soils the blowing away of the surface soil by 
 wind often results in serious losses of fertility. Mounds or 
 ridges are often formed which interfere with cultivating the soil. 
 
 Ways to Check Erosion. — Plowing up and down hill is very 
 bad practice as the furrows become regular waterways during 
 a rain storm. In the South the lands that are subject to erosion 
 are usually the clay soils which will not absorb water readily. 
 Shallow plowing is practiced and deep plowing will cause more 
 water to be absorbed and retained. Most of these soils are lack- 
 ing in organic matter. By growing green crops in the winter 
 4 
 
36 SOIL FERTIIvITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 and turning them under in time for the summer crops, erosion 
 will be stopped considerably during the winter and much organic 
 matter will be supplied which will make clay soils more porous 
 and spongy. Underdrainage prevents erosion by carrying the 
 excess of water away gently. 
 
 Many farmers terrace their soil to prevent it from washing 
 away. This custom is not as beneficial as deep plowing, 
 plowing under of green crops, or putting the land in pasture. 
 Many of the most successful farmers keep their rows level so 
 when it rains the water remains in the furrows instead of wash- 
 ing down hill. These furrows will not be straight but answer 
 the purpose of saving fertility. 
 
 Drainage. — The loss of fertility by drainage is chiefly concerned 
 in the loss of nitrogen. This element to be favorable for most 
 plants to assimilate must be in the form of nitrates which are 
 readily soluble in water. Phosphoric acid and potash are fixed 
 in the soil so that they are insoluble in water and hence very 
 inappreciable amounts are lost by drainage. The following 
 table gives the composition of drainage waters from twelve plots 
 upon which wheat was grown. These plots each possessed a 
 tile drain at the depth of 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches running down 
 the center. 
 
 Lime and sulphuric acid were carried away more than the 
 other constituents and small amounts of potash and nitrogen as 
 ammonia were lost. Nitrogen as nitrates show considerable loss 
 while phosphoric acid was only present in drainage water in 
 traces. 
 
 Experiments have shown that the loss of nitrogen by drainage 
 is greater on soils that are idle than on cultivated soils. At 
 first thought one would suppose that the loss would be greater 
 on the cultivated soils as they are more open and porous and 
 hence permit of a more free passage of water through the soil. 
 
 The excess of nitrates in cultivated soils is carried down in 
 the soil but after a rain the capillary water carries it up again 
 to the plant roots. Again, the plants are continually using up 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY 
 
 37 
 
 CI 
 
 "33 
 
 o 
 
 w 
 
 
 O 
 < 
 g 
 
 ft 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 u 
 
 
 M O r^vO 0\o r^^r^O 0^0^0 
 
 qsB^od }o 
 ajBHdinsH- 
 
 Bpos JO 
 3?Bqdins + 
 
 lO 
 
 ro w fO^O '"O r-»vo \0 0^ t^ <*i \o On ON 
 
 M>-i ON « coOv\0«rO 
 
 ■-I lO 
 
 rj- rO — vO ro O ^O ^vD rOvO ON *0 ON 
 
 00 _ TT 
 
 VO OnO " •^On'-' O O ^-^TfONON 
 
 BpOS JO 
 
 a^BJ^ia 'sqx oSS + 
 
 NO 00 d 00 lO -^vd lO w i-J I 
 CJ H, ^ « ID " -* ' 
 
 fO O fO 
 
 S3IB5 BIU 
 
 -oiaoiB 'sqi o3fr + 
 
 cho o ^t^ONONt-^i- ►- o\o o^ 
 -^■^d moo «■ ooono d 00 i^w 
 
 fO«-" 00 •-« WON lOi-fON 
 
 5)IB6 Bin 
 
 -ouituB 'sqiooz + 
 
 »oq6 d roi^^d « d f^M cf^Tj-r^ 
 
 
 ononh- i-h w r^o t>-r^ r^vb ■-' on ^ 
 w fodod io«-*vd lod '4dod dvo 
 
 « ON l-> N Tt l-t Tj- 
 
 M M — Tt q\ ■^ t>.NO r^ IH r^ t^ M 
 
 vOVOdl^^iOrOpJONO I rn tn\0 
 
 cQ CO 
 
 S M 
 ■>! 2 
 
 bpii 
 
 o2 
 
 is 
 
 t3 
 
 5 O 0JJJ3SJ3 ffl 
 S Ph 03 O U M (1| O 
 
 tfltl 
 
38 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 the available supply of nitrogen as fast as it is formed so that 
 there is no appreciable excess to be carried away. 
 
 It has been found that about 37 pounds of nitrogen per acre 
 are lost from average idle land during a year. This loss of 
 nitrogen is quite large when we consider the amounts removed 
 by our farm crops. ^- 
 
 Pounds of 
 nitrogen 
 removed 
 per acre 
 
 Wheat, 20 bushels 25 
 
 Straw, 2,000 pounds 10 
 
 Total 35 
 
 Barley, 40 bushels 28 
 
 Straw, 3,000 pounds 12 
 
 Total 40 
 
 Oats, 50 bushels 35 
 
 Straw, 3,000 pounds 15 
 
 Total 50 
 
 Flax, 15 bushels 39 
 
 Straw , 1 ,800 pounds 15 
 
 Total 54 
 
 Corn, 65 bushels 40 
 
 Stalks, 3,000 pounds 35 
 
 Total 75 
 
 Potatoes, 150 bushels 40 
 
 Fallowing. — In the arid sections of this country where dry 
 farming is followed it is often necessary to let the land remain 
 idle for a season to conserve enough moisture to produce pro- 
 fitable crops. The land is usually plowed two or three times, 
 at intervals, or plowed once and harrowed two or three times. 
 This procedure keeps down the weeds and increases the mois- 
 ture in the soil. According to King, 203 tons more water was 
 found on fallowed land per acre in the spring following the 
 fallow, than on land that was not fallowed, and 179 tons more 
 water was found on the fallowed field after a crop was harvested 
 than on the other field." 
 
MAINTAINING SOIt FERTILITY 
 
 39 
 
 Fallowing increases the supply of available nitrogen as nitrates 
 and in some sections fallowing is practiced for this reason. The 
 yield of the crop following fallowing is increased but consider- 
 able humus is lost by being oxidized, and generally more ni- 
 trates are formed than can be used up by the crop following 
 fallowing. Snyder has found by experiments that 590 pounds 
 of nitrogen per acre were lost by two years of summer fallow- 
 ing, or an amount sufficient for five wheat crops. ^' At the 
 Rothamstead Experiment Station experiments show that con- 
 siderable more nitrogen was lost from bare soils than from 
 wheat land.^' 
 
 Nitrogen in Drainage Waters Average of 12 Years (or more). 
 
 Rainfall 
 (inches) 
 
 January 
 
 February 
 
 March 
 
 April 
 
 May 
 
 June 
 
 July 
 
 August 
 
 September 
 
 October 
 
 November 
 
 December 
 
 January-April 
 
 May-.-Vugust 
 
 September-December 
 January-December. . . 
 
 2.13 
 2.16 
 1.70 
 2.25 
 2.48 
 2.59 
 2.85 
 2.69 
 2.70 
 3.12 
 3.20 
 
 2.34 
 
 8.24 
 
 io.6i 
 
 11.36 
 
 30.21 
 
 Bare soil, 6o-inch gauge 
 
 Drainage 
 (inches) 
 
 1-93 
 1-74 
 0.94 
 0.79 
 0.79 
 0.78 
 0.62 
 0.76 
 0.82 
 1.68 
 2.32 
 1.88 
 5-40 
 
 2-95 
 6.70 
 
 15-05 
 
 Nitrogen 
 (per mil- 
 lion of 
 water) 
 
 8.9 
 9-1 
 8-9 
 9.0 
 
 9-1 
 
 9-1 
 
 11.8 
 
 13-3 
 13-4 
 II. 9 
 11.4 
 10.6 
 9.0 
 10.6 
 II. 8 
 10.5 
 
 Nitrogen 
 (pounds 
 per acre) 
 
 Wheat 
 land, nitro- 
 gen (per 
 million 
 of water) 
 
 3-88 
 
 3-57 
 1.89 
 1. 61 
 
 1-63 
 
 1.60 
 
 1.66 
 
 2.28 
 
 2.50 
 
 4-53 
 
 598 
 
 4-51 
 
 i°-95 
 
 7-17 
 
 '7-52 
 
 35-64 
 
 3-' 
 4.0 
 2.0 
 
 1-9 
 0.9 
 0.1 
 0.1 
 
 O.I 
 
 3-9 
 4-6 
 3-6 
 4-8 
 2.8 
 
 0-3 
 4-2 
 2.4 
 
 The loss of nitrogen from the bare uncropped soil reached 
 10.6 parts per million from May to August while that of the soil 
 on which wheat was grown amounted to 0.3 pounds per million 
 of water for the same period. After the wheat was harvested 
 the loss of nitrogen increased. 
 
 On rich soils the losses are greater than on soils deficient in 
 organic matter because the oxidation of organic matter is more 
 
40 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 rapid. It is evident, then, tiiat fallowing increases the production 
 of crops at the expense of a reduction of organic matter. 
 
 In sections of plentiful rainfall, fallowing is often injurious 
 and it should only be practiced in the dry sections where there 
 is not enough rainfall to carry away the nitrates and therefore 
 not sufficient moisture for the continuous growing of crops. 
 
 Other Ways Nitrogen is Lost. — The washing away of nitrogen 
 as nitrates is not the only way this element is lost, but consider- 
 able of this valuable constituent escapes in the form of gases. 
 This loss as gas is occasioned by dentrification, which reduces 
 the nitrates to gases, and to the liberation of nitrogen from 
 organic matter. The loss on soils rich in organic matter is 
 greater than on poor soils. 
 
 Experiments show that in continuous cropping more nitrogen 
 is usually lost than the crop removes. The following table il- 
 lustrates this point.-" 
 
 Loss OF Nitrogen by Continuous Cropping Per Acre Per Year. 
 
 Name of crop 
 
 Wheat 
 Corn . . 
 Oats - . 
 Barley 
 
 Nitrogen lost K°;i,'"i'™?- 
 
 removed and 
 
 lost 
 
 Pounds 
 
 171 
 
 85 
 
 196 
 
 200 
 
 The loss of nitrogen by continuous cropping of cotton, corn, 
 tobacco and the cereal crops is a very serious one. 
 
 Loss of Phosphoric Acid and Potash. — Although phosphoric 
 acid and potash are usually present in the soil as compounds in- 
 soluble in water, nevertheless large quantities are lost every 
 year by being carried away with the soil into rivers and other 
 streams. Again, traces of phosphoric acid and potash are 
 carried away in the soluble form by drainage and although this 
 loss is not large per acre it amounts to a great deal in the 
 course of time. The Mississippi River deposits in the Gulf of 
 Mexico 3,702,758,400 cubic feet of solid material per year. 
 One cubic foot of this solid material weighs about 80 pounds. 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL FEETIUTY 41 
 
 This material is quite rich in potash often containing as high as 
 0.50 per cent, of this constituent. The phosphoric acid con- 
 tent is much lower than this figure but it is considerable. The 
 rivers that empty into the oceans in the northern part of the 
 United States do not perhaps carry away so much fertility as 
 the rivers of the far south, but the annual loss of the mineral 
 elements carried away in streams is appalling. 
 
 One Crop Farming. — The exclusive growing of one crop caused 
 more farms to be abandoned in the United States than any other 
 practice. The continuous cropping of wheat in the West, to- 
 bacco in Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina, cotton in the 
 South, and corn in the North Central States has always resulted 
 in the loss of fertility and depletion of the soil. All of these 
 crops with the exception of corn are sold from the farm without 
 the return of any fertility. On most of these one crop farms no 
 fertility is put on the soil and the farm is abandoned or else 
 artificial (commercial) fertilizers are used. Most of our soils 
 in the United States were formerly fertile but the practice of 
 growing crops without returning organic matter has resulted 
 in decreasing the yields on our older cultivated lands. Under 
 the subject "fallowing" we learned that it was poor procedure 
 to allow the land to lie idle except in dry regions, and the best 
 farmers to-day are those that utilize their land continually and 
 to the fullest extent. When we visit some of the European 
 countries where land has been in cultivation for centuries, we 
 find. that these lands are still producing valuable crops, and that 
 the yields are as large, if not larger now, than they were two 
 centuries ago. This condition exists in Europe because fer- 
 tiHty has been returned to the soil every year to sustain crops. 
 
 Fortunately, land has been comparatively cheap in the United 
 States and when a farm failed to produce paying crops another 
 piece of land was secured, and so on. The time has arrived 
 when the acquiring of new land for one crop farming is hard 
 to obtain at a price within the bounds of such farmers. So it 
 is now necessary and more profitable for the farmer to grow 
 other crops in conjunction with his money crop. This growing 
 of other crops is called diversifying or rotating. 
 
42 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Diversification and Rotation of Crops. — Diversification is the 
 growing of different crops without any regular or definite sys- 
 tem. Rotation of crops is spoken of as growing a certain num- 
 ber of crops, in regular order, on the same piece of land. For 
 example, a rotation may consist of four crops, corn, oats, wheat 
 and clover, and will be called a four year rotation because these 
 crops will be grown in order on the same piece of land and 
 take four years to complete. A farmer may have i6o acres in 
 his rotation and each year 40 acres will be allowed for each of 
 the four crops mentioned. Each 40 acres will grow the same 
 crop every fifth year and one of the crops every year. The 
 terms six-year, five-year, four-year, three-year, two-year, etc. 
 are applied to rotations depending upon the time it takes to 
 complete them.. Rotations taking 15 years to complete are 
 known in Europe but the short rotations of three to six years are 
 found to be profitable in the United States. 
 
 Make up of a Rotation.— The crops used in rotations are natu- 
 ally selected according to the location, nature of the soil, avail- 
 able crops, market prices, kind of farming, insect and plant dis- 
 eases, climate, etc. A stock farm would require different crops 
 than a tobacco farm ; a dairy farm in Wisconsin could not pro- 
 bably use the same rotation as a dairy farm in Alabama; two 
 farms in the same state with different soil conditions would 
 perhaps select different crops for a rotation; a farm ten miles 
 from a market would no doubt find it more practical to grow 
 different crops than one 1,000 miles away; and crops would not 
 be chosen that insects or plant diseases ruin. 
 
 Reasons for Rotating Crops. — Some of the reasons for rotating 
 crops are: 
 
 1. To keep down weeds. 
 
 2. To gather nitrogen from the air. 
 
 3. To distribute farm labor more evenly. 
 
 4. To eradicate insect or other diseases. 
 
 5. To furnish feed for live-stock. 
 
 6. To give the farmer a regular income. 
 
 7. To prevent losses of fertility. 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY 43 
 
 8. To utilize plant food more evenly. 
 
 9. To include deep and shallow rooted plants. 
 
 10. To save fertilizer expenditure. 
 
 11. To regulate the humus supply. 
 
 12. To conserve moisture in dry sections. 
 
 1. Rotation of Crops Keeps Down Weeds. — It is well known that 
 the growing of particular crops is accompanied by certain 
 weeds. Those crops that are sown broadcast, as the small 
 grains, are more apt to be weedy than cultivated crops as corn, 
 cotton, tobacco, potatoes, etc. When crops like wheat, hay, etc. 
 are grown continuously the yields or the quality of the crops 
 are often materially reduced by weeds. Intertilled crops as 
 corn, tobacco, cotton, potatoes, etc., when well cultivated, are 
 known as "cleaning crops." So in planning a rotation crops 
 should be selected that will tend to keep down weeds. Culti- 
 vated crops should be included with those that are sown broad- 
 cast. 
 
 2. legumes are Profitable. — By including legumes as clovers, 
 Canada field pea, cowpea, velvet bean, soy bean, etc. in a rota- 
 tion, it is possible to gather considerable nitrogen, which ia the 
 most expensive fertilizing element to buy, from the air. A crop 
 of red clover, one year old, is estimated to contain 20 to 30 
 pounds of nitrogen in the roots, per acre. A crop of cowpeas 
 in Louisiana furnishes 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre. By 
 plowing under leguminous crops enough nitrogen is often fur- 
 nished so that the following crop does not require any extra 
 supply, and of some nitrogen has to be supplied, that amount 
 is much less than it would be were not nitrogen gathering crops 
 utilized. 
 
 The Minnesota Experiment Station^^ found a loss of 2,000 
 pounds of nitrogen per acre when wheat, barley, corn and oats 
 were grown for twelve consecutive years ; two-thirds to three- 
 fourths of this amount was not used by the crops but was lost 
 in other ways. The Ohio Experiment Station^^ found that there 
 was a gain of 300 pounds of nitrogen per acre in excess of what 
 the crop utilized when clover was included in five-year rota- 
 
44 SOIL, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 tions, covering periods of ten years. When timothy and non- 
 legumes were used in place of clover, nitrogen was lost from 
 the soil ; the loss of nitrogen from the soil was a little more than 
 that removed by the crop. 
 
 3. The Distribution of Farm Labor. — One of the most important 
 points in favor of a rotation of crops is that it allows of a more 
 even distribution of farm labor. When several crops are grown 
 every year the farmer is able to employ help the greater part of 
 the year and thus secure more efficient labor at a less cost for 
 the work performed than should single crop farming be in 
 vogue. 
 
 4. The Checking or Eradication of Insects and Plant Diseases. 
 Many times crops became so badly attacked by insects, or in- 
 fested with plant diseases, that there are no profits and often 
 large losses in trying to produce them, on the same iield con- 
 tinually. A rotation of crops often eliminates such troubles 
 because certain insects and plant diseases are only common to 
 one particular crop. A good illustration of this is noticeable in 
 the growing of cotton. There is an insect called the cotton boll 
 weevil, which punctures cotton bolls and destroys the crop. 
 Fields that once produced valuable crops of cotton must now 
 be planted to other crops which. are not injured by this insect. 
 
 5. Kotation Furnishes Feed for Live-Stock. — One crop farmers 
 are often forced to buy feed for their live-stock. A farmer who 
 uses a rotation of crops can plan his rotation so that most of 
 the feed will always be produced on the farm. In one crop 
 farming the sale of the crop brings only one value. When 
 several crops are grown it is possible to produce feed for live- 
 stock and a double value is received for the crop. This double 
 value is represented in the feeding value and fertilizing value, 
 the crop is fed and the manure spread on the land. 
 
 6. A Regular Income. — Farmers who raise single crops receive 
 their money but once a year and many of these farmers use their 
 crops in paying the merchant for the last year's supplies. They 
 often live from year to year on the credit basis and pay much 
 more for their supplies than the farmer who is able to pay for 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL t'EKTILITY 45 
 
 what he gets in cash. In certain sections of this country this 
 credit system of farming has proved disastrous because one or 
 two bad years caused the loss of the farm. The single crop 
 farmer generally has to buy more supplies than the farmer who 
 grows several crops. The farmer who practices rotation has 
 crops to sell at different times in the year and so has a more 
 regular income than the single crop farmer who gets his money 
 but once a year. 
 
 7. Preventing Losses of Fertility. — The farmer who rotates his 
 crops may sell the crop that removes the least fertility from the 
 soil and if the money crops remove a great deal of fertility, he 
 may regulate his rotation so as to restore this loss cheaply. 
 
 8. A rotation of crops utilizes plant food more evenly than when 
 single crops are continually grown. Corn, wheat and other 
 grain crops use a great deal of nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
 while tobacco and potatoes are heavy potash feeders. By the 
 proper selection of crops forming a rotation, the plant food may 
 be drawn on more evenly and losses of fertility prevented 
 through leaching, etc. 
 
 9. Deep and Shallow Rooted Plants. — A rotation of crops has 
 an advantage over single crop farming because of the variation 
 in depth of root systems of different crops. Alfalfa and corn 
 have deep tap roots and obtain food from the subsoil, while oats, 
 timothy, blue grass, rye, etc. have shallow roots and feed from 
 the upper soil. By alternating deep and shallow rooted plants 
 the fertility from the subsoil and surface soil is more evenly 
 utilized. Often the surface soil may predominate in nitrogen 
 and phosphoric acid and the subsoil in potash and lime. When 
 the fertility is thus distributed the alternating of shallow and 
 deep rooted plants is important as the fertility of the subsoil is 
 brought to the surface soil by the decay of roots. 
 
 Another advantage of growing deep and shallow rooted plants 
 is the improvement of the physical condition of the soil. Deep 
 rooted plants tend to make a soil more porous because the decay 
 of roots leaves passages in the soil which aid in draining and 
 aerating it. Grass crops tend to make a soil compact, while 
 
46 
 
 SOIL FERTII,ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 alfalfa, roots, grains and other cultivated crops tend to open 
 up the soil. 
 
 A rotation should be selected to keep the soil in good physical 
 condition. Sandy soils are improved by crops that compact 
 them while clay soils should he made more porous. 
 
 10. Rotation Saves Fertilizer Expenditure. — On some farms that 
 formerly used 150 to 300 pounds of commercial fertilizer per 
 acre, as high as 1,500 to 2,000 pounds must be used now to give 
 the same yields. A proper rotation of crops will save the 
 employment of such large quantities of commercial fertilizers. 
 Farm manure may be used, and commercial fertilizer only ap- 
 pHed to those crops that are most in need of nourishment. 
 
 11. Rotation of Crops Regulates the Humus Supply. — Some crops 
 furnish humus while others tend to deplete the soil of this 
 material. Single crop farming is very exhaustive on the humus 
 supply of the soil while a rotation of crops should be selected 
 to conserve the humus content of a soil. Grass crops tend to 
 increase the humus supply, while grain, cotton, tobacco, etc. 
 have the opposite effect of consuming humus. The addition 
 of farm manure is helpful in supplying humus. The following 
 table shows the effect of a rotation of crops on the humus 
 supply.^^ 
 
 ■e .-a 
 £ft! o 
 
 I" 
 
 be V 
 o u 
 it 
 
 "5 
 "■ft 
 
 O 4) ^ 
 m .0 S " 
 
 g a u 
 
 P4 u£Pn 
 
 fe ",5' 
 
 Cultivated 35 years; rotation of 
 crops and manure; high state of 
 productiveness 
 
 Originally same as i; continuous 
 grain cropping for 35 years; low 
 state of productiveness 
 
 Cultivated 42 years; systematic ro- 
 tation and manure; good state of 
 productiveness 
 
 Originally same as 3; cultivated 35 
 years; no systematic rotation or 
 manure; medium state of pro- 
 ductiveness 
 
 70 
 72 
 
 70 
 
 67 
 
 3-32 
 1.80 
 346 
 
 2.45 
 
 0.30 
 0.16 
 0.26 
 
 0.21 
 
 0.04 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.03 
 
 48 
 39 
 59 
 
 57 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY 
 
 47 
 
 
 cc 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 •2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 F". 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 > 
 u 
 - 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i2 
 
 < 
 
 
 
 
 X a. 
 
 
 
 
 p 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 il' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 b 
 
 
 
 
 X 
 
 >. 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 E^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 > 
 
 
 
 t. 
 
 o 
 
 X 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a-d 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ri 
 
 i 
 
 o 
 E 
 
 ■o 
 
 s 
 
 t 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 cd 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i2 
 
 efl 
 
 •sS 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 CO 
 
 s 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 »4 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 f, 
 
 o 
 
 a 
 2 
 
 bo 
 1 
 
 < 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 £ 
 
 o 
 m 
 
 S 
 bO 
 
 -c 
 
 C 
 re 
 
 U 
 
 s 
 
 w 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 i 
 
 1- 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 J 
 
 1^ 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 V 
 
 & 
 
 V 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 < 
 
 JU 
 
 a 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 IS 
 
 JO 
 
 *a 
 
 H 
 
 83 
 
 c 
 
 o 
 
 s-ss 
 
 "^ "■0 
 
 135 
 
 
 Is. 
 
 ■S a 
 "§§ 
 
 1 
 
 U 
 
 W Rl 
 
 'tn 
 
 o 
 
 = 
 
 u 
 o 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 o 
 
 in 
 
 
 ei 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 rt 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 , 
 
 (ft 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 O o B- 
 
 
 "o'i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 si 
 
 >> 
 
 
 
 M 
 V 
 
 ■a 
 
 2 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 g 
 
 1 
 
 is 
 1 
 
 u 
 o 
 
 n 
 
 O 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 -a 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 N 
 Z 
 
 8 
 
 E 
 
 S 
 >, 
 
 
 o 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 ! 
 
 o 
 
 u 
 If 
 
 1 
 
 Clover cut for hay 
 plowed under; f 
 lowed by cowpc 
 
 for hay; seeded 
 
 small grain 
 
 -0 
 
 n 
 
 0.2 
 
 V 
 
 a 
 
 V 
 
 ' 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 |i 
 
 
 eg 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 re 
 
 1 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 >> 
 
 S 
 
 5 
 
 a 
 
 5 
 
 
 1 
 
 "a 
 
 1 
 
 < 
 
 i 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 u 
 
 re 
 
 I 
 
 u 
 O 
 
 re 
 
 w 
 o J; 
 
 ii 
 
 
 •E 
 
 o 5; 
 ■O o 
 
 11 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 £12 
 
 « « 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 a 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 CI 
 
 
 
 U 
 
 
 B 
 
 Rl 
 
 I: 
 
 (A 
 
 2 . 
 
 s 
 
 1^ 
 
 si 
 
 CO 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 
 'to' 
 
 CO 
 V 
 
 
 
 .2 
 
 en 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 ^1: 
 
 m'a ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 .2 
 
 2 
 
 
 2 
 
 ■d 
 s 
 a 
 >> 
 
 g 
 
 o 
 
 t/} 
 
 U) 
 
 E « 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 'iS 
 
 s 
 
 be 
 
 CO 
 
 S|S ■ 
 
 
 i' 
 
 
 
 
 T3 
 4l£ 
 
 1 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 ■c a 
 
 a «j 
 1^ 
 
 "1^ 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 u 
 
 .c 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 S 
 
 O 
 
 "•5 
 
 o 
 
 1 
 
 
 u 
 
 re 
 u 
 C 
 re 
 
 Cfl-O 
 
 
 = 
 
 
 '5 
 a 
 
 E 
 
 
 hT 
 
 a 
 
 is 
 
 > 
 
 b 
 
 o 
 
 
 :-H 
 
 ^ 
 
 5 
 
 < 
 
 u 
 
 X 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 » 
 
 
 w 
 
48 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Approximate Maximum Amounts Rkmovable Per Acre Annually 
 
 Produce 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Market value 
 
 Kind 
 
 Corn, grain . 
 Corn, stover. 
 
 Corn crop' 
 
 Oats, grain. 
 Oat straw ■ ■ 
 
 Oat crop . 
 
 Wheat, grain 
 Wheat straw 
 
 Wheat crop 
 
 Soy beans ■ • 
 Soy bean straw 
 
 Soy bean crop. 
 
 Timothy hay. 
 Clover seed — 
 Clover hay . . . 
 Cowpea hay. . 
 Alfalfa hay . ■ . 
 
 Cotton lint 
 
 Cotton-seed .... 
 Cotton stalks 
 
 Cotton crop . . 
 
 Potatoes . . . 
 Sugar-beets. 
 
 Apples 
 
 Leaves 
 
 Wood growth 
 
 Total crop. 
 
 Fat cattle . 
 Fat hogs • . 
 
 Milk 
 
 Butter 
 
 Nitro- 
 gen 
 
 ICO bush. 
 3 tons 
 
 loo bush. 
 lYz tons.. 
 
 50 bush.. 
 2% tons. 
 
 25 bush. 
 1% tons. 
 
 3 tons ■ . 
 
 4 bush. 
 4 tons . . 
 3 tons- . 
 8 tons. . 
 
 1,000 lbs. 
 2,000 lbs. 
 4,000 lbs- 
 
 300 bush. 
 20 tons... 
 
 600 bush • 
 
 4 tons 
 
 I tree . . . 
 
 1,000 lbs.. 
 1,000 lbs. . 
 [0,000 lbs. 
 400 lbs . . . 
 
 100 
 48 
 
 148 
 
 66 
 31 
 
 97 
 
 71 
 25 
 
 96 
 
 80 
 79 
 
 159 
 
 72 
 
 07 
 160 
 130 
 400 
 
 03 
 
 63 
 
 102 
 
 168 
 
 63 
 too 
 
 47 
 59 
 06 
 
 25 
 18 
 
 57 
 o.: 
 
 Phos- 
 phorus' 
 
 17 
 06 
 
 23 
 
 II 
 05 
 
 16 
 
 12 
 04 
 
 16 
 
 13 
 08 
 
 09 
 02 
 20 
 14 
 36 
 
 0.4 
 II 
 18 
 
 29.4 
 
 13 
 
 IS 
 
 05 
 07 
 
 02 
 
 14 
 
 07 
 03 
 07 
 
 0.2 
 
 Potas- 
 siuni^ 
 
 Nitro- 
 gen 
 
 19 
 52 
 
 71 
 
 16 
 
 52 
 
 $15.00 
 7.20 
 
 9.90 
 4.65 
 
 68 
 
 13 
 45 
 
 58 
 
 24 
 49 
 
 14-55 
 
 10.65 
 3-75 
 
 14.40 0.48 
 
 12.00 
 11.85 
 
 73 
 
 71 
 03 
 
 120 
 98 
 
 192 
 
 04 
 19 
 59 
 
 82 
 
 90 
 157 
 
 57 
 47 
 05 
 
 109 
 
 ot 
 01 
 12 
 0.1 
 
 23.85 
 
 10.80 
 1.05 
 24.00 
 19-50 
 60.00 
 
 0.45 
 
 9-45 
 
 15.30 
 
 25.20 
 
 9-45 
 15.00 
 
 7-05 
 8.85 
 0.90 
 
 16.80 
 
 3-75 
 2.70 
 
 8.55 
 0.12 
 
 Phos- 
 phorus 
 
 0.51 
 0.18 
 
 0.69 
 
 0-33 
 0.15 
 
 0.48 
 
 0.36 
 0.12 
 
 0.39 
 0.24 
 
 0.63 
 
 0.27 
 0.06 
 0.60 
 0.42 
 1.08 
 
 O.OI 
 
 0-33 
 0.54 
 
 0.88 
 
 0.39 
 0-54 
 
 0.15 
 0.21 
 o.o5 
 
 0.42 
 
 0.21 
 0.09 
 0.21 
 
 O.OI 
 
 Potas- 
 sium 
 
 1. 14 
 3 12 
 
 4.26 
 
 0.96 
 3-'2 
 
 4.08 
 
 0.78 
 2.70 
 
 3-48 
 
 1.44 
 2.94 
 
 4-.38 
 
 4.26 
 0.18 
 7.20 
 5.88 
 11.52 
 
 0.24 
 1.14 
 3-54 
 
 4.92 
 
 5-40 
 9.42 
 
 3.42 
 2.82 
 
 0.30 
 
 6.54 
 
 0.06 
 0.06 
 0.72 
 
 O.OI 
 
 Total 
 value 
 
 fi6.65 
 10.50 
 
 27.15 
 
 II. 19 
 7.92 
 
 19. 1 1 
 
 11.79 
 6.57 
 
 18.36 
 
 13.83 
 15-03 
 
 28.86 
 
 15-33 
 1.29 
 31.80 
 25.80 
 72.60 
 
 0.70 
 10.92 
 19-38 
 
 31.00 
 
 15.23 
 24.96 
 
 10.62 
 
 11.88 
 
 1.26 
 
 23-76 
 
 4.02 
 2.85 
 9.48 
 
 0.14 
 
 ^ To change phosphorus to phosphoric acid, multiply by 2.29. 
 - To change potassium to potash, multiply by 1.204. 
 
 2 To this might be added 1,000 pounds of corn cobs, containing 2 pounds of nitrogen, 
 less than J^ pound of phosphorus, and 2 pounds of potassium. 
 
MAINTAINING SOII, FERTIUTY 
 
 40 
 
 12. Rotation of Crops Conserves Moisture. — In the arid regions 
 the conservation of moisture is an important consideration in 
 planning a rotation. Heavy moisture consuming crops should 
 not be planted in succession in sections of small rainfall, but 
 heavy consuming and light consuming moisture crops should 
 be so grown as to conserve the moisture supply. 
 
 Crop Rotations. — On page 47 are a few examples of crop 
 rotations practiced in different sections of the United States. 
 These have been secured from various sources. 
 
 System of Fanning. — The loss of fertility sold from the farm 
 every year depends upon the kinds of crops produced and sold. 
 The table on page 48 gives the fertility removed by farm pro- 
 duce." 
 
 Note the small amount of fertility lost when live-stock are sold 
 and also when butter and milk are marketed. The legumes 
 and root crops remove a great deal of potash. 
 
 When crops are fed to live-stock and the manure produced put 
 on the land there is not a great loss of fertility, but when crops 
 like the cereals are sold there is no saving of fertility. 
 Loss BY Exclusive Grain Farming." 
 
 Sold from the farm 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Founds 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Pounds 
 
 Potash 
 Pounds 
 
 Flax, 40 acres . 
 
 Flax straw 
 
 Wheat, 50 acres 
 Wheat straw • . ■ 
 Oats, 20 acres . . 
 
 Oat straw 
 
 Barley, 50 acres 
 Barley straw • • ■ 
 
 Total 
 
 1,600 
 600 
 
 1,250 
 500 
 700 
 300 
 
 1,400 
 600 
 
 6,950 
 
 600 
 120 
 625 
 375 
 240 
 120 
 750 
 250 
 
 3,080 
 
 800 
 320 
 
 350 
 1,400 
 200 
 700 
 400 
 1,500 
 
 5.670 
 
 On this farm of 160 acres the loss of nitrogen is practically 
 four times the amount (6,950) because in this system of farm- 
 ing four times more nitrogen is lost by natural means than is 
 removed by the crop. This will total the loss in this farm to 
 27,800 pounds of nitrogen, 3,080 pounds of phosphoric acid 
 and 5,670 pounds of potash. On this farm the straw is burned 
 and the ashes thrown away and no live-stock are kept. 
 
50 
 
 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 On another farm of the same acreage where live-stock are 
 kept, manure saved, several crops grown, and rotation practiced, 
 the following are the losses i^" 
 
 Stock Farming. 
 
 Sold from the farm 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Pounds 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Pounds 
 
 Potash 
 Pounds 
 
 Butter, 5,000 pounds 
 
 Young cattle, 10 head 
 
 Hogs, 20 of 250 pounds each 
 
 Steers, 2 
 
 Wheat, 10 acres 
 
 Flax, 10 acres 
 
 Rye, 10 acrrs 
 
 Total 
 
 Raised and consumed on the farm 
 
 Clover, 20 tons 
 
 Timothy, 20 tons 
 
 Com, 20 acres 
 
 Corn fodder, i acre 
 
 Mangels, 2 acres 
 
 Potatoes, I acre 
 
 Straw, 40 tons 
 
 Peas, 5 acres 
 
 Oats, 20 acres 
 
 Barley, 20 acres with straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Mechanical loss of food con- 
 sumed, 3 per cent. 
 
 Feed and fuel purchased 
 
 Bran, 5 tons 
 
 Shorts, 5 tons 
 
 Oil meal, i ton 
 
 Hard-wood ashes 
 
 Total 
 
 Mechanical loss in material pur- 
 chased, 3 per cent. 
 
 Sold from farm 
 
 Loss in feed consutned 
 
 Total 
 
 Feed and fuel purchased 
 
 Balance lost from farm 
 
 5 
 
 200 
 
 100 
 
 48 
 
 250 
 
 390 
 _285 
 
 1,278 
 
 4.265 
 
 128 
 
 275 
 250 
 
 IOC 
 
 625 
 
 19 
 1,278 
 
 1 28 
 
 1.425 
 
 625 
 
 800 
 
 5 
 190 
 40 
 38 
 125 
 150 
 128 
 
 676 
 
 1,780 
 
 53 
 
 260 
 
 150 
 
 35 
 
 25 
 
 470 
 
 J4 
 676 
 
 53 
 743 
 470 
 
 273 
 
 5 
 16 
 10 
 
 4 
 
 70 
 
 190 
 
 85 
 
 380 
 
 00 
 
 270 
 
 600 
 
 600 
 
 180 
 
 800 
 
 1,500 
 
 300 
 
 800 
 
 75 
 
 '5 
 
 60 
 
 150 
 
 70 
 
 300 
 
 40 
 
 20 
 
 75 
 
 400 
 
 200 
 
 1,000 
 
 000 
 
 85 
 
 200 
 
 700 
 
 240 
 
 200 
 
 800 
 
 400 
 
 760 
 
 4.795 
 
 144 
 
 150 
 100 
 
 25 
 100 
 
 375 
 
 10 
 380 
 144 
 
 534 
 375 
 159 
 
MAINTAINING SOIL FERTILITY 51 
 
 There is much less loss in the second system of farming than 
 the first. The amounts of phosphoric acid and potash lost are 
 very small and the loss of nitrogen is compensated for by that 
 left in the soil by the legumes, peas and clover. 
 
 From the foregoing data it is evident that the system of farm- 
 ing determines the loss of fertility. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FARM MANUEES. 
 
 Farm manure has been used for centuries in restoring fer- 
 tility to the soil. It is the oldest and one of the most important 
 of our fertilizers. It is formed from vegetable and animal sub- 
 stances and naturally should prove of great value. In some 
 sections of this country farm manure is wasted, but the value 
 of this material is generally becoming better understood and is 
 more carefully saved than formerly, especially in the older farm- 
 ing regions. 
 
 Kinds of Manure. — When there is a great deal of straw or hay 
 in manure, it is said to be coarse. It is termed stable manure 
 when it is accumulated in stables and contains all the solid and 
 liquid portions. Barnyard manure is a name applied to manure 
 which is subject to exposure of rains and sun and may be com- 
 posed of pure solid excrement, or excrement and bedding. 
 
 Conditions Affecting the Value of Manure. — There are many 
 conditions which affect the value of manure. 
 
 1. The age of the animal. 
 
 2. The use of the animal. 
 
 3. The kind and amount of bedding used. 
 
 4. The kind of animal. 
 
 5. The nature and amount of feed used. 
 
 6. The care, preservation and use of the manure. 
 
 1. The age of the animal influences the value of manure. Ma- 
 nure from young animals is not so rich in the fertilizer con- 
 stituents, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash as that from 
 mature animals, even when the same kind of feed is used. Young 
 animals require and retain nitrogen and phosphoric acid for 
 growth, while mature animals use these constituents for main- 
 taining the functions of the body and for repairing broken down 
 tissues, after which they are cast off in the manure. 
 
 2. The use of the animal influences the value of manure 
 Lawes' and Gilbert's experiments along this line show :'' 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 53 
 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Mineral matter 
 
 
 Contained 
 in product 
 Per cent. 
 
 Contained 
 
 in excrement 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Contained 
 in product 
 Per cent, 
 
 Contained 
 
 in excrement 
 
 Per cent, 
 
 
 None 
 
 None 
 
 24-5 
 
 3-9 
 
 14.7 
 
 4-3 
 
 lOO.O 
 
 loo.o 
 
 7.S-0 
 
 tl 
 95-7 
 
 None 
 
 None 
 
 10.3 
 
 2-3 
 
 4.0 
 3-8 
 
 
 
 }00 
 
 Milking cows 
 
 Fattening oxen 
 
 Fattening pigs 
 
 Fattening sheep 
 
 89.7 
 
 97-7 
 96.0 
 96.2 
 
 Hall shows the nitrogen retained and digested by fattening 
 oxen and milch cows. This table is calculated on feeding 100 
 pounds of linseed cake." 
 
 
 In 
 
 100 lbs. 
 
 linseed 
 
 cake 
 
 Fattening oxen 
 
 Milch cows 
 
 
 In meat 
 
 In urine 
 
 In faeces 
 
 In milk 
 
 In urine 
 
 In faeces 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid. 
 
 4-75 
 2.00 
 1.40 
 
 0.21 
 0.14 
 0.02 
 
 3.88 
 0.09 
 1. 10 
 
 0.66 
 
 1.77 
 0.28 
 
 1.32 
 0.50 
 0.14 
 
 2.75 
 0.07 
 1.05 
 
 0.66 
 1-43 
 
 
 
 It is shown that milch cows return less of the fertilizing con- 
 
 Pig, 4. — Milch cows return less fertility from feeds than other farm animals. 
 
54 
 
 SOIL KERTIIylTY AND l^ERTIUZERS 
 
 stituents in the feed than other domestic farm animals. Fatten- 
 ing pigs return less than fattening sheep and fattening sheep less 
 than fattening oxen. Horses return the same relative amounts 
 from the feed whether at work or at rest. 
 
 3. The Kind and Amount of Bedding Used. — Bedding besides 
 affecting the value of manure renders stables more sanitary. It 
 provides comfort for the animal, makes the manure lighter and 
 easier to handle, absorbs the liquids, lessens fermentation and 
 improves the texture of the manure. 
 
 Straw is the most common bedding used and is well suited for 
 this purpose, because it is largely made up of cellulose which is 
 a good absorber, and on account of its hollow structure. The 
 following table gives the composition of some of the principal 
 straws. 
 
 Kind 
 
 Water 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Organic 
 
 matter 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Wheat straw 
 
 Oat straw 
 
 Rye straw 
 
 Barley straw 
 
 9.6 
 9.2 
 
 7-1 
 14.2 
 
 4.2 
 5-1 
 3-2 
 5-7 
 
 86.2 
 85.7 
 89.7 
 80.1 
 
 0.59 
 0.62 
 0.46 
 0.70 
 
 0.12 
 0.20 
 0.28 
 0.30 
 
 0.51 
 1.04 
 0.79 
 0.80 
 
 From the above it is shown that there is a difference in the 
 composition of straws, but they all contain a high potash content. 
 The nitrogen and phosphoric acid are rather low and when large 
 amounts of straw are employed the fertilizing value of the manure 
 is naturally lowered. 
 
 Leaves. — Dried autumn leaves are often gathered and used as 
 bedding. They are not as valuable as straw as they do not 
 ferment very rapidly and are liable to cause acidity in the manure. 
 Composition of Dried Leaves. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 0.65 
 
 Phosphoric acid o. 15 
 
 Potash 0.30 
 
 Sawdust is often used as bedding and it is much inferior to 
 straw and dried leaves from a fertility standpoint. It decom- 
 poses very slowly in the soil. However this material is a good 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 55 
 
 absorber of the liquid portions and makes a good bedding when 
 it can be obtained cheaply. 
 
 Composition of Sawdust.'* 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen o-l 
 
 Phosphoric acid o.2 
 
 Potash 0.4 
 
 Shavings are sometimes used as bedding and possess about the 
 same properties as sawdust. 
 
 Peat when dried is a good material to use in stables as it is 
 an excellent absorber. It absorbs not only the liquid portions of 
 the manure but also the nitrogen gases evolved, and renders the 
 stable free from foul odor. It in itself contains considerable 
 organic matter which is beneficial and it is readily fermented in 
 the soil. It is a good material to use in conjunction with straw. 
 The use of peat as bedding increases the nitrogen content of the 
 manure. The nitrogen percentage in peat varies a great deal 
 but it usually approximates i to 1.5 per cent. 
 
 Absorptive Power of Bedding;. — ^According to Snyder/^ the ab- 
 sorptive power of different kinds of bedding are : 
 
 Per cent, of 
 water absorbed 
 
 Fine cut straw 30-0 
 
 Coarse uncut straw 18.0 
 
 Peat 60.0 
 
 Sawdust 450 
 
 Snyder^^ says : "The proportion of absorbents in manure ranges 
 from a fifth to a third of the total weight of the manure." 
 
 The following experiment shows the absorptive power of straw 
 and peat in two similar stables carrying the same stock, in one 
 of which straw was used and the other peat. 
 
 Ammonia In Stable Per Million of Air.' 
 
 Litter 
 
 ist day 
 
 2d day 
 
 3d day 
 
 4th day 
 
 5th day 
 
 6th day 
 
 7th day 
 
 
 0.0012 
 
 0.0028 
 
 0.0045 
 
 0.0081 
 
 00153 
 trace 
 
 0.0168 
 o.oor 
 
 
 Peat moss 
 
 0.017 
 
 4. The Kind of Manure. — Manure from different kinds of ani- 
 mals varies in value. 
 
56 
 
 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Horse Manure. — The manure voided by the horse is rich in 
 nitrogen and not so finely divided as the manure from cows, 
 sheep, etc. This is due to the horse only having one compart- 
 ment in its stomach and therefore the feed, especially coarse 
 feed as hay, etc., is less broken up and digested. Horse manure 
 is generally comparatively dry and hard to incorporate with 
 bedding. On this account, and because of its coarse nature 
 and chemical composition, fermentation readily sets in and con- 
 siderable nitrogen is lost unless the fermentation is stopped. 
 When fermentation is allowed to continue the value of horse 
 manure is very much decreased. Boussingault found by experi- 
 ment that when fermentation was allowed to continue, one-half 
 of the nitrogen was lost from the fresh manure. 
 
 The amount of manure produced by a horse per year is :^° 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Solids 12,000 
 
 Liquids 3,000 
 
 Boussingault and Hofmeister found, on the average, that 28.11 
 pounds of manure was produced daily by the horse. Heiden 
 estimates that 4 to 6 pounds of straw should be used daily to 
 absorb horse manure. Estimating the amount of straw at 5 
 pounds, the total weight of manure would approximate 6 tons 
 for a year, or-* 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Solids 9,600 
 
 Liquids 2, 400 
 
 The above experiments show that a horse produces about 6 
 to 7.5 tons of manure per year in the stable, of which three- 
 fourths are solids and one-fourth liquids. 
 
 Composition of Horse Manure.'* 
 
 Water 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids. 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 84 
 
 92 
 
 0.30 
 
 0.86 
 
 0.25 
 
 
 0. 10 
 
 The liquid portion of hor.se manure contains a great deal more 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 57 
 
 nitrogen that the solid. The liquid portion of horse manure 
 contains very little phosphoric acid. 
 
 Cow manure is much colder than horse manure and so a fine 
 combination results when it is mixed with horse manure ; the f er- 
 mention of the horse manure is stopped and the nitrogen saved, 
 and the mixture is better than cow manure alone. Cow manure 
 contains more water than horse manure due perhaps to the large 
 amounts of water drank by this class of animal. Cow manure 
 does not ferment rapidly and when dry decomposes very slowly 
 in the soil. It is estimated that 6 to lo pounds of straw are 
 necessary to absorb cow manure, depending upon the amount of 
 liquids voided. 
 
 The amount of manure produced by a cow per year is:^'' 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Solids 20,000 
 
 Liquids 8,000 
 
 Boussingault-' found that 73.23 pounds of manure was pro- 
 duced by a cow per day. Of this amount about 25 pounds rep- 
 resents the liquid portion. With bedding, the amount of manure 
 produced per day would approximate 80 pounds. 
 Composition of Cow Manure.'* 
 
 Water 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 lyiquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 76 
 
 89 
 
 0.50 
 
 1.2 
 
 0.35 
 
 
 0.30 
 
 The nitrogen content is present in greater amount in the liquids 
 while there is little phosphoric acid present in this portion of 
 cow manure. 
 
 Hog Manure. — The composition of hog manure is quite variable 
 depending upon the feed consumed. When tankage and other 
 highly nitrogenous feeds are employed the manure is rich, but 
 when feeds containing small amounts of fertilizing constituents 
 are used, the manure is not so valuable. Hog manure contains 
 a high percentage of water and is slow to decompose. It is es- 
 
58 
 
 SOIL FBRTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 timated that 4 to 8 pounds of straw are adequate for absorbing 
 pig manure. 
 
 The amount of manure produced by the hog per year is -P 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Solids 1,800 
 
 Liquids 1,200 
 
 Note the proportionately high liquid content of hog manure. 
 Boussingault found by experiments that a hog produced 8.32 
 pounds of manure per day. 
 
 Composition of Hog Manure." 
 
 Water 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 I,iquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 I^iquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 80 
 
 97 
 
 0.60 
 
 0.80 
 
 0.45 
 
 0.12 
 
 0.50 
 
 The liquid portion of hog manure contains more phosphoric 
 acid and the solids more potash than horse or cow manure. As 
 previously mentioned, the nitrogen content of the liquid portion 
 of hog manure depends upon the nature of the feed. Sometimes 
 the nitrogen will reach 1.5 per cent, in the liquid portion. The 
 liquid portion is higher in water than manure from other farm 
 live-stock. 
 
 Sheep Manure. — The manure from sheep is more valuable than 
 that from other farm animals. On account of its being dry and 
 rich in nitrogen it ferments rapidly although not so quickly as 
 horse manure. The slower action is perhaps due to its more 
 compact mechanical condition. Losses of nitrogen in sheep 
 manure are apt to occur unless the manure is well taken care 
 of. To absorb the liquid portion 3/5 of a pound of straw per 
 day is sufficient per sheep. 
 
 The amount of manure produced by a sheep per year is:^' 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Solids 760 
 
 Liquids 380 
 
 Heiden found that the average manure produced daily by sheep 
 to be 3.78 pounds. 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 Composition of Sheep Manube." 
 
 59 
 
 Water 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 SoHds 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ifiquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Liquids 
 Per cent. 
 
 Solids 
 Per cent. 
 
 58 
 
 86.5 
 
 0.75 
 
 1-4 
 
 0.60 
 
 0.05 
 
 0.30 
 
 Both the solids and liquids of sheep manure run higher in 
 nitrogen than the manure from other farm animals, and the water 
 content is lower. The phosphoric acid content of the solids is 
 also high and that of the liquids appreciable. 
 
 Hen manure contains its nitrogen in a quickly available form 
 and unless carefully preserved, fermentation sets in and drives 
 off considerable of this valuable constituent as ammonia. Lime 
 should not be used where the manure is kept as it hastens the 
 liberation of ammonia. The per cent, of nitrogen in hen manure 
 depends a great deal on the kind of feed consumed. Hens pro- 
 duce, per 1,000 pounds live weight, about 35 pounds of manure 
 per day, and about one bushel of manure is produced by a hen per 
 year. 
 
 Composition of Hen Manure. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Moisture 57.00 
 
 Nitrogen 1.3 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.85 
 
 Potash 0.30 
 
 It is shown that hen manure approximates sheep manure in 
 composition. It is a valuable manure because it acts quickly. 
 Composition of Fowl Manure.'* 
 
 Fowls 
 Per cent. 
 
 Pigeons 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ducks 
 Per cent. 
 
 Geese 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 
 
 Organic matter. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 56.00 
 
 25-50 
 
 1.60 
 
 1.5-2.00 
 
 0.80-.90 
 
 2.0-2.50 
 
 0-75 
 
 52.00 
 31.00 
 
 1-75 
 1.5-2.00 
 1-0-1.25 
 1.5-2.00 
 
 0.50 
 
 56.60 
 26.2cr 
 1. 00 
 1.40 
 0.62 
 1.70 
 0-35 
 
 77.10 
 13.40 
 0-55 
 0-54 
 0-95 
 0.84 
 0.20 
 
6o 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 A pigeon yields about 6 pounds of manure per year, a turkey 
 or goose about 25 pounds, and a duck 18 pounds. 
 Analyses of Bat Mandre.''* 
 
 Insoluble 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent 
 
 Total 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent 
 
 Available 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Texas . . 
 Texas. . 
 Texas ■ ■ 
 Mexico 
 
 o.io 
 0.12 
 
 0.13 
 0.24 
 
 2.65 
 2.98 
 
 2-43 
 4-73 
 
 2-55 
 2.86 
 2.30 
 4-49 
 
 8.64 
 8.65 
 5.81 
 8.76 
 
 2..'i9 
 
 1.80 
 I.7I 
 
 3-34 
 
 Average of Nine Analyses from Various Experiment Stations." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 5.95 
 
 Nitrogen 8.50 
 
 Potash 1. 14 
 
 The following analyses of manures may prove interesting. 
 Analyses of Farm Manures." 
 
 Kind of manure 
 
 Water 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Pota.sh 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 Cattle (solid fresh excrement) 
 
 73-27 
 
 0.29 
 0.58 
 1.63 
 
 0.44 
 
 1-55 
 0-55 
 1-95 
 0.50 
 0.60 
 043 
 
 0.10 
 
 0.49 
 0.85 
 
 0-35 
 1.50 
 0.15 
 2.26 
 0.60 
 0.13 
 0.83 
 
 0.17 
 
 Hen manure (fresh) 
 
 Horse (solid fresh excrement) 
 
 1-54 
 0.17 
 
 Sheep (solid fresh excrement) 
 
 0.31 
 
 01 
 
 
 0.30 
 0.41 
 0.07 
 
 Swine (solid fresh excrement) 
 
 
 How to Calculate the Amount of Manure ProJuced. — A method 
 used for determining the amount of manure produced by animals 
 is to multiply the amount of dry matter in the feed consumed 
 by 3.8 for a cow, 2.1 for a horse and 1.8 for a sheep. A horse 
 that consumes feed containing 25 pounds of dry matter per day 
 would void 25 X 2.1 = 52.5 pounds of manure a day. Add 
 to this the amount of bedding used and you will arrive at the 
 total amount of manure. The dry matter of the principal feeds 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 6l 
 
 found on the American market will be found in the Appendix. 
 
 5. The nature and amount of feed used afifects the value of the 
 manure. The richer the feed the higher the fertilizing value 
 of the manure. Coarse feeds like hay, straw, etc., produce less 
 valuable manure than concentrated feeds like linseed meal, gluten 
 meal, cotton-seed meal, etc. For the fertihzing value of feeds 
 refer to the Appendix. 
 
 Experiments were conducted at Rothamstead on the effect of 
 the feed on the nitrogen content of the excrement, by feeding 
 steers roots and hay and roots, hay and oil cake (a nitrogen 
 concentrate). The results follow.' 
 
 Composition of Farm Manure in Per Cent, from Roots and Hay 
 Only, or from Roots and Hay and Cake. 
 
 Roots and hay only 
 
 Cake fed 
 
 Roots and hay only 
 
 Cake fed 
 
 Roots and hay only 
 
 Cake fed 
 
 Roots and hay only 
 Cake fed 
 
 1904 
 1904 
 1905 
 1905 
 1906 
 1906 
 1907 
 1907 
 
 qs 
 
 23.60 
 24.03 
 29.50 
 31-30 
 
 22.00 
 
 24.30 
 25-30 
 25-50 
 
 0-577 
 
 0.716 
 0.462 
 0.698 
 0.466 
 0.690 
 
 0.589 
 0.815 
 
 
 0.046 
 0.079 
 0.040 
 0.182 
 
 0.022 
 0.097 
 0.125 
 0.377 
 
 15 a 
 
 0.067 
 0.096 
 0.047 
 0.055 
 0.033 
 0.049 
 0.053 
 0.033 
 
 ,D Z 
 
 s be 
 
 0.464 
 
 0.541 
 0.375 
 
 0.461 
 0.4II 
 
 0.544 
 
 0.4II 
 
 0.405 
 
 Mixed & stored 
 
 Not stored 
 
 It is seen that when steers were fed oil cake the manure was 
 richer in nitrogen, by about 40 per cent., than when fed roots 
 and hay alone. The nitrogen produced in the manure of those 
 steers that were cake fed shows a higher availability. 
 
 The manure produced in these experiments was applied to the 
 soil with the following crop returns." 
 
 Crop Returns from the Above Manures. 
 
 Unmanured plot 
 
 16 tons per acre root and hay manure- 
 16 tons per acre cake fed manure 
 
 Year of 
 Application 
 
 Mean of 4 
 
 100 
 
 132 
 183 
 
 Second 
 Year 
 
 Third 
 Year 
 
 Mean of 4 
 
 Mean of 3 
 
 100 
 131 
 
 137 
 
 100 
 112 
 118 
 
62 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The unmanured plot was taken as lOO. The crops grown were 
 turnips, barley, mangolds and wheat in rotation^ and the manure 
 was applied for one year. The availability of the nitrogen pro- 
 duced by feeding cake is evidenced by the yield of the first year 
 when the manure was applied. The yields of the second and 
 third years are not much more than from the root and hay ma- 
 nure. 
 
 Commercial Value of Manure. — The commercial value of manure 
 only represents the value from the standpoint of its plant food 
 constituents nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash. The nitrogen 
 is valued at 15 cents per pound, the phosphoric acid at 6 cents 
 and the potash at 4j4 cents. There is no litter in these manures.^' 
 
 
 
 Percentage 
 
 
 Pounds ingredients 
 
 c 
 
 Productoin per 
 1,000 pounds 
 
 n 
 
 
 Composition 
 
 
 per ton manure 
 
 
 
 live weight 
 
 •c » 
 
 
 J. 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 s. 
 
 
 
 .5 g 
 
 «5 
 
 I1 
 V 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 •a.-2 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 tl 
 
 CO 
 
 s 
 ^ 
 
 -a « 
 
 
 
 is 
 
 ti.a 
 
 CLi 
 
 Z 
 
 CLi.!j 
 
 a. 
 
 
 B. p. 
 
 > P. 
 
 Horses . . 
 
 48.70 
 
 0.49 
 
 0.26 
 
 0.48 
 
 9.00 
 
 5.20 
 
 9.60 
 
 $2.21 
 
 48.8 
 
 |27-74 
 
 Cows 
 
 75-25 
 
 0.43 
 
 0.29 
 
 0.44 
 
 8.60 
 
 5.80 
 
 8.80 
 
 2.02 
 
 74.1 
 
 29.27 
 
 Calves... 
 
 77-73 
 
 0.50 
 
 0.17 
 
 0.53 
 
 lo.oo 
 
 3-40 
 
 10.60 
 
 2.18 
 
 67.8 
 
 24-25 
 
 Swine . . . 
 
 74-13 
 
 0.84 
 
 0-39 
 
 0.32 
 
 16.80 
 
 7.80 
 
 6.40 
 
 3-29 
 
 83.6 
 
 60.88 
 
 Sheep . . . 
 
 5952 
 
 0.77 
 
 
 0-59 
 
 15.40 
 
 7.60 
 
 11.80 
 
 3-30 
 
 34.1 
 
 26.09 
 
 The table shows sheep manure to be the most valuable per 
 ton and cow manure the least valuable. The commercial value 
 ranges from $2.02 to $3.30 per ton. It must be remembered 
 that these values do not represent the agricultural value (the 
 power to produce crops) or the beneficfal effect it produces on 
 the soil. 
 
 Lastii^ Effect of Manure. — The lasting effect of manure is 
 shown by the experiments conducted at Rothamstead. A plot of 
 grass land received applications of 14 tons of manure per acre 
 for 8 consecutive years and then the applications were discon- 
 tinued. During the first year after the discontinuance of manure 
 the yield was twice that of an unmanured plot. Since that time 
 the yield on the manured plot has slowly decreased until at the 
 end of 40 years the excess has been about 15 per cent, greater 
 than the yield of the unmanured plot. 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 63 
 
 An experiment was conducted with barley. Three plots were 
 employed. One plot received 14 tons of manure per acre since 
 1852, another received 14 tons of manure per acre for 20 years 
 and then the applications were stopped, and the third has been 
 unmanured since 1852. ' The following table gives the results of 
 this experiment.' 
 
 ToTAi< Produce Per: Acre of Barlev Plots, Showing IvAsting 
 
 
 Effect 
 
 OF Manure. 
 
 
 
 2" " 
 
 s s 
 
 ■a >. 
 
 
 
 
 ztr 
 
 5^1 
 
 Relation to Produce of Plot 7-2, 
 
 
 3 ca 
 
 g 1 
 
 il 
 
 reckoned as 100 
 
 
 S 
 
 « p 
 
 
 
 
 Plot 7-2 
 
 Plot 7-1 
 
 Plot I-O 
 
 Plot 7-2 
 
 Plot 7-1 
 
 Plot I-O 
 
 Mean 
 
 lb. 
 
 lb. 
 
 lb. 
 
 lb. 
 
 lb. 
 
 lb. 
 
 I852-I87I 
 
 5-933 
 
 2,454 
 
 100 
 
 41 
 
 1872 
 
 1873 
 
 
 1,282 
 1,570 
 
 
 25 
 24 
 
 5 ,202 
 
 4-870 
 
 100 
 
 94 
 
 1874 
 
 6,561 
 
 5.165 
 
 1,922 
 
 ICO 
 
 79 
 
 24 
 
 1875 
 
 7-943 
 
 5.675 
 
 1,448 
 
 100 
 
 71 
 
 25 
 
 1876 
 
 5-825 
 
 3.955 
 
 i,56i 
 
 100 
 
 68 
 
 25 
 
 
 6,166 
 
 4,010 
 
 
 100 
 
 65 
 
 
 Mean 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1877-1881 
 
 6,167 
 
 3>305 
 
 1.528 
 
 100 
 
 54 
 
 25 
 
 1882-1886 
 
 6,546 
 
 3.494 
 
 1.529 
 
 100 
 
 53 
 
 23 
 
 1887-189 1 
 
 5.334 
 
 2,664 
 
 1.379 
 
 100 
 
 50 
 
 26 
 
 1892-1896 
 
 6-477 
 
 3.101 
 
 1,508 
 
 JOG 
 
 48 
 
 23 
 
 1897-I90I 
 
 5,349 
 
 2,251 
 
 1,141 
 
 100 
 
 42 
 
 21 
 
 1 902-1906 
 
 6,223 
 
 2,485 
 
 1.301 
 
 100 
 
 40 
 
 21 
 
 The above experiment shows that the continuously manured 
 plot has the largest yields but the plot that was manured for 20 
 years is still producing crops at least 40 per cent, greater than 
 the unmanured plot. 
 
 The results as shown in these experiments would not be found 
 to be so apparent in actual farming, as the soils that were used 
 for these experiments were more exhausted than the farmer 
 would use. However, the results are interesting as they show 
 the almost permanent effect of farm manure on soils. 
 
OJ. SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 6. The Care, Preservation and Use of Manure. — From the fore- 
 going pages it is very evident that the composition of manure 
 and the amounts produced by different kinds of animals are ex- 
 ceedingly variable. It was also shown that a regular value for 
 this product cannot be estimated from its chemical composition. 
 
 Waste of Manure. — In some sections of the United States farm 
 manure is dumped into streams, burned, buried in holes in the 
 ground, or allowed to remain in large piles in some uncultivated 
 place. The soils in many of such sections are fertile enough 
 to produce profitable crops but it seems very wasteful to throw 
 away such valuable fertilizer. 
 
 Leaching. — When a manure heap is exposed to the washing of 
 rain and the solutions allowed to wash away, the value of the 
 manure is decreased. The soluble plant food elements are washed 
 away together with more or less of the manure itself. Leach- 
 ing is one of the most important subjects to consider in the care 
 and preservation of manure because it is the source of one of 
 the greatest losses in this valuable product. Roberts^^ shows the 
 great losses that may occur by leaching. He experimented with 
 horse manure by allowing it to remain in a loose pile out of 
 doors exposed to the rain from March 30th to Sept. 30th. The 
 rainfall averaged about 28 inches during this period. 
 
 The composition of the manure at the beginning and at the 
 end of the experiment follow : 
 
 April 25 
 Pounds 
 
 Sept. 30 
 Pounds 
 
 l,oss 
 Per cent. 
 
 Gross weight... 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Potash 
 
 4,000.00 
 19.60 
 14.80 
 36.00 
 
 1,730.00 
 7-79 
 7-79 
 8.65 
 
 57 
 60 
 
 47 
 76 
 
 An experiment was conducted with cow manure at the same 
 time under the same conditions except that 300 pounds of gypsum 
 were mixed with it. 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 65 
 
 A.pril 25 
 Pounds 
 
 Sept. 30 
 Pounds 
 
 I^oss 
 Per cent. 
 
 Gross weight 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Potash 
 
 10,000.00 
 47.00 
 32.00 
 48.00 
 
 5.125-00 
 28.00 
 26.00 
 44.00 
 
 49 
 
 41 
 
 19 
 
 8 
 
 It is shown that the cow manure did not leach so readily as the 
 horse manure. The gypsum no doubt held back some of the 
 nitrogen but even without the use of gypsum the loss would be 
 less than from horse manure because cow manure is more firm 
 and compact. The greater loss from the horse manure may also 
 have been due to its more rapid fermentation, thus releasing con- 
 siderable nitrogen as ammonia gas. 
 
 Roberts-' also experimented with a mixture of horse and cow 
 manure and straw, which was compacted by trampling of cattle 
 in a covered shed, and put in a galvanized iron pan with a per- 
 forated bottom, for six months. The losses were as follows : 
 
 March 29 
 Pounds 
 
 Sept. 30 
 Pounds 
 
 Loss 
 Per cent. 
 
 Gross weight 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Potash 
 
 226.00 
 1.04 
 0.61 
 1.20 
 
 222.00 
 1. 01 
 0.58 
 0.43 
 
 3-2 
 
 4-7 
 35-0 
 
 The results in this last table show considerably less loss than 
 when manure was not mixed or not compacted. The decrease 
 in loss of nitrogen is greatest in the mixed tramped manure 
 and this is due to the fact that fermentation was checked by mix- 
 ing and tramping and therefore there was less loss of nitrogen 
 as ammonia gas. 
 
 Fermentations. — There are certain bacteria that produce fer- 
 mentations in manure piles and liberate nitrogen as gas causing 
 large losses in manure. These fermentations are brougfit about 
 by two classes of organisms; aerobic bacteria and anaerobic 
 bacteria. 
 
 I. The aerobic bacteria require oxygen to be active and the 
 anaerobic bacteria are only active in the absence of oxygen. On 
 the outside of manure heaps where air circulates, the aerobic 
 
66 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 bacteria work while in the interior of the heaps where no air 
 can penetrate the anaerobic fermentation takes place. The aerobic 
 bacteria convert the nitrogen present in the organic matter of the 
 manure, into ammonia, in which form it passes off into the 
 atmosphere. Because of the great amount of carbon dioxide 
 formed during the action some of the ammonia is converted into 
 carbonate of ammonia which is also volatile. 
 
 2. The anaerobic bacteria convert ammonia salts to nitrogen. 
 Some of these bacteria have the power of reducing nitrates to 
 nitrites, and to ammonia. The anaerobic bacteria do not bring 
 about such losses as the aerobic bacteria, so it is important to 
 keep the manure heap well compacted to prevent the action of the 
 aerobic organisms. 
 
 Keep the Manure Moist. — Dry manure ferments more readily 
 than wet manure. To prevent active fermentation the manure 
 heap should be kept moist. It is not necessary to add enough 
 water to leach it. Water excludes the air and promotes anaerobic 
 action which is beneficial. 
 
 Composition of the Gases Formed in Manure Heaps. — The fol- 
 lowing table is interesting as it shows the composition of the 
 gases in manure heaps.^' 
 
 Date 
 1899 
 
 Height of 
 manure 
 heap in 
 meters^ 
 
 Point at 
 
 which 
 
 samples 
 
 were taken 
 
 i 
 
 s 
 
 V 
 
 °c 
 
 ■2 
 
 K 
 
 
 '■5 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 Aug. 22 
 
 Aug. 23 
 
 Aug. 24 
 
 Aug. 26 
 
 Aug. 30 
 
 Sept. 20 
 
 Oct.4 
 
 2.00 
 2.00 
 
 2.30 
 
 2.30 
 
 2.50 
 
 2.50 
 2.50 
 
 middle 
 
 middle 
 
 f top 
 
 \ middle 
 
 (. bottom 
 
 bottom 
 
 ■j middle 
 I bottom 
 
 f top 
 ] m ddle 
 I bottom 
 
 ■j middle 
 i bottom 
 
 52 
 52 
 71 
 67 
 
 60 
 60 
 
 60 
 66 
 6s 
 .52 
 
 65 
 40 
 
 54.3 
 58.0 
 50.0 
 68.0 
 49.0 
 51.0 
 7.2 
 
 14.5 
 50.8 
 
 42.7 
 
 49-5 
 47.8 
 54-0 
 42.7 
 
 48.3 
 
 0.00 
 
 7.0 
 
 4.7 
 
 0.0 
 l.I 
 
 0-5 
 
 7.8 
 14.2 
 17.4 
 
 23-9 
 
 40.8 
 
 46.6 
 
 0.0 
 
 1-3 
 49.2 
 
 52-4 
 48.3 
 512 
 43-0 
 56.1 
 51-7 
 
 3-1 
 7-4 
 3-9 
 
 2.4 
 
 14.4 
 16.0 
 
 29-5 
 0.7 
 6.0 
 0.0 
 
 85.8 
 
 79-5 
 0.0 
 9.8 
 2.2 
 
 I.O 
 
 2.0 
 0.0 
 0.0 
 
 1 A meter is equal to 39.37 inches. 
 
FARM MANURES 6? 
 
 Sample of August 22d was taken when the manure heap was 
 being formed and was too dry. Liquid manure was sprinkled 
 over the manure on August 22d, after the sample was taken, 
 which increased the fermentation as evidenced by the tempera- 
 tures on August 24th. The evolution of hydrogen decreased 
 during the process of fermentation and the marsh gas increased. 
 By August 30th the manure heap was again too dry and the top 
 and middle portions were full of air as is shown by the large 
 amounts of nitrogen, presence of oxygen, and low content of car- 
 bon dioxide. Such a condition, with the high temperature 
 favored a loss of nitrogen as ammonia gas. When samples of 
 Sept. 20th and Oct. 4th were taken the manure heap was moist 
 and compacted, and the results show an anaerobic fermentation 
 as is evidenced by the absence of hydrogen gas and the presence 
 of almost equal amounts of carbon dioxide and marsh gas. 
 
 The temperature in fermenting horse, sheep and poultry ma- 
 nure often goes higher than 150° Fahrenheit (65° Centigrade). 
 The highest temperature is usually near the surface as the fer- 
 mentation is most active there. 
 
 Composting manure is helpful in increasing the availability of 
 the plant food. It also kills many weed seeds. There is less 
 loss of plant food when the manure is applied to the soil fresh, 
 than when allowed to rot. It is not generally convenient to haul 
 the manure from the stable to the land as other work is of 
 more importance, so that the manure has to be stored until the 
 regular farm work becomes slack. When manure is composted 
 it should be kept compact and moist and the heap should be 
 shaped to shed water. A layer of earth on the top of the manure 
 compost will tend to absorb some of the gases. 
 
 Voelcker" gives the following as the composition of fresh and 
 rotted manure. 
 
 Water 
 
 Soluble organic matter 
 
 Soluble organic nitrogen . . . 
 Soluble inorganic matter. . . 
 Insoluble organic matter. . . 
 I nsol uble inorganic matter. 
 
 Fresh 
 
 Rotted 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 66.17 
 
 75-42 
 
 2.48 
 
 3-71 
 
 015 
 
 0.30 
 
 1-54 
 
 1-47 
 
 25-76 
 
 12.82 
 
 4.05 
 
 6.58 
 
 6 
 
68 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 It is seen that manure that is composted contains the fertiHzer 
 elements in a more available form than in fresh manure. 
 
 The organic matter is decreased by allowing manure to rot. 
 Snyder^* says: "A ton of composted manure is obtained from 
 2,800 pounds of stable manure." There are of course some losses 
 of nitrogen in composting manure, the extent of these losses de- 
 pending upon the compactness and dryness of the manure. 
 
 The principal benefits derived from composting manure are ; 
 the improvement of the physical condition, and decomposition 
 takes place in the manure that ordinarily would have to be per- 
 formed in the soil. 
 
 Sometimes manure is composted with earth, sod, leaves and 
 wastes from the farm. 
 
 Store Manure Under Cover. — Whenever manure is left out of 
 doors exposed to the rain losses occur. Many farmers preserve 
 manure in different ways. Some use covered yards where the 
 stock are allowed to exercise and the manure is kept compact 
 by the tramping of the animals. In this practice bedding should 
 be used to absorb all of the liquids and to allow the animals to 
 be comfortable. The site should be well drained and kept dry. 
 The manure from sheep, hogs, young stock, etc., is often pre- 
 served in this way. Some farmers keep the manure in cellars 
 under the stable. The fermentation of manure in the cellar of 
 a stable is liable to produce foul odors and is especially ob- 
 jectionable in dairy barns. Another method of storing manure 
 that is used in the older farming sections, especially in dairies, 
 is to build covered cement pits just outside the barn and dump the 
 manure from trucks. The Uquid portions are drained to these 
 pits by pipes. It may not always be possible for a farmer to build 
 a covered cement pit but he can always afford to put a roof over 
 the manure, for the cost of the shed will soon be returned in the 
 increased value of the manure. 
 
 The following table, the work of Biernatski, shows the com- 
 position of uncovered and covered manure. 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 69 
 
 Water 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Uncovered manure 
 Covered manure 
 
 83.78 
 
 76.54 
 
 0.47 
 0.68 
 
 0.26 
 0.31 
 
 0.43 
 0.76 
 
 Preservatives. — In the destruction of the nitrogen present in 
 organic matter in manure, the aerobic bacteria produce ammonia 
 and some of this gas unites with the carbon dioxide evolved and 
 forms ammonium carbonate, a volatile compound. By adding 
 moist gypsum (land plaster) to manure, the ammonium carbonate 
 is converted into ammonium sulphate, a compound that does not 
 pass away in the atmosphere. This latter compound is soluble 
 in water and when manure is exposed to the leaching of rains, 
 it is useless to employ gypsum. Gypsum is perfectly safe to use 
 because it does not injure the feet of animals. Lime is objec- 
 tionable because it liberates ammonia. Kainit, superphosphate 
 and ground rock phosphate are sometimes used with good suc- 
 cess, as they absorb nitrogen. These preservatives may be scat- 
 tered at the rate of about one pound to an animal. They may 
 also be economically used in covered manure heaps. Hall" es- 
 timates that it will take about 100 pounds of gypsum per ton of 
 manure to absorb the gases, as some of it is acted upon by 
 the potassium carbonate in the urine. 
 
 Physical Effects of Manure. — Manure has a greater value than 
 is represented by its chemical composition. It improves the phy- 
 sical condition of the soil by, 
 
 1. Producing a better moisture condition. 
 
 2. Producing a better texture. 
 
 3. Preventing mechanical losses by winds. 
 
 4. Benefiting grass land. 
 
 I. Manure Produces a Better Moisture Condition. — Manure when 
 added to soils increases the water holding power of those soils 
 because of its humus content. Humus absorbs water readily. 
 A soil that has had manure added to it will resist drought better 
 
70 
 
 SOIL FERTII(ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 than one where there is little or no humus. During a heavy 
 rainfall the soil with humus will absorb a great deal more water 
 and give it up more gradually than one without humus. This 
 is shown in the following table.® 
 
 Percentages of Water in Unmanured and Manured Soils. 
 
 Depth in inches 
 
 Wheat field 
 
 Barley field 
 
 Unmanured 
 
 Manured 
 
 Unmanured 
 
 Manured 
 
 
 i6.o 
 19.8 
 23-3 
 
 19-3 
 17.0 
 18.4 
 
 17.0 
 22.5 
 22.1 
 
 20.7 
 
 17.7 
 18.3 
 
 8 to l8 
 
 l8 to 27 
 
 
 The wheat field samples were taken in September a day after 
 a rainfall of 0.262 inches, but no rain had fallen for nine days 
 previous. The plots where the samples were taken were fal- 
 lowed so that the drying effect of the crop did not effect the 
 results. The samples from the barley plot were taken a little 
 over two weeks after the wheat plot samples. Three days before 
 the barley samples were taken there was a rainfall of 0.456 
 inches, previous to which time there were 15 days of dry weather. 
 The results are calculated on the percentages of fine earth after 
 the stones were removed. The manured soil of the wheat and 
 barley plots shows that the surface soil contains more water 
 than the subsoil. There is about 3.5 per cent, more water in the 
 surface soil than in the subsoil, which approximates 30 tons per 
 acre or about 0.3 inch of rain. The loss between what was re- 
 tained in the surface soil and the rainfall is due to evaporation. 
 The unmanured soils show that the water percolated through 
 to the subsoil. There were drains below the center of the wheat 
 plots at a depth of 30 inches. The drain below the manured 
 plot rarely contained water except after exceedingly heavy rain, 
 while the drain below the unmanured plot contained water much 
 more frequently. 
 
 Effect of Manure During Dry Seasons. — Manure helps to con- 
 serve the moisture supply of soil during dry seasons. The fol- 
 lowing table is the work of the Rothamstead Experiment Station. 
 
FARM MANURES 
 
 71 
 
 Effect of Farm Manure in Dry and Wet Seasons with Wheat.' 
 
 
 
 Rainfall in 
 
 inches March 
 
 to June 
 
 Growing 
 Season 
 
 Yield 
 
 Average 
 51 years 
 
 Plot ; Fertilizer 
 
 1879 
 
 1893 
 
 1879 
 
 1893 
 
 1879 
 
 1893 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 2.9 
 
 Wet 
 and 
 Cold 
 
 Dry 
 and 
 Hot 
 
 Bushels 
 
 Bushels 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16.00 
 16.25 
 
 34-25 
 20.25 
 
 35.7 
 32-9 
 
 7 
 
 Complete fertilizer. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The yield during the dry season of 1893 shows an excess of 
 14 bushels in favor of the manured plot, while the exceptionally 
 wet year shows equal small yields from both plots. The small 
 yield was due probably to the inactivity of the bacteria that make 
 plant food available. For 51 years there has averaged a yield 
 of about 3 bushels more on the manured plot than on the plot 
 which received artificial fertilizer. 
 
 2. Manure Improves the Texture of the Soil. — Manure has a 
 very beneficial effect on most soils in improving the texture. 
 The addition of manure to sandy soils makes them more binding 
 and increases their water holding capacity. Clay soils are made 
 more porous by the addition of manure. Some soils may pro- 
 duce good crops during favorable seasons without much organic 
 matter but when the season is bad it is almost impossible to get 
 the soil in good mechanical condition for crops. 
 
 Number of Mangold Plants Taking 100 as the Possible.' 
 Average pf 7 Years, T901-7. 
 
 Farm Manure, Minerals and 
 Nitrate of Soda 
 
 Minerals and Nitrate 
 of Soda 
 
 Minerals and 
 Rape Cake 
 
 69 
 
 62 
 
 83 
 
 * Hall, Fertilizers and Manure. 
 
 The plot receiving rape cake, which was applied at the rate 
 of 2,000 pounds per year, shows the best results, but rape cake 
 like manure supplies a great deal of organic matter. A better 
 stand was produced with farm manure than with the artificial fer- 
 tilizer. 
 
72 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 3. Manure Prevents Mechanical Losses by Winds, — The losses 
 occasioned by heavy winds on certain soils are sometimes more 
 than one would expect. Dry light soils devoid of organic matter 
 are easily blown away by heavy winds. The addition of manure 
 to such soils tends to keep them moist and prevents such loss. 
 
 4. Manure Benefits Grass Land. — Manure benefits grass land 
 not only by supplying plant food and increasing the moisture 
 holding capacity, but also in protecting this crop from the frosts 
 of early spring, by the mulch produced. It is noticed that grass 
 that has been manured in the fall has an earlier growth in the 
 spring than such lands unmanured 
 
 Bacteriological Effects of Manure. — Manure when added to the 
 soil aids the growth of bacteria that render plant food available. 
 It also increases the number of these bacteria and supplies food 
 for them, and fermentations are promoted that are very helpful 
 in the production of crops. 
 
 Time to Apply Manure. — In order to get all the value from 
 farm manure it is better to apply it while fresh than when rotted. 
 Manure in rotting loses some of its fertility. The Ohio Experi- 
 ment Station have conducted experiments with fresh manure 
 and exposed yard manure with the following crop returns for 
 ten years. 
 
 
 Amount ap- 
 plied per acre 
 in tons 
 
 Yield of corn 
 per acre 
 bushels 
 
 Yield of wheat 
 per acre 
 bushels 
 
 Yield of hay 
 
 per acre 
 
 lbs. 
 
 Bxposed yard manure • 
 
 8 
 8 
 
 16.03 
 22.24 
 
 8.21 
 
 9-73 
 
 698 
 I 280 
 
 
 
 The manure was applied to clover sod which was plowed under 
 and followed by a three year rotation of corn, wheat an^ clover 
 without the addition of any more manure. The yields favor the 
 fresh manure with an increase of 6.21 bushels of corn, 1.52 bush- 
 els of wheat and 582 pounds of hay. 
 
 Sometimes it is not practicable to apply manure while fresh 
 as some crops, especially the quick growing market garden crops. 
 
FARM MANURES 73 
 
 require plant food that is available and so prefer rotted manure. 
 It is common in this country to apply fresh manure to gratis 
 land in the fall and turn it under in the spring. This practice 
 is beneficial in that it supplies a great deal of organic matter 
 for the succeeding crop. Corn is a crop that thrives on fresh 
 manure and so it is well to apply manure in this condition to 
 corn and follow this crop with one that prefers rotted manure. 
 
 Amount of Manure to Apply. — The amount of manure to apply 
 depends upon the fertility and texture of the soil. Soils that 
 already have considerable fertility sometimes require a light ap- 
 plication of manure to improve their texture. Large applica- 
 tions of manure on such soils would not be profitable. Most 
 farmers use too much manure on their land at one time. Fre- 
 quent light applications are more beneficial than large amounts 
 applied at long intervals, as they keep the soil in an even state 
 of fertility and losses of volatilization of nitrogen as gases and 
 leaching of the soluble elements are less. Experiments show that 
 small applications give greater percentage increase than large ap- 
 plications, although large applications give larger yields. 
 
 Sometimes manure does not furnish sufficient plant food to 
 satisfy the needs of the crop. An addition of some commercial 
 fertilizer which supplies the necessary fertilizer constituents is 
 beneficial in such cases to supplement the manure. 
 
 How to Apply Manure. — It is best to spread the manure over 
 the land as it is hauled. Some farmers dump the manure in 
 little piles over the field and leave it in this condition for two 
 or three months. When fermentations take place in these piles 
 nitrogen passes off in the air. This practice is objectionable be- 
 cause the soil under and around the piles gets most of the avail- 
 able plant food that is leached out, and the other soil does not 
 receive its share. The result is that the succeeding crops grow 
 uneven or in patches. There is no objection to dumping manure 
 in small piles over the field if it is spread immediately The 
 hauling of manure to the field and hand spreading it is perhaps 
 the common method used in this country. It is difficult to spread 
 manure evenly in this way and after the manure is distributed. 
 
74 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 a brush drag should be used to scatter it more evenly. Manure 
 spreaders distribute manure more evenly than any of the other 
 methods in use. They are labor saving machines and although 
 they usually carry less per unit of draft, they are considered a 
 good investment for those who have much manure to spread. 
 A ton of manure spread uniformly gives better results than a 
 larger amount applied unevenly. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS. 
 
 Nitrogen is the most important element to consider in the 
 study of fertilizers. It is the most expensive and most fugitive 
 of the essential elements. Nitrogen usually costs about three 
 times as much as phosphoric acid or potash. To be in a form 
 available as plant food it must be as nitrates which are readily 
 soluble in wrater. The air is made up of nitrogen, carbon and 
 oxygen and although plants utilize the carbon and oxygen most 
 of them do not seem to be able to use the nitrogen. There 
 is one class of plants, the legumes (peas, beans, peanuts, alfalfa, 
 clover, etc.) of which we have spoken, that can utilize this ele- 
 mentary nitrogen but most of our other plants do not possess 
 this power. The organic matter, which is made up of animal and 
 vegetable matter, serves as a source of nitrogen, but plants can- 
 not use it in this form. It is understood then that there is plenty 
 of unusable nitrogen in the air and in soils rich in organic 
 matter, but it has no direct plant food value in these forms until 
 it is prepared by electrical means, oxidized and acted upon by 
 certain bacteria. 
 
 Forms of Nitrogen. — Nitrogen exists in different forms in the 
 many substances containing it. Not including the nitrogen in the 
 air we may classify these forms into four groups, namely : 
 
 1. Organic nitrogen, which is found in vegetable and animal 
 
 substances, generally as protein. 
 
 2. Ammonia nitrogen, which is found in ammonium sulphate. 
 
 3. Nitrate nitrogen, which is found in nitrate of soda (Chile 
 
 saltpeter) and nitrate of potash. 
 
 4. Cyanamid nitrogen, which is taken from the air by electrical 
 
 means and combined with calcium, carbon, etc. 
 
 Of these four forms all are soluble in water except organic 
 nitrogen. The organic form is included in many substances, 
 both animal and vegetable, while the remaining forms are found 
 principally in a few products. 
 
76 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The Meaning of the Form of Nitrogen. — The fertilizer materials 
 furnishing nitrogen contain this element in different forms. We 
 have said that the substances containing nitrate nitrogen, am- 
 monia nitrogen and cyanamid nitrogen are soluble in water and 
 the organic nitrogen is insoluble in water. The nitrogen as ni- 
 trates is always the same and of equal value no matter from what 
 substance it is derived. The ammonia nitrogen is also of equal 
 value and equal quantities of it are as good no matter what 
 material it comes from. The soluble nitrogen from ammonium 
 sulphate, however, is not the same as the soluble nitrogen from 
 nitrate of soda and the insoluble nitrogen of organic materials 
 is not the same or of equal value. Therefore the source of solu- 
 ble and insoluble nitrogen makes a difference in value of the forms 
 of nitrogen. The solubility of nitrogenous substances influences 
 the availability, or the rate with which the nitrogen in a suitable 
 form is supplied so that the plant can assimilate it, to some extent. 
 
 The organic form of nitrogen is so called because the nitrogen 
 is combined with other elements as hydrogen, carbon and oxygen 
 in organic matter. Organic nitrogen is different in the various 
 substances. Some animal and vegetable materials are quite rich 
 in nitrogen while others do not contain much and are perhaps 
 not so valuable. Some organic substances may contain consider- 
 able amounts of nitrogen but in such a locked-up state that they 
 are undesirable as plant food. 
 
 When a substance gives up its nitrogen as nitrates readily we 
 say that the nitrogen is in a form that is active ; it is quick acting, 
 quickly available, readily assimilated, etc. When the nitrogen 
 is locked-up we use the terms slow acting, slowly available, etc. 
 There are many degrees of availability of the different forms of 
 nitrogen and they range from the very quick acting of the solu- 
 ble materials to the organic materials that may take two or three 
 years or even longer before they give up their nitrogen for plants 
 to us€ as food. There are many organic substances that contain 
 nitrogen, but in such small amounts, or in such a locked-up con- 
 dition that they cannot be used profitably in the manufacture of 
 fertilizers. 
 
 The principal sources of organic nitrogen will now be discussed. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 77 
 
 The Vegetable Substances. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal is one of the most important sources of vege- 
 table nitrogen. It is usually a bright yellow product with a nutty 
 odor when fresh. 
 
 Attached'^ to the seed of cotton are long white fibers, or lint, 
 known to us as cotton. When cotton is ginned most all of these fi- 
 bers are removed, but a few short fibers always adhere to the seeds. 
 The seeds are then taken to a cotton-seed oil mill and treated as 
 
 Fig. 5.— A cotton gin. 
 
 follows : First, the greater part of the short fibers are removed 
 from the seed by a second ginning in a machine called the de- 
 linter. The seed is composed of the hull, or hard outer brownish 
 black covering, and the kernel or meat. The seeds are then put 
 in a machine called the huller which separates the hulls from the 
 seeds. This process is called decorticating the seed. The whole 
 mass (hulls and meats) is now subjected to a separating process 
 by shaking in a revolving screen, the meats passing through the 
 perforations of the screen. The hulls obtained in this process 
 are known as cotton-seed hulls. The meats are conveyed from 
 
78 soil, FDRTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 the shaker to special steam- jacketed covered kettles and cooked. 
 The cooked meats are transferred to a machine, called the cake 
 former, where they are made up into cakes or forms of the 
 proper size to fit the hydraulic press, and wrapped with camel's- 
 hair cloth. These hot forms are now subjected to enormous 
 pressure in a hydraulic press and the oil is removed. The re- 
 maining product is ground and sold as cotton-seed meal, although 
 a great deal of it is shipped to foreign countries without being 
 ground. 
 
 For the year 1908, 929,287,467 pounds of cotton-seed meal 
 were manufactured in the United States.-' 
 
 Yields of Products prom a Ton of Cotton-Seed. '° 
 
 Linters 23 pounds 
 
 Hulls 943 
 
 Crude oil (37.6 gals. ) 282 
 
 Cake or meal 713 
 
 Waste 39 
 
 Total 2,000 
 
 Composition of Cotton-Seed Meal. — The composition of cotton- 
 seed meal varies a great deal. When it is not adulterated with 
 hulls the variation in composition may be due to the season, the 
 nature of the soil and the climate. Seed raised on high land is 
 usually richer in nitrogen than seed raised on low land. The 
 Texas meals seem to run high in nitrogen. In the past few years 
 many of the manufacturers have been introducing ground cotton- 
 seed hulls into their meal which of course lowers the value of 
 this product. Cotton-seed meal is in great demand as feed for 
 live-stock and the bright yellow meals are used for this purpose. 
 The darker meals are not so valuable as feed and are usually 
 sold for fertilizer. The dark color may be due to over-cooking, 
 to fermentation, or to storing in a wet or damp place. If there 
 is no loss of nitrogen, the product is not injured for fertilizing 
 purposes. 
 
 Commercial Classification. — The Inter-State Cotton-Seed Crush- 
 ers' Association, which is made up of gentlemen dealing or in- 
 terested in cotton-seed products, uses the following as a standard 
 classification for cotton-seed meal : 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 79 
 
 Choice cotton-seed meal must contain by analysis 8 per cent, 
 ammonia, which is equivalent to 6.58 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 Prime cotton-seed meal must contain by analysis 7.50 per cent, 
 ammonia, which is equivalent to 6.17 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 Good cotton-seed meal must contain by analysis 7 per cent, 
 ammonia, which is equivalent to 5.76 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 Most of the meal is sold on an 8 per cent, ammonia basis. It 
 also contains about 1.5 per cent, pota.sh and 2.8 per cent, phos- 
 phoric acid. 
 
 Value of Cotton-Seed Meal. — Large quantities of this product 
 are used in the South where it is especially suitable for the long 
 growing crops as it suppHes plant food during the whole season. 
 
 An insect, called the boll weevil, is reducing the acreage and 
 yield of this crop. If the entomologists do not find a way of 
 checking this pest the use of cotton-seed meal will be much 
 less in the future. 
 
 A physical examination will not always indicate its fertilizing 
 value. Many of the meals have the hulls so finely ground that 
 it is impossible to detect the extent of their presence with the 
 naked eye. The color of a meal is not always an indication of 
 its nitrogen content. Always purchase cotton-seed meal under 
 a strict guarantee as this product is variable in composition and a 
 physical examination of it does not show its fertilizing value. 
 
 linseed meal is another vegetable compound used for fertilizing 
 purposes. It is a by-product in the manufacture of oil from 
 flaxseed. There are two classes of linseed meal, namely, the old 
 and new process meal. The old process meal is obtained by 
 pressing out the oil from the cold or warmed crushed flaxseeds. 
 In the new process the oil is extracted with naphtha and the 
 naphtha driven off by steam. The old process and new process 
 meal average about 5.3 per cent, nitrogen, 1.25 per cent, potash 
 and 1.6 per cent, phosphoric acid. Linseed meal is not used ex- 
 tensively as fertilizer because of the high price it commands as 
 feed for live-stock. 
 
 Castor pomace is the remaining product from the extraction 
 of oil from the castor bean. It is poisonous to live-stock and 
 
8o SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 therefore is used for fertilizer. It averages about 5.5 per cent, 
 nitrogen, 1.8 per cent, phosphoric acid and i per cent, potash. 
 As it decomposes rapidly in the soil it makes an excellent fertilizer' 
 
 Rape meal is the ground product left after the expression or 
 extraction of oil from rape seed. This product is not used much 
 in the United States but as the cultivation of rape is increasing 
 it was thought best to mention it. The high grade rape meal 
 is usually fed for live-stock, but the lower grades, which contain 
 weed seeds and impurities, are sometimes objectionable as feed 
 but are valuable for fertilizer. Rape meal runs about 5 per cent, 
 nitrogen and 1.6 per cent, phosphoric acid. 
 
 The Chief Animal Substances. 
 
 Dried blood is obtained from the large packing houses of the 
 United States. There are two kinds on the market, namely, red 
 and black blood. The red blood is obtained by drying blood very 
 carefully with superheated steam and hot air. Should the blood 
 be dried at too high a temperature it chars and turns black. If 
 the blood is injured in any way it is sold as black blood. Red 
 blood averages about 13.5 per cent, nitrogen with traces of phos- 
 phoric acid while black blood is a more variable product but 
 usually contains 12 per cent, nitrogen and i to 3 per cent, phos- 
 phoric acid, depending upon the nature of the impurities. When 
 bone is present the product contains sometimes as high as 4 per 
 cent, phosphoric acid. Red blood is not used much for fer- 
 tilizer because it commands too high a price for other purposes. 
 Both red and black blood are ground and sold in a powdery 
 condition. Black blood is a very valuable nitrogenous fertiUzer 
 which is in great demand and is very popular with the manufac- 
 turers of fertilizers in satisfying their formulas. It is one of 
 the principal organic fertilizers used by manufacturers in the 
 North. It is not used directly to any extent by farmers as the 
 manufacturers purchase most of it. It is in a fine mechanical 
 condition and is easy to mix with other materials. As plant food 
 it gives excellent results as it decays very rapidly thus furnishing 
 nourishment during the early stages of the growing period. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 8 1 
 
 Sometimes salt and slaked lime are put in blood. It is very high 
 in availabiUty being somewhat quicker than cotton-seed meal. 
 
 Tankage is composed entirely of animal matter. It is the ref- 
 use from slaughter houses and consists of meat, bone, etc. (from 
 which the fat has been extracted) and more or less dried blood. 
 Animals condemned as unsuitable for food are made into tankage. 
 
 The phosphoric acid in tankage is slowly available as it is 
 supplied principally by ground bone. The nitrogen is derived 
 principally from meat and blood. When the percentage of bone 
 is large, the phosphoric acid is high, and the nitrogen content is 
 low, and when there is an excess of blood and meat, the nitrogen 
 is high and the phosphoric acid low. 
 
 Grades of Tankage. — There are several grades of tankage on 
 our markets. The most popular nitrogenous grades are those 
 containing 8, 9, and 10 per cent, ammonia which are equivalent 
 to 6.58, 7.41, and 8.23 per cent, nitrogen, and 6.56, 7.64, 10, and 
 12 per cent, bone phosphate of lime, which are equivalent to 
 3; 3-5. 4-58, and 5.5 per cent, phosphoric acid. There are many 
 other grades of tankage sold that carry more phosphoric acid 
 and less nitrogen, but these are classed as bone tankages and 
 will be later described under phosphates. 
 
 Concentrated tankage is still another grade arid the richest of 
 all since it contains more nitrogen and is a more uniform product. 
 It is made by evaporating wastes that contain animal matter in 
 solution, or in other words the tank water. It usually contains 
 10 to 12 per cent, nitrogen and small amounts of phosphoric acid. 
 
 Variation in Tankage. — Because of the great variation in the 
 chemical composition of tankage (no two shipments hardly ever 
 run alike, for the manufacturers cannot seem to control the com- 
 position of their output on account of the variation in the by- 
 products), great care must be exercised in purchasing. The 
 product should be bought on its chemical composition and not 
 necessarily on its guarantee, for it may or may not reach its 
 stated composition. Hoof meal and hair are sometimes present 
 in shipments of tankage. For sugar-cane, cotton-seed meal has 
 been found to be more valuable than tankage of the same nitrogen 
 content. Nevertheless, tankage is a valuable fertilizer and its 
 
82 SOII< FERTIUTY AND FERTIUZERS 
 
 value depends a great deal on its nitrogen content. It is suitable 
 for crops having a long growing season. 
 
 About 1,000,000 tons of tankage and dried blood are produced 
 annually. 
 
 Azotin, meat meal, flesh meal, dried meat, animal matter and 
 ammonite are practically the same product, but are by-products 
 from different manufacturing establishments. Most of tfiis prod- 
 uct comes from the slaughtering houses and beef extract facto- 
 ries. It is a rich organic fertilizer containing about 13 per cent, 
 nitrogen, but it may run higher or lower than this depending 
 upon its purity. This product is made up generally of the flesh 
 refuse of dead animals from which the fat has been extracted 
 and the remains dried and ground. It is different from tankage 
 because it does not contain bones. 
 
 Steamed horn and hoof meal averages about 12 to 15 per cent, 
 nitrogen and is principally marketed by the large packing houses. 
 The choice horns and hoofs are sold for the manufacture of but- 
 tons, combs, and novelties, and the imperfect and off-colored 
 horns and hoofs are treated with steam, under high pressure, 
 which renders the nitrogen more available and permits of the prod- 
 uct being ground to a fine powder. Horn and hoof meal was not 
 formerly thought much of, but since it has been subjected to 
 superheated steam the product has been much sought after by 
 the manufacturers of fertilizers. It is produced only in limited 
 quantities and is not as valuable as dried blood, but has a fairly 
 high degree of availability, according to recent investigations. 
 
 There is another method used in treating horns and hoofs, 
 which consists of subjecting these materials to a dry heat, in a 
 machine called the dryer, until they are brittle enough to pul- 
 verize or grind. 
 
 Production of Fertilizers by Packing Houses. — In 1905 the pro- 
 duction of fertilizer by all the packing house concerns in the 
 United States amounted to 211,137 tons. The animals slaught- 
 ered were 7,147.735 beeves, 10,875,339 sheep, 30,977,639 hogs, 
 and 1,568.130 calves, or about Syi pounds of fertilizer were 
 obtained for each animal.^ 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTIEIZER MATERIALS 83 
 
 Dry Ground rish. — This is also called fish scrap and fish guano 
 and has a yellow color. It is obtained principally from canning 
 factories where the refuse as bones, skin, heads, fins, tails, intes- 
 tines, etc., of edible fish are saved, dried and ground. Estabhsh- 
 ments expressing oil and manufacturing glue from inedible fish as 
 Menhaden, furnish a considerable supply. The average annual 
 catch of Menhaden is about 600,000,000 fish, which produce 70,- 
 000 tons of fish scrap and 35,000 barrels of oil. Thirty factories 
 with 70 steamers are engaged in this industry, and the largest 
 catch was in 1903 when 1,000,000,000 fish were caught.'^ The 
 whale bone interests, after the bones are removed and the oil 
 extracted from whales, utilize the remainder in the preparation 
 of dry ground fish. 
 
 Dried ground fish is variable in composition depending upon 
 the nature of the materials of which it is made. The greater 
 the percentage of bone, the higher is the phosphoric acid content 
 and the lower the nitrogen, and the less bone, the higher the 
 nitrogen and the lower the phosphoric acid. The amount of oil 
 left also influences the composition. It usually ranges from 7.5 
 to 10.5 per cent, nitrogen, 5.7 to 16 per cent, phosphoric acid, 
 with an average of 8.5 per cent, nitrogen and 9 per cent, phos- 
 phoric acid. It is a popular and valuable fertilizer and large 
 quantities are used in the North. Most sections of the South 
 are too far away from where it is manufactured to prevent u.sing 
 it at its market value. Dry ground fish is readily decomposed 
 in the soil and is therefore quick acting. It is not considered as 
 valuable as dried blood. 
 
 Sing crab is obtained on the Atlantic coast and is dried and 
 ground, in which state it is utilized by fertilizer manufacturers. 
 It contains about 10 per cent, nitrogen and is similar to dried 
 ground fish in fertilizer properties. 
 
 Guano, or natural guano, is another important source of nitro- 
 gen. It was used as early as the 12th century in Peru. On 
 the west coast of South America there are thousands of sea fowl. 
 These birds have roosting and breeding places along the unin- 
 habited portions of the coast and many of them make their home 
 on the smaller islands off the coast of Peru and also on the main- 
 7 
 
84 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 land, because of the abundant supply of fish in that region. The 
 excrement voided by these birds is rich in nitrogen and phos- 
 phoric acid because their food, which is fish, is rich in these con- 
 stituents. During breeding seasons they literally cover these is- 
 lands and the young birds after they are hatched are fed on fish 
 until they are able to fly. The excreta from the old and young 
 birds, feathers, and the remains of the young birds that die. 
 
 xsnft. 
 
 Fig. 6.— Map showing location of Peruvian Guano Islands. 
 
 all go to make up guano. As this region is practically rainless 
 and has a dry hot temperature, these remains dry out rapidly and 
 are preserved without much loss of phosphoric acid or nitrogen. 
 There is some loss of nitrogen in these Peruvian guanos due to 
 the formation of ammonium carbonate, a volatile form, and to 
 leaching by occasional rains. However, these deposits have been 
 
HIGH GRADi; NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 «5 
 
 the best nitrogenous guanos in the world. There are deposits in 
 other parts of South America, West Indies, Africa, Australia, 
 Asia, and the islands of the Pacific, but the Peruvian deposits 
 are the most notable. There is a wide difference in the compo- 
 sition of guanos. In Peru, guano from the same island shows 
 variation in chemical composition, while guano from different 
 islands shows even a greater variation. The oldest deposits 
 usually contain less nitrogen and more phosphoric acid than the 
 more recent. In a wet, damp climate fermentation, aided by 
 
 Fig. 7.— Cormorants. 
 
 the presence of moisture, destroys all or most of the organic 
 matter driving off the nitrogen as ammonium carbonate. Solu- 
 ble phosphoric acid is also lost in such regions. Therefore it is 
 easy to understand the wide differences in the composition of 
 these deposits. 
 
 Guanos range from rich nitrogenous deposits to phosphatic 
 deposits which only contain traces of nitrogen and considerable 
 amounts of phosphate of lime. There are therefore two classes 
 
86 
 
 SOJh FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 of guanos, namely, nitrogenous and phosphatic. The phosphatic 
 guanos will be discussed under phosphates. 
 
 Formerly guano was used more extensively in the United States 
 but most of the nitrogenous deposits have been exhausted so that 
 the impoitations are rather decreasing from year to year. There 
 were 16,155 tons imported from Peru in 1905 and 5,500 tons in 
 1909.^= 
 
 The nitrogen in guanos is present in different forms. Some 
 of it is as nitrates, some as ammonia and some as organic nitro- 
 gen. The presence of these various forms makes the nitrogenous 
 guanos valuable because they supply plant food during the whole 
 growing season. 
 
 Anat.ysis of Chinchas Guano 
 
 ■ 1897-' 
 
 
 
 Percent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 0.32 
 3-94 
 8.85 
 2.98 
 
 2.63 
 6.29 
 0.37 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 16.09 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 9.29 
 
 
 Guano does not contain appreciable amounts of potash. It is 
 a fertilizer that does not require much intelligence to apply as 
 it does not injure crops in any way. 
 
 Sometimes Peruvian guano is acidulated with sulphuric acid 
 to convert the volatile ammonium carbonate into ammonium sul- 
 phate, which is a stable compound, and to make the phosphoric 
 acid soluble. This product is called dissolved Peruvian guano 
 and is a better fertilizer than the original material because the 
 nitrogen is saved and the phosphoric acid rendered available as 
 plant food. 
 
 The Ichaboe guano, obtained from the Island of Ichaboe on the 
 west coast of Africa, is a recent deposit and is being worked, but 
 it is inferior to the Peruvian guanos that were formerly shipped. 
 The following table gives the composition of nitrogenous guanos. 
 Those printed in italics are being worked.^* 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 87 
 
 Angamos 
 
 Chincha 
 
 Ballestas 
 
 Egyptian 
 
 Guanape 
 
 Macabi 
 
 Corcovadc 
 
 Saldanha Bay 
 
 Ichaboe 
 
 Independence Bay . 
 Pabellon de Pica • ■ ■ 
 Punta de Lobos ■ ■ • 
 
 Huanillos 
 
 Penguin 
 
 Patagonian 
 
 Falkland Islands ■ . 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 20 
 
 14 
 12 
 II 
 II 
 II 
 II 
 
 9 
 8 
 
 7 
 7 
 4 
 6 
 
 5 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 5 
 13 
 12 
 
 19 
 
 12 
 15 
 9 
 9 
 12 
 14 
 15 
 13 
 
 IT 
 18 
 14 
 
 In Mexico there are deposits of bat guano, many of which are 
 good nitrogenous fertilizers, but they are not being worked be- 
 cause of poor transportation facilities. There are also deposits 
 of bat guano in Texas. The bat guanos are not as a rule valu- 
 able as the high grade nitrogenous Peruvian guanos. For the 
 composition of bat guanos refer to the chapter of Farm Manure. 
 
 Ammonium sulphate is unlike the organic compounds as it is 
 not a natural product but a manufacturing by-product. When 
 pure it is a white crystalline salt but sometimes foreign substances 
 become mixed with it, in the course of manufacture, which 
 causes it to be grey, yellow, or blue. It is soluble in water and 
 volatile, that is it will pass ofif as gas when strongly heated over 
 a flame. It is derived from the distillation of coal in the manu- 
 facture of gas ; from the distillation of bones in the manufacture 
 of bone-black; and from the manufacture of coke from coal. 
 Coal was formed vegetable matter and most coals average about 
 1.8 per cent, nitrogen. When coal is heated, as in the manu- 
 facture of gas or coke, about Ij, of the nitrogen as ammonia is 
 driven off and this ammonia may be saved by washing it in water 
 in special apparatus. The solution thus formed is then distilled 
 into sulphuric acid, concentrated and the crystals of sulphate of 
 ammonia separate out on standing. Bones contain about 3 to 4.5 
 
88 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 per cent, nitrogen and the nitrogen as ammonia is recovered in a 
 similar way as in distilling coal or coke, when they are subjected 
 
 I! 
 
 Fig. S. — Old process of maiiufacturinK ammonium sulphate. 
 
 to dry distillation by heat, as may be practiced in the manufacture 
 of bone-black. 
 
 The Direct Process. — There is another process called the direct 
 process for recovering ammonia from coal, etc., that is being 
 used in Germany. In this process the ammonia in the gas is com- 
 bined directly with sulphuric acid forming sulphate of ammonia, 
 thus doing away with the ammonia washers. The direct pro- 
 cess has many advantages. It reduces the equipment ; the opera- 
 tion is simpler ; the consumption of water is less ; ammonia stills 
 are not required. In other words, the direct process is much 
 less expensive, promises to revolutionize the recovery of am- 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 89 
 
90 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 monia in coal and coke, and should cause a greater production 
 of sulphate of ammonia in the United States. 
 
 About I per cent, of the weight of the coal carbonized is sul- 
 phate of ammonia, so that for the production of 5 tons, 500 tons 
 of coal must be treated. 
 
 Tabi,e Showing Percentages of Ammonia, Pure Ammonium Sul- 
 phate, Nitrogen, and Pos-sible Impurities in Commercial 
 Sulphate of Ammonia.' 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 Ammonium Sulphate 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Impurities 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 25.796 
 
 100.00 
 
 21.203 
 
 0.00 
 
 25-7 
 
 99-63 
 
 21.12 
 
 0.37 
 
 25.6 
 
 99.24 
 
 21.04 
 
 76 
 
 25-5 
 
 98.85 
 
 20.96 
 
 I-I5 
 
 25.4 
 
 98.46 
 
 20.88 
 
 1-54 
 
 25.3 
 
 98.08 
 
 20.79 
 
 1.92 
 
 25.2 
 
 97.69 
 
 20.71 
 
 2.31 
 
 25-1 
 
 97-3° 
 
 20.63 
 
 2.70 
 
 25.0 
 
 96.91 
 
 20.55 
 
 3-09 
 
 24.9 
 
 96-52 
 
 20.47 
 
 3-48 
 
 24.8 
 
 96.14 
 
 20.38 
 
 3-86 
 
 24.7 
 
 95-75 
 
 20.30 
 
 4-25 
 
 24.6 
 
 95.36 
 
 20.22 
 
 4.64 
 
 24-5 
 
 94.97 
 
 20.14 
 
 5-03 
 
 24.4 
 
 94.59 
 
 20.06 
 
 5.41 
 
 24.3 
 
 94.20 
 
 19.97 
 
 5.80 
 
 24.2 
 
 93-81 
 
 19.89 
 
 . 6.19 
 
 24.1 
 
 93-42 
 
 19.81 
 
 6.58 
 
 24.0 
 
 93-04 
 
 19-73 
 
 6.96 
 
 23-9 
 
 92.6s 
 
 19.64 
 
 7-35 
 
 23.8 
 
 92.26 
 
 19-56 
 
 7.74 
 
 23.7 
 
 9>-87 
 
 19.48 
 
 8.13 
 
 23.6 
 
 91.49 
 
 19.40 
 
 f-5^ 
 
 23-5 
 
 91.10 
 
 19-32 
 
 8.90 
 
 23-4 
 
 90.71 
 
 19.23 
 
 9.29 
 
 23-3 
 
 90.32 
 
 19-15 
 
 9.68 
 
 23.2 
 
 89.94 
 
 19.07 
 
 10.06 
 
 23-1 
 
 89.55 
 
 18.99 
 
 10.45 
 
 23.0 
 
 89.16 
 
 18.90 
 
 1084 
 
 Extent of Manufacture. — This product is manufactured exten- 
 sively in England and Germany. About 348,000 tons were pro- 
 duced in England and 325,000 tons in Germany for 1909. About 
 100,000 tons will approximate the output in this country but 
 the tonnage will in all probability be much larger as many of 
 
 ' American Coal Products Co. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 9I 
 
 the coke ovens in the United States are not saving the ammonia. 
 . About 40,000 tons of ammonium sulphate were imported for 1909 
 mainly from England."^ On account of this product containing 
 such a high content of nitrogen it may sometimes be purchased 
 cheap, as the freight per unit of nitrogen is less than when a 
 product containing less nitrogen is selected. 
 
 Composition and Availability. — Sulphate of ammonia when pure 
 contains 21.2 per cent, nitrogen but the commercial article usually 
 runs about 20 per cent. It is in a form very suitable for distri- 
 bution in the soil and is readily converted into available plant 
 food. It more available than the organic forms. It is a quick 
 acting fertilizer and suitable therefore for quick returns in crop 
 production, an especial advantage for truckers and market gard- 
 eners. It is sometimes substituted for nitrate of soda. 
 
 It is usually a uniform product and adulterants are not often 
 added to it. Should adulteration be expected the following 
 tests may suffice to prove its purity. It should dissolve in 
 water; it should have the appearance of salt; it should pass off 
 as gas when a small quantity is heated red hot on a shovel or 
 iron plate. 
 
 As it is readily soluble in water it should be used sparingly, 
 and frequent small applications are more effective than large 
 amounts applied at long intervals. A continued use of it may 
 cause the soil to become acid because of the sulphates left in 
 the soil after the nitrogen is given up. 
 
 Nitrate of Soda. — This is a white or yellow or pink crystalline 
 salt. The nitrogen in nitrate of soda is in a form that can be 
 used by plants without undergoing any change. Nitrate of 
 soda is the highest in point of availability of any of the nitrog- 
 enous fertilizer materials. It induces roots to grow deep. 
 The nitrate diffuses into the subsoil and the plants send down 
 their roots for it. This is indeed of great benefit because it 
 enables the plant to better stand dry spells and it increases the 
 area of plant food supply. 
 
 Deposits and Shipments. — It is found in extensive deposits on 
 the west coast of Chile and is often called Chile saltpeter. There 
 if a difference of opinion regarding the origin of these deposits 
 
92 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 but it is thought that they were formed by the decomposition of 
 
 
 marine vegetation, as seaweed in combination with sea salt. 
 The exportation of nitrate of soda brings a vast revenue to 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 93 
 
 the Chilian government. The export duty per year amounts 
 
 J^^H^H^B^^^^^HE^B^/j^^^EgG^^xMn 
 
 ■^^^H^hBH^HKhp^/^^^^I^mHH^^B 
 
 
 
 Bh^^^ 
 
 ^>"i^ 
 
 f" V ■ >•"*" 
 
 1^^^ 
 
 • 
 
 
 W^m 
 
 < 
 
 
 
 mK. --.'^faiiSfl 
 
 11^ 
 
 
 
 
 *# 
 
 i 
 
 k^ ' ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^^■Btf^lf rM 
 
 ^HS^.»4aB^^^^H 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ■Si^B^ 
 
 'A 
 
 pHBiESB^H^^^^-^^^^J 
 
 
 W^fffKK^^^m 
 
 
 B^^^SI 
 
 to about $20,000,000 or approximately three-fourths of the in- 
 come of that country. The exportation of this salt started in 
 
94 
 
 son, FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 1830 with a trial shipment of about 9,000 tons and the total 
 exportation from 1840 to 1904 amounted to 25,947,994 tons. 
 From igo4 to 1923 it is estimated that 35,336,180 tons will be 
 exported. Up to and including 1909 about 40,000,000 tons were 
 shipped.''^ 
 
 Shipments of Nitrate of Soda for 1908-9." 
 
 Production 
 
 Europe 
 
 United States 
 
 Other points 
 
 Total shipments 
 
 1908 
 
 2.075.039 
 
 1,583.278 
 
 453,831 
 
 70,401 
 
 2,107 510 
 
 1909 
 
 1,947,603 
 
 1,644.505 
 
 326,818 
 
 55.367 
 
 2,026,690 
 
 The value of this product may better be realized when it is 
 known that it has a wholesale market value of $45 to $53 [)er 
 ton in this country. A great deal of it is used for the manu- 
 facture of explosives. The following shows the amounts used 
 for the manufacture of fertilizers. '- 
 
 1900 
 
 Tons 
 17,203 
 
 1905 
 Tons 
 
 40.234 
 
 Caliche. — The native deposit of nitrate of soda is called caliche. 
 Caliche contains from small percentages to 60 per cent, nitrate 
 of soda. It is not worked at present unless it contains about 
 18 per cent, nitrate of soda. Impurities as .sodium chloride, 
 potassium sulphate, calcium sulphate, sodium sulphate, magne- 
 sium sulphate, etc., are associated with the nitrate of soda. The 
 caliche is found in layers sometimes 6 feet thick, about 2 to 10 
 feet below the surface, and is blasted out with more or less 
 earthy matter which adheres to it. It is put in vats where it is 
 dissolved in hot water and steam. After it is dissolved the solu- 
 tion is piped to crystallizing pans where the crystals of nitrate 
 of soda separate out on cooling. The mother liquor is saved and 
 used over again. 
 
HIGH GRADi; NITROGENOUS FERTIUZlJR MATERIALS 
 
 95 
 
96 
 
 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Analysis of Nitrate of Soda Crystals After Being Dried 
 IN THE Sun." 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Sodium nitrate 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 Sodium chloride 
 
 94.164 
 1.763 
 0.933 
 
 O.OIO 
 
 0.138 
 0.289 
 
 Calcium sulphate 
 
 Magnesium snlphate. . . 
 Potassium perchlorate . 
 Water 
 
 0.102 
 0.219 
 0.282 
 2 100 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Magnesium chloride. ■ . 
 
 Total 
 
 
 
 
 Composition and Properties. — Nitrate of soda contains 15 to 16 
 per cent, nitrogen and the average product found on the Ameri- 
 can market contains 15.3 per cent, nitrogen. It is very soluble 
 in water and therefore it should be supplied in small quantities 
 frequently to prevent losing it by leaching. It should be kept 
 in dry storage as it absorbs water and is liable to liquefy. It is 
 hard to distribute evenly on the soil unless it is mixed with 
 earth or some other material. On account of its caustic action 
 it should be applied around the plants and not on them as it 
 spots green vegetation. It should be kept away from live-stock 
 as it is poisonous. Acid phosphates when damp should not be 
 mixed with nitrate of soda as nitrogen is lost. The acid attacks 
 the nitrate of soda liberating the nitrogen. 
 
 A continued use of nitrate of soda prevents losses of carbonate 
 of lime from the soil. The following experiment was con- 
 'lucted for 40 years." 
 
 Fertilizer 
 
 Uti manured 
 
 Complete minerals and 275 lbs., ni- 
 trate of soda 
 
 Complete minerals and 400 lbs. am- 
 monium salts 
 
 Farm manure 
 
 Per cent, in fine dry soil 
 
 1865 
 
 4-54 
 4.24 
 
 3-82 
 4.20 
 
 1904 
 
 3.29 
 
 3.36 
 
 2.25 
 3.28 
 
 Loss per acre 
 per year 
 
 lbs. 
 
 800 
 
 564 
 
 1,010 
 590 
 
 Nitrate of soda reduced the loss of carbonate of lime con- 
 siderably, from 236 pounds to 446 pounds respectively. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTHvIZER MATERIALS 
 
 97 
 
 
 3 
 
 
 
 ^5 
 
 --rp^ 
 
 "Py^ 
 
 
 j 
 
 k.. 
 
 "i^ 
 
 -r~- 
 
 1 
 
 KM 
 
 kiSi 
 
 1 
 
 HRI' '' -jH 
 
 
98 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Nitrate of soda used continuously and abundantly is liable to 
 put the soil in poor condition, as the sodium is not taken up by 
 the plant as rapidly as the nitrogen, and is left behind as sodium 
 carbonate. The compacting of soils due to nitrate of soda may 
 be relieved to a certain extent by applications of acid phosphate 
 and ammonium sulphate, which have acid reactions in the soil 
 and tend to neutralize the alkaline condition due to the nitrate of 
 soda. 
 
 The utilization of nitrogen from the air by artifically uniting 
 and fixing it with other elements to form compounds that could 
 compete with the other nitrogenous fertilizer materials has 
 attracted the attention of chemists and investigators for many 
 years. It seems that at last the problem has been solved and it 
 is now only a matter of a short time when the present modes of 
 manufacturing artificial nitrogen compounds will be so perfected 
 that we will not be forced to worry about the future supply of 
 this important element. There are two of these artificial nitrog- 
 enous compounds being sold to-day, namely, calcium nitrate 
 and calcium cyanamid. 
 
 Calcium nitrate sometimes called Hme nitrogen, Ca(N03)24H20, 
 is manufactured by the Berkeland-Eyde process, with cheap 
 water-power, in Notodden, Norway. A brief description of 
 the process may be of interest. 
 
 Process of Manufacture. — The nitrogen is united with oxygen 
 at a high temperature (2,600° C. to 3,000° C.) with the aid of 
 an electric arc flame. Hall says :" "In the Berkeland-Eyde pro- 
 cess an alternating current at about 5,000 volts is set to form an 
 arc between U-shaped copper electrodes, which are hollow and 
 kept cool by a current of water within. The electrodes are 
 placed equatorially between the poles of a powerful electro- 
 magnet, which has the effect of causing the arc to spread out into 
 a broad flat flame. Though the temperature of the arc-flame is 
 calculated to be 2,600° C, it is not particularly luminous ; it may 
 be looked directly from a yard's distance. 
 
 "Through the furnace in which this special arc is generated 
 about 15,000 liters' of air are blown per minute at gentle pres- 
 
 ^ One liter equals 1.057 quarts. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 99 
 
 sure and the issuing air contains about i per cent, of nitric 
 oxide and is at a temperature of 600° to 700° C. It is cooled 
 and then passes into two oxidizing chambers, where the com- 
 bination of the nitric oxide with the oxygen of the uncombined 
 air takes place, after which it passes into a series of five con- 
 densing towers. Down the fourth tower, which is filled with 
 broken quartz, water trickles and picks up enough of the nitrous 
 gases to become 5 per cent, nitric acid at the bottom ; this is 
 pumped up and trickles down the third tower, the process being 
 repeated until the liquid leaving the bottorn of the first tower 
 contains 50 per cent, of nitric acid. In the fifth and last tower 
 the absorbing liquid is milk of lime, and the resulting mixture 
 of solution of calcium nitrite and nitrate is treated with enough, 
 of the previously formed nitric acid to convert it wholly into 
 nitrate, the nitrous fumes evolved being led back into the oxi- 
 dizing chambers. The product is then concentrated until it 
 solidifies as a material containing about 13 per cent, of nitrogen, 
 or 75 per cent, of pure calcium nitrate. 
 
 "The present factory has three electric furnaces installed, each 
 employing 500 kilowatts, and the production amounts to about 
 150 kilograms^ of nitrogen fixed per kilowatt year. 
 
 Output and Value. — "Berkeland calculates that the cost of 
 manufacturing calcium nitrate containing 13 per cent, of nitro- 
 gen is about $20 per ton, and that it can be sold at a profit at 
 $40 a ton, which would be equivalent to nitrate of soda at about 
 $50 a ton. The present large factory at Notodden has been put- 
 ting calcium nitrate on the market for two years or more, the 
 rate of production now being about 20,000 tons per annum. 
 When the extensions to the factory are completed it is expected 
 the output will amount to nearly 3,000 tons per month. As a 
 fertilizer there cannot be the least doubt that nitrate of lime will 
 be just as valuable, nitrogen for nitrogen, as. nitrate of soda. 
 At Rothamstead a chemically prepared nitrate of lime has been 
 used for two or three years for a special purpose on one of the 
 mangold plots, and it has given exactly equal results to the 
 nitrate of soda plot alongside. Many field experiments have 
 
 1 One kilogram equals 2.20 pounds. 
 8 
 
100 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 been carried out with the electrical product in Norway during 
 the last year or two, and have shown that the new material can 
 be strictly valued against nitrate of soda on the basis of the 
 nitrogen it contains. Indeed, on some soils it is likely to be 
 more valuable, because, as will be shown later, part at least of 
 the lime base will be left behind in the soil as calcium carbonate. 
 This will be an advantage in peaty soils, and will also save clay 
 soils from the peculiar wetness and stickiness which results 
 from the employment of much nitrate of soda." 
 Galcitun cyanamid is a grey black crystalline powder. It is 
 
 1 
 
 ;*« , 
 
 ^^^^^UKj.faB.'S?^ 
 
 — ^, ' -_■■,■ -^^ 
 
 Fig. 14. — American Cyanamid Co. Plant, Niagara Falls, Ont. 
 
 made from limestone, coke and nitrogen gas. The first step in 
 the manufacture of this compound consists in the production of 
 calcium carbide which is made by heating a mixture of coke and 
 limestone in an electric furnace under a high temperature 
 (1,100" C.) The following is the reaction: 
 CaO +3C = CaC, +CO. 
 The carbide is powdered and introduced into air-tight coal- 
 fired retorts. After the carbide has reached a white heat pure 
 nitrogen gas is passed over it and the carbide absorbs the nitro- 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS lOI 
 
 gen gas, forming calcium cyanamid. The nitrogen gas is ob- 
 tained by passing air over red-hot copper, which removes the 
 oxygen by forming copper oxide which is reduced again to 
 metalHc copper by passing coal gas over it. There is another 
 process called the liquid air process used, wherein the nitrogen 
 gas is obtained by fractional distillation from liquefied air, the 
 nitrogen being evaporated at a lower temperature than the oxy- 
 gen. 
 
 The calcium cyanamid as it comes from the retorts is cooled 
 in air-tight receptacles, powdered and packed for the market. 
 The reaction is: 
 
 CaCj + Nj = CaCNj -|- C. 
 The composition of calcium cyanamid is about as follows :^- 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Calcium cyanamid (CaCN,) 57 
 
 Carbon 14 
 
 Lime (CaO) 21 
 
 Silica 25 
 
 Iron oxide 4 
 
 Calcium sulphide, phosphide, and carbonate 1.5 
 
 Nitrogen 20 
 
 When calcium cyanamid was first placed upon the market 
 small quantities of carbides, sulphides and phosphides were 
 present which are undesirable for fertilizing purposes as they 
 are decomposed by the moisture in the soil forming acetylene, 
 sulphuretted hydrogen and phosphine. These gases are poison- 
 ous to plants and especially injurious to young germinating 
 plants. Considerable experimentation was done by the manu- 
 facturers to rid cyanamid of these poisonous substances and a 
 product is now claimed to be manufactured in Baltimore, Md. 
 by the American Cyanamid Co., in which these poisonous ma- 
 terials are absent. This new product is known as, "Improved 
 Cyanamid" and has the following proximate composition :'° 
 
102 SOIL FERTII.ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Calcium cyanamid 29.26 
 
 ' ' carbonate o. 2 1 
 
 ' ' nitrate 20.06 
 
 hydrate 28.78 
 
 Sodium cyanamid 10.38 
 
 Free carbon 7.89 
 
 Silica 1 .03 
 
 Alumina 1.37 
 
 Iron oxide 0.69 
 
 Not determined 0.33 
 
 100.00 
 
 Total nitrogen 17.01 
 
 Total calcium oxide 34-73 
 
 Nitrate nitrogen 3.39 
 
 Cyanamid nitrogen 1 3.62 
 
 Properties. — About 80 per cent, of the nitrogen in the improved 
 cyanamid is as cyanamid and the remaining 20 per cent, as 
 nitrate. Calcium cyanamid contains about 20 per cent, of free 
 lime which absorbs water and carbonic acid gas from the air, 
 causing the lime to slake and the product to decompose so 
 that ammonia is formed. This ammonia is not lost to any great 
 extent when the product is kept in bags, but if it is exposed in 
 a loose pile the loss may be appreciable. Calcium cyanamid is 
 soluble in water and when steam is introduced into it ammonia 
 is driven off. In the soil the ammonia is given off by the action 
 of water and soil micro-organisms. The action with water is: 
 CaCN, + 3H2O = CaCOj + 2NH3. 
 
 Fertilizing Value. — Experiments show that this product has 
 about the same fertilizing value as ammonium sulphate orr most 
 .soils. It is therefore highly available. It would no doubt show 
 to good advantage on soils deficient in lime. Care should be 
 exercised in its application. When the product contains in- 
 jurious substances it is liable to injure seedlings and it is safe 
 practice to apply it sometime before the seed is planted. It is 
 thought to be injurious when used as a top dressing but this 
 point has not been thoroughly proved. Should the "Improved 
 Cyanamid" be free from injurious substances it will prove a 
 much more desirable fertilizer. 
 
HIGH GRADE NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 103 
 
 On the Rothamstead soil which contains an ample supply of 
 lime as carbonate, the following results were obtained.' 
 
 Fertilizer 
 
 Calcium cyananiid 
 
 Sulphate of ammonia . 
 
 Barley 
 
 Grain 
 Bushels 
 
 34-3 
 37-5 
 
 straw 
 Pounds 
 
 1,900 
 2,400 
 
 Mangolds roots 
 
 Tons Tons Tons 
 
 22.0 
 23-5 
 
 II. I 
 
 lO.O 
 
 28.9 
 27.9 
 
 Composition of High Grade Nitrogenous Materials. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Linseed meal 
 
 Castor pomace 
 
 Rape meal 
 
 Red blood 
 
 Black blood 
 
 Tankage 
 
 Concentrated tankage 
 
 Azotin 
 
 Steamed horn and hoof meal 
 
 Dry ground fish 
 
 King crab 
 
 Guano 
 
 Ammonium sulphate 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Calcium nitrate 
 
 Calcium cyanamid 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 6.58 
 5-3° 
 5-5° 
 500 
 13-50 
 
 I2.00 
 
 6.58-7-41 
 
 10-12 
 13.00 
 
 12-15 
 
 8.50 
 10.00 
 
 4-12 
 
 20.00 
 
 15-30 
 13.00 
 16-20 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 
 Percent. 
 
 2.80 
 1.60 
 1.80 
 1.60 
 
 3-5-5 
 
 9.00 
 5-20 
 
 Potash 
 Per cent. 
 
 1.50 
 1-25 
 1.00 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 LOW GRADE NrTROGENOUS MATERIALS AND FUNCTIONS OF 
 
 NITROGEN. 
 
 The nitrogenous substances discussed in the previous chapter 
 are all considered high class and valuable standard materials. 
 Some of them as the mineral compounds are immediately or 
 almost immediately available, while the organic materials, both 
 animal and vegetable, vary in their degree of availability, but 
 stay with the crop during the whole or the greater part of the 
 season. 
 
 The high prices of these desirable and valuable nitrogenous 
 materials have caused some of the manufacturers of commercial 
 fertilizers to seek and use cheaper sources of nitrogen. Many 
 of these cheaper materials, to be sure, are rich in nitrogen but 
 really of little value as the nitrogen is present in such forms as 
 to be inert or else too slow acting to stimulate plant growth. 
 Many of these low grade nitrogenous waste products are im- 
 ported from foreign countries yet we produce our share of 
 them in this country. They are made up of wastes from the 
 manufacture of silk, wool, feathers, combs, hair, skins, sugar 
 and some few are derived from vegetable sources. The ma- 
 terials most commonly used will be discussed. 
 
 Raw Leather Meal. — This product contains about 8 per cent, 
 nitrog-en, which is in a form that is very slowly utilized by 
 plants; it may remain in the soil for two or three years before 
 decaying. It takes such a long time for it to decompose that 
 it has not much value for fertilizing purposes. One of the ob- 
 jects in the treatment of leather is to prevent its decay and for 
 this reason raw leather may remain in the soil for a very long 
 time before undergoing any change. This material is sold vary- 
 ing in the degree of fineness from a dust to coarse particles. If 
 it is ever used it should be powdered. At best it is a tough 
 material. 
 
 Dissolved leather, sometimes called treated leather or extracted 
 leather, is made in Belgium. The raw leather is roasted and 
 
I,OW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIAIvS, ETC. 105 
 
 very finely ground and treated with superheated steam which 
 removes most of the tannic acid. It is then acidulated with 
 sulphuric acid to fix the nitrogen and render it more available. 
 This material is being used by the manufacturers in the United 
 States to quite a considerable extent because it is cheaper than 
 the more desirable nitrogenous materials per unit of nitrogen. 
 This product contains about 8 per cent, nitrogen and is more 
 valuable than raw leather. 
 
 Feather waste and various skin wastes are also saved for fer- 
 tilizing purposes. 
 
 Hair and fur waste is rich in nitrogen. It is unsuitable as 
 fertilizer because it is so slowly decayed. When properly 
 treated with sulphuric acid and rendered assimilative for plants 
 it is more valuable. Hair to a limited extent is often found in 
 tankage. 
 
 Mora meal is a vegetable product, brown in color, which is 
 imported from Europe. The mora seed, which are grown in 
 India and probably other tropical countries, are sent to Europe 
 where they are subjected to pressure and the oil extracted. 
 The remaining pomace is ground and sold as mora meal. This 
 product has been used for the past nine years in the United 
 States and the consumption has increased every year. 
 
 It carries about 2.5 per cent, of nitrogen which is of low 
 availability. It is not sold with any guarantee of nitrogen, 
 phosphoric acid and potash, but on a flat basis. It is used by 
 manufacturers of commercial fertilizers principally as a dryer 
 and filler. It is good for both of these purposes because it is 
 an excellent absorbent and bulky. 
 
 The quantity available from year to year depends upon the 
 amount of seed raised and on the price. European pressers 
 will not handle it unless the price of the seed is such that they 
 can make a profit. 
 
 Beet Refuse. — This compound is a grey black powdery sub- 
 stance. It contains from 5 to 7 per cent, nitrogen and about 0.5 
 to I per cent, potash. One manufacturer used this compound in 
 some of his mixtures because he believed it would kill insects 
 
Io6 SOIL FEKTILITY AND FEETILIZURS 
 
 in the soil. He believed this because of the presence of sulpho- 
 cyanic acid in this compound. 
 
 Scutch. — This is a by-product or waste product in the manu- 
 facture of glue and the dressing of skins. It is manufactured 
 in England and contains about 7 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 Horn and hoof meal, horn shavings, etc., are products obtained 
 from slaughtering houses or by-products in the manufacture 
 of combs and similar articles. In the raw state they are ex- 
 tremely hard to grind and are not valuable in this form be- 
 cause they decay too slowly to supply plant food with any degree 
 of rapidity. When steamed and pulverized they become high 
 grade products as mentioned in the previous chapter. 
 
 Wool Waste, Shoddies, Etc. — "Shoddy should consist of the 
 short, broken fragments of wool which are rejected in the vari- 
 ous processes for preparing woollen fabrics because they are 
 not long enough to make up into yarn, but now the term is 
 applied more generally to any form of waste from silk or wool 
 manufacturing which is no longer profitable to work up for 
 cloth. The material is thus extremely valuable in composition; 
 pure wool contains over 17 per cent, of nitrogen, pure silk about 
 as much, and at one end of the scale of shoddies come materials 
 like carpet waste, cloth clippings, gun wad waste, which are 
 nearly pure and may contain as much as 14 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 Less valuable, because of the greater admixture of dirt, are wool 
 combings, flock dust, and other cloth wastes where cotton is 
 also used, these may have 5 to 10 per cent, of nitrogen ; while 
 lower still come the manufacturing dust from textile factories, 
 the sweepings of workshops, etc., in which the nitrogen may 
 fall as low as 3 per cent."" 
 
 These products are all slow to decay and are rather undesir- 
 able as fertilizer. Shoddy and wool waste are often coarse and 
 bulky and hard to mix in a manufactured fertilizer or to distrib- 
 ute evenly when applied to the soil. 
 
 Dissolved Wool, Shoddy, Etc. — Wool waste, shoddy, etc., are 
 sometimes treated with superheated steam, the liquid evaporated 
 to dryness and the product ground, or else they may be acid- 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS, ETC. I07 
 
 ulated with sulphuric acid for a long time (2 months) to render 
 the nitrogen available. When treated by either of the above 
 methods, they are known as dissolved wool, shoddy, etc., and 
 are of course more valuable than the raw products from which 
 they were made. 
 
 Garbag^e Tankage. — Many of the large cities have plants where 
 the garbage is accumulated. The garbage is digested with hot 
 water and steam in special digesters for about 6 to 8 hours. 
 It is then subjected to hydraulic pressure and the grease is ob- 
 tained. The grease is separated from the extracted water; this 
 latter product is evaporated and the residue mixed with the pres- 
 sed tankage and dried to a low moisture content. The pro- 
 duct is then screened and ready for sale. It carries about 2 to 
 4 per cent, of nitrogen, 2.5 to 5 per cent, of phosphoric acid and 
 about 0.3 to 1.5 per cent, of potash. Garbage tankage is slow- 
 ly assimilated by plants and is not a valuable fertilizer. 
 
 Dried peat, sometimes called dried muck, is used principally 
 by the manufacturers because of its excellent drying properties. 
 The use -of it enables the manufacturer to put out a fertilizer 
 in a fine mechanical condition which may be distributed evenly 
 on the soil. This material varies in composition, depending 
 on the amount of vegetable and mineral matter present, but may 
 be considered as averaging 1.5 to 2 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 
 Availability of Nitrogenous Fertilizer Materials. — The only cor- 
 rect way to determine the value of any nitrogenous substance 
 is by running experiments with growing plants. The high grade 
 products as nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, dried blood, 
 cotton-seed meal, linseed meal, castor pomace, dry ground fish, 
 tankage, ground bone, steamed horn and hoof meal, etc., have 
 been tested by field experiments to determine their crop produc- 
 ing power. Laboratory methods have been introduced to cor- 
 respond as near as possible with the field results. 
 
 The availability of nitrate of soda is always taken as 100 and 
 the availability of other materials is based on the results secured 
 when compared to nitrate of soda. Should nitrate of soda give 
 an increased yield of 50D pounds per acre for a crop, the yield 
 
io8 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 of a nitrogenous fertilizer of 75 per cent, availability would give 
 an increase of 375 pounds, etc. 
 
 Not Always Possible to Run Field Experiments. — To conduct 
 field experiments is often impossible, because of the great ex- 
 pense, the long time required, the difference in soils, the varia- 
 tion in seasons, the ability of the various crops for securing 
 plant food, the association with other fertilizing materials con- 
 taining phosphoric acid, potash, lime, etc., so that much of our 
 information on the low grade products has been worked out in 
 the laboratory by chemical methods. These methods are not 
 entirely satisfactory but indicate to a great extent the relative 
 values of nitrogenous fertilizers, as to whether they are high 
 grade, medium grade or low grade. The Vermont and Con- 
 necticut Experiment Stations have done considerable work along 
 this line. 
 
 Vegetation Experiments. — Wagner conducted some vegetation 
 experiments on the relative availability of some nitrogenous 
 materials. Summer rye, followed by flax, summer wheat and 
 carrots were used in these experiments. 
 
 RESULTS OF Wagner's Experiments. The Relative Availability 
 OF Various Forms of Organic Nitrogenous Matter.'* 
 
 The experi- 
 ments of first 
 year 
 
 Average of 1 
 and second 
 year's experi- 
 ments 
 
 first Average 
 
 offirst 
 second and 
 third year's 
 experiments 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Sulphate of ammonia 
 
 Peruvian guano 
 
 Blood meal 
 
 Castor pomace 
 
 Green crop manure • . 
 
 Horn meal 
 
 Fish, guano 
 
 Steamed bone-meal . . 
 
 Flesh meal 
 
 Wool dust 
 
 Stable manure 
 
 Leather meal 
 
 ICO 
 
 85 
 84 
 67 
 62 
 62 
 63 
 51 
 42 
 44 
 27 
 II 
 13 
 
 74 
 88 
 
 67 
 65 
 60 
 61 
 59 
 53 
 47 
 28 
 16 
 
 100 
 88 
 80 
 69 
 
 67 
 68 
 
 63 
 64 
 61 
 54 
 33 
 32 
 20 
 
 Wagner says in discussing the results of these experiments: 
 "Of course these statements of value can only represent approxi- 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS, ETC. 
 
 109 
 
 mately the availability of these nitrogenous matters in com- 
 parison with nitrate of soda. It would be foolish to attempt a 
 numerical expression which should be absolutely correct in all 
 cases. 
 
 "Under conditions more favorable to the decay and nitrifica- 
 tion of organic matters, than prevailed in our tests, — if the soil 
 is richer in humus or lime, lighter, warmer, etc., or if a crop 
 is grown which has a longer period of growth and with it 
 a greater capacity for assimilating nitrogen — then the above 
 figures will be somewhat higher, and on the other hand (under 
 less favorable conditions), lower." 
 
 Recent experiments show that calcium nitrate and calcium 
 cyanamid are about equal to ammonium sulphate in availability. 
 
 The results of the vegetation tests of the Connecticut Ex- 
 periment Station show the following availability for different 
 nitrogenous materials.'^ 
 
 Experiments 
 of 1894 
 
 Experiments 
 of 1894 and 
 1895 
 
 Experiments 
 of 1894,1895 and 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Collier castor pomace . 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Red seal castor pomace 
 
 Linseed meal 
 
 Dried blood 
 
 Dry fish 
 
 Dissolved leather 
 
 Horn and hoof 
 
 Tankage 
 
 Steamed leather 
 
 Roasted leather 
 
 Raw leather 
 
 100 
 90 
 87 
 73 
 74 
 79 
 69 
 76 
 77 
 73 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 100 
 83 
 79 
 73 
 72 
 72 
 69 
 70 
 67 
 64 
 10 
 10 
 2 
 
 100 
 77 
 74 
 70 
 70 
 68 
 69 
 65 
 67 
 61 
 
 13 
 9 
 
 2 
 
 "The availability of the nitrogen of roasted, steamed and raw 
 leather, while not alike in the three years, is so much lower 
 than that of any other materials tested, as to demonstrate that 
 the nitrogen in them is comparatively inert and of little effect un- 
 less applied in large quantities. 
 
no 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 rO r^OO 00 1^ lO ON r^oo lOOO OO fO ■ 
 
 «;= 
 S3 
 
 o.« ■ 
 
 u > 
 B « 
 .- 1, 
 
 "a 
 
 < 
 
 05. 
 
 s 
 
 n 
 
 <! 
 
 ►J 
 
 > 
 < 
 
 B-O 
 
 h 
 
 = 
 
 OOOOO-OOOi-iOOwOOOOOOOOOOOOO 
 
 Si: 
 
 oS, 
 
 ON cO^ f*^ r^ lO fOQO f^^ O '-' »0 O t>. t-- OvsO 
 
 t^vo 00 q ON ^ « r^NO vo -^ io\o oo oo no q ^ 
 
 fo -4 w -^No -^o' OMowvo'-^M -4 TJ-« 00 r^oo' Ch i>.vo t^<o vo \c 
 
 0. 
 Bl 
 
 a 
 
 ■< 
 w 
 
 2; 
 
 ■< 
 o 
 
 !5 
 
 •< 
 
 a 
 
 sj 
 
 ►J 
 
 «! 
 
 < 
 
 p 
 
 B S 
 O V 
 
 St 
 
 O O O O " o o 
 
 0\ »*1 ^ PO "■ »0 rOX rcvO O fO »n O lO t^ ON " 
 l^ND lOO ON- N l^^vo Y°0 ^ °9 —. ^ 9 ' 
 ^ Tj- r^ -^sd TJ-do^lONNO-^*^-.^ lOOO OO" CO OO' d» I-^NO" r^oo nC no 
 
 
 o o 
 o o 
 
 5 o <o M v wz » 
 
 3 cd cB i3 7 
 
 
 J ^ TS 'O 
 
 boo 
 
 o V 
 
 .a >no 
 
 1- c .iif^ i i « M , 
 
 6ec5 
 
 <U r^ O 
 
 22 3 
 
 - .. c 
 
 = c 
 
 MM 
 
 u ^ 
 
 o o 
 
 O C3 C9 CQ 
 O U U Ul 
 
 xhhq 
 
 lu n s 
 
 o o r 
 w V- 2 
 .ti.ti a 
 
 c a „ J; 
 
 .2 .a o = 
 c a a E 
 „, a a V Z 
 lijMgeMa 
 
 ^<^ ° °-ti'2 
 
 SM=|:a§ 
 
 rt >^'o o ^ sa 
 
 u u 
 
 a 3 
 
 c a 
 
 as 
 
 CA n 
 
 3 3 
 
 O O 
 
 a B 
 
 p o 
 
 ziz; 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS^ ETC. 
 
 Ill 
 
 'tnB ^ 
 
 art" 
 
 I I I I I I 
 
 u > 
 
 Us 
 
 
 = 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8! 
 
 
 n 
 
 \D\D\0 
 rD CM CN 
 
 
 t^ ^T TT 
 
 <N 
 
 r^ r^ ^ lO CO 
 W -^ ■'^ CO -^ 
 
 CO 
 
 T 
 
 
 Q 
 < 
 W 
 
 <: 
 s: 
 -e 
 c 
 z 
 < 
 
 w 
 
 w 
 g 
 
 O O O O " 
 
 CS N W CO 
 
 hhOOMmOOO 
 
 
 <N CO rO av» 00 1-- -^ 
 
 CO r^ t^vd ri cl r^. ri 
 
 r^oo 
 
 q vo 
 
 d pi t}- f^, -<3- rovd ^ ci ri 
 
 in ^ o ON fo 
 
 up W CO fO rO 
 Tj- lO -^ -4 -^ 
 
 *S a 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 • l-H 1-^ • 
 
 
 • ■ (N W ro (N fO « • • 
 
 r^ a\ loco M 
 
 
 
 
 W O M W 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 fO ON fO\0 rO ro N 
 
 CO rO i-H CO 00 — ^-' 
 
 &5g 
 
 
 esco coco r^ 
 
 fO t-H ro « -Tt 
 
 r- r^ r^ « cn ro n 
 
 W M 
 
 CI TT Cj -^ rO^ Tl- W IN 
 
 t^vO ^ "O TT 
 
 
 
 
 s u 
 ' s 
 
 03 
 
 — r'C • 
 ffl o ■ 
 
 s S « 
 sac 
 
 2 25 
 
 2 o i 
 s ^ s 
 
 o 
 b 
 
 4-1 
 
 rt o 
 
 .a > 
 
 3=5 
 
 
 HHS=;2i^<:i- 
 
 (U <U OJ 3 = 
 O O (J " C 
 
 cC cd n .4^ ,^j 
 fl S fl « « 
 rn 5 5 rt efl 
 
 O O O V OJ 
 CO, A>^>, 
 
 >- U t« U )h 
 
 CC Qi CO c] 
 
 ■« Q U U li ti U 
 
 0- S E-. :- H H 5- 
 
 o c 
 . - o S 
 
 •«! 4» ?^ ^ 5 
 
 -a 
 g S 
 
 r .r rt 
 
 S CO ra o 
 
 S 3 3 « ij S : oT 
 
 3 rt rt iH g 
 
 ■•-• "T- r- «« n 
 
 L. ^- ^- fl; -- 
 
 cd cc R m s 
 
 n *-" "^ 
 ■3—11 
 
 c t. s: 
 
 r^CO 0\ O " W rO Tf lOVD l^CO C7^ O ^ 01 fO -^ lOvO I^C» OO — 
 M CS N rOr»5rOfOtOc<lr<imi^ir)Tf-3-^Tt^ -cf ^ f^ -^ in tr> 
 
112 
 
 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 "The experiments also demonstrate that leather may be dis- 
 solved in oil of vitriol so as to make its nitrogen nearly as avail- 
 able to the maize and oat crops as that of tankage. Samples 
 of roasted leather, steamed leather and dissolved leather were 
 prepared each year from a common stock of raw leather, and 
 slight differences in their preparation might explain the differ- 
 ences of availability observed in different years. 
 
 "Of the nine materials tested, other than leather, tankage 
 certainly has the lowest nitrogen-availability, ranking 7th, 9th, 
 and 9th, in the three years tests. Regarding the nitrogen-avail- 
 ability of the other organic matters the experiments are not al- 
 together conclusive." 
 
 Laboratory Experiments. — Jones'" determined the availability of 
 the principal nitrogenous organic materials. It will be seen that 
 cotton-seed meal gives low results with permanganate solution 
 due perhaps to the large amount of non-nitrogenous organic 
 matter present. 
 
 Vegetation tests were run on four of these materials by Hart- 
 well. His results follow: 
 
 Availability by : 
 
 Original nitrogenous ma- 
 nure 
 
 Extracted leather 
 
 Tartar yeast manure 
 
 Patent nitrogenous potash 
 manure 
 
 Pot experiment 
 
 Barley Millet Oats 
 
 52 
 10 
 
 19 
 
 34 
 
 70 
 
 49 
 o 
 
 39 
 
 62 
 38 
 38 
 
 Alkaline perman- 
 ganate method 
 
 Organic Total 
 
 43 
 37 
 32 
 
 15 
 
 46 
 37 
 37 
 
 35 
 
 Pepsin 
 
 49 
 
 45 
 
 6 
 
 The summary of the results are given in the following table: 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS, ETC. 
 
 113 
 
 AvAii.ABii.iTY Summary. 
 
 Material 
 
 Dried blood 
 
 Dried fish 
 
 Tankage 
 
 Bone-meal 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Castor pomace 
 
 Tobacco stems 
 
 Hoof meal 
 
 Leather preparations 
 
 Peat 
 
 Mora meal ■ 
 
 Tartar pomace 
 
 Garbage tankage 
 
 Sugar-beet — gas house refuse 
 
 Fillerine 
 
 Beet refuse 
 
 Average alkaline per- 
 
 
 manganate availability 
 
 Average 
 
 
 
 pepsin 
 
 
 
 availa- 
 
 Organic 
 
 Total 
 
 bility 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 65 
 
 65 
 
 97 
 
 68 
 
 68 
 
 77 
 
 56 
 
 56 
 
 71 
 
 56 
 
 56 
 
 75 
 
 46 
 
 46 
 
 88 
 
 46 
 
 50 
 
 78 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 63 
 
 66 
 
 67 
 
 25 
 
 44 
 
 45 
 
 49 
 
 27 
 
 27 
 
 -23 
 
 26 
 
 26 
 
 46 
 
 33 
 
 37 
 
 20 
 
 22 
 
 22 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 42 
 
 19 
 
 18 
 
 43 
 
 14 
 
 29 
 
 31 
 
 43 
 
 According to Jones: "Briefly reviewing the results as sum- 
 marized in the above table we have in the first group the prob- 
 ably readily available ammoniates. Excepting the three vege- 
 table ammoniates to which the alkaline permanganate method is 
 not applicable, but whose rank is clearly established by the pep- 
 sin figure, we find the permanganate availability running from 
 55 to 68 and the pepsin from 71 to 97 per cent. It should be 
 noted that pepsin treatment gives a low result, 25 per cent., for 
 hoof meal, against 66 per cent, by the permanganate process. 
 Certain vegetation tests by the Connecticut Experiment Station 
 indicate that the higher figure is possibly more nearly correct. 
 
 "The second group, whether of vegetable or animal origin, 
 shows a decided drop in availability percentage by both methods 
 and fall into the questionable class. The leather preparations 
 were mechanically very fine and dry in many instances partially 
 soluble in water. Many of them carried a considerable per- 
 centage of ammonia, for which credit is given in the column 
 headed total." 
 
 "The inert nature of the nitrogen in peat is well recognized. 
 
114 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Note the low permanganate availability of 27 per cent, and the 
 pepsin figure of minus 25 per cent." Sample No. 37 shows the in- 
 crease of availability of peat by treating with sulphuric acid. 
 
 Recent work performed at the Rhode Island Station shows that 
 the availability of nitrogen as determined by pot experiments 
 closely approximates the availability by the alkaline permanganate 
 method.^ 
 
 Description of Some of the Low Grade Materials. — The author 
 wrote to Mr. Jones for information as to the sources, pro- 
 cess of manufacture and composition of some of the materials 
 mentioned in the foregoing tables. In his reply he states: "I 
 have been on the lookout for all kinds of organic ammoniates 
 during the past ten years ; I really know very little of the pro- 
 cess of manufacture, nor do I know just where you could obtain 
 definite information on the subject. Such notes as I have ob- 
 tained from the senders of the samples are as follows: 
 
 "Soluble organic nitrogen is principally made up of hair and 
 wool. 
 
 "Beet refuse compound contains from one-half to one per cent, 
 of actual potash. It is beet refuse treated with gas waste and 
 has been criticised as containing sulpho-cyanic acid. 
 
 "High grade potash manure, is a pure vegetable beet refuse 
 containing 6 to 8 per cent, ammonia and 6 to 9 per cent, actual 
 potash and is very soluble. 
 
 "Tartar pomace or tartar yeast, is a residue of wine lees of 
 France: a pure vegetable compound. 
 
 "Another ammoniated manure is described as the process 
 treated leather which is mixed with gas ammonia liquor, con- 
 taining in addition to ammonia upwards of i per cent, potash. 
 
 "Fillerine is a heavy dark purple material containing cyanide. 
 
 "Ordinary treated leather, is probably leather refuse baked 
 under steam pressure and ground. Many of the other leather 
 preparations may have been otherwise treated to remove most 
 of the tannic acid and render them non-cakable. 
 
 "French mora meal contains in addition to ammonia, upwards 
 of 3 per cent, potash. Mr. Hartwell of the Rhode Island Sta- 
 
 1 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Aug., 1911. 
 
IvOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIAES^ ETC. II5 
 
 tion tells me that the tree from which it is derived is a legume, 
 grows in Guiana and Trinidad and has a pod 6 to 8 inches long 
 by 3 inches wide, which contains a single large bean. It is 
 probable that the mora meal comes from this material, although 
 I have seen no positive statement to that effect. 
 
 "Tygert tankage is a leather preparation which I have always 
 understood was manufactured in the vicinity of Philadelphia and 
 may possibly contain some ordinary tankage. 
 
 "Please understand that I do not vouch for the accuracy of 
 the statements above given as I have had to take all of them 
 .second hand." 
 
 Value of Low Grade Materials. — Raw leather, wool waste, 
 shoddy, hair, etc., may be rendered fairly available as plant food 
 by special treatment, but such treatment usually is expensive and 
 the market value does not always permit it. The standard high 
 grade materials are always to be preferred and these low grade 
 wastes cannot be sold imless they are much cheaper. Hence 
 these low grade substances are usually only partially treated 
 or not at all, so they have very little value as fertilizer and the 
 use of them is liable to cause disappointment and poor yields. 
 They are not always sold alone but are sometimes mixed to- 
 gether. The writer has examined a product imported from 
 Belgium and sold as Foreign Imported Tankage which wai 
 made up of shoddy, wool waste, hair, and leather and was only 
 partially treated. Most of the material was in the raw state 
 and in poor mechanical condition ; chemical methods showed 
 it to be poor plant food. This material contained about 7 per 
 cent, nitrogen with traces of phosphoric acid. Should any of 
 these low grade substances be used, the purchaser should de- 
 mand that they be powdered, or ground very fine, in order to 
 give the soil organisms a better chance to decompose them. 
 The purchaser should not expect to get quick results with many 
 of these wastes as some of them, particularly the raw leather, 
 may remain in the ground for two or three years without any 
 apparent change. 
 
 Note. — Recent experiments show that the wet process of treating low grade materials 
 increases their availabilitv considerably. This process conststs of treating fertiiizer ma- 
 terials with sulphuric acid and sealing the same in a den or receptacle for a few days. 
 
Il6 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The Use of Low Grade Materials is Increasing. — The use of these 
 low grade materials seems to be increasing and many manu- 
 facturers are using them in their low grade cheap fertilizers 
 which carry low percentages of nitrogen, to a greater or less 
 extent. The writer believes that some of these materials have 
 no doubt been misrepresented to the manufacturers or else they 
 would not use them. In order to insure future business they 
 endeavor to put out fertilizers that will give good crop returns, 
 and by satisfying their formulas with much of this class of 
 material the poor crop returns will surely hurt them in repeating 
 orders. 
 
 Some of these materials are said to be used as dryers by the 
 manufacturers (peat and mora meal for example) but analyses 
 of fertilizers containing them often show that the manufacturers 
 counted the nitrogen content in making the fertilizers. Peat to 
 be sure is a valuable filler for fertilizers as in addition to its dry- 
 ing qualities it contains about 30 per cent, of humus, but its 
 nitrogen is not readily available and fertilizers containing it 
 should have their guarantees satisfied by the use of more avail- 
 able substances. 
 
 The Nitrogenous Materials to Use. — We have learned that most 
 plants assimilate nitrogen from the soil as nitrate and occasional- 
 ly as ammonia. We also know that certain organisms in the 
 soil convert the nitrogen from organic sources into ammonia and 
 from ammonia into nitrates. Therefore it is reasonable to 
 suppose that substances containing nitrogen as nitrates are to 
 be preferred for immediate results in plant growth. As am- 
 monia is converted to nitrates in the soil, materials containing 
 nitrogen as ammonia, as ammonium sulphate for example, are 
 less active than nitrate of soda. Again, nitrogen from organic 
 sources is less active than from substances containing nitrogen 
 as nitrates or ammonia, as organic nitrogen must be changed 
 to ammonia and nitrates before teing usable, and we would use 
 materials furnishing this form of nitrogen for slower and more 
 lasting results. We have seen that the nitrogen from organic 
 products varies a great deal in the power of giving up or hold- 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS, ETC. II7 
 
 ing nitrogen. Dried blood and cotton-seed meal, for example, 
 give up nitrogen quicker than tankage and dry ground fish, and 
 these latter substances do not hold nitrogen as long as leather 
 preparations and wool waste. Therefore in selecting the proper 
 nitrogenous material or materials to use we must consider the 
 condition of the soil, climate, locality, kind of crop, etc. 
 
 For Immediate Eesults. — Should immediate results be desired, 
 applications of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, lime nitrate, 
 or calcium cyanamid should serve the purpose. The locality 
 may prevent the use of organic substances as a certain amount 
 of heat (37° F.) is required for the soil organisms to convert 
 organic nitrogen into nitrates. A wet season checks nitrifica- 
 tion and hence nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia should 
 give better results than the organic materials. 
 
 For Soils Well Supplied and Long^ Growing Crops. — Should the 
 soil have a sufficient natural supply of organic nitrogen as from 
 some leguminous crop plowed under, etc., perhaps no organic 
 nitrogenous material should be applied and a small application of 
 some one of the mineral salts may suffice to give the crop a start. 
 If the crop is a long growing one, an organic product may prove 
 best, as it gives up its nitrogen in smaller amounts and more 
 slowly than the chemicals and will thus stay with the crop the 
 whole season. Mixtures of mineral and organic materials may 
 sometimes be best so as to enable the plant to get a quick start 
 by supplying immediate food and when this supply is exhausted, 
 to furnish nourishment from the organic sources for the re- 
 mainder of the season. The fertilizer manufacturers often use 
 two or three different nitrogenous substances of different forms, 
 as nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia and cotton-seed meal, 
 in their fertilizers to allow the plant a continual supply of 
 available nitrogen. Mixtures of organic materials of different 
 availabilities may make excellent combinations for certain crops. 
 
 For large Crops and Building up the Soil. — Should a large crop 
 be desired the chemicals and the active organic substances would 
 perhaps be preferable, but should the building up of the soil 
 for some future crop be wished, the less active organic materi- 
 
n8 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 als would prove more valuable than nitrate of soda, ammonium 
 sulphate, lime nitrate, calcium cyanamid, dried blood, cotton- 
 seen meal, etc., as these materials are all changed to the nitrate 
 form, except nitrate of soda which is already in this form, 
 either immediately or during the season and would in all prob- 
 ability be lost because nitrates do not become fixed in the soil 
 and are readily washed away by heavy rains. The nitrogen in 
 organic materials is not soluble in water to any great extent as 
 is the case with nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, lime ni- 
 trate and calcium cyanamid so that the losses by leaching of the 
 former substances are not considerable as compared to those of 
 the latter. 
 
 It is evident then that the farmer should select those sub- 
 stances that will give the best results for his conditions and not 
 purchase nitrogenous fertilizer that some neighbor recommends 
 who secured good crops with an entirely different crop and soil, 
 etc. 
 
 Statistics.^^ — The principal materials containing nitrogen that 
 were used in the manufacture of fertilizers for 1900 and 1905 
 follow : 
 
 1900 
 
 1905 
 
 Tons 
 
 Tons 
 
 168,510 
 
 236,906 
 
 354,075 
 
 439,206 
 
 28,977 
 
 58,437 
 
 146,488 
 
 183,368 
 
 4,120 
 
 10,540 
 
 17-203 
 
 40,234 
 
 884 
 
 1,160 
 
 Bones, amtnoniates, etc. 
 
 Tankage, etc. 
 
 Fish products 
 
 Cotton-seed products. . . 
 Ammonium sulphate- . . 
 
 Sodium nitrate 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 Total 
 
 720,257 
 
 969,851 
 
 Potassium nitrate, although an excellent source of nitrogen 
 and potash, is usually too expensive to use in commercial fer- 
 tilizers. 
 
 The total ammonia contained in manufactured fertilizers for 
 1900 and 1905 was distributed as follows : 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS^ ETC. 
 
 iiy 
 
 Bones, ammoniates, etc. 
 
 Tankage, etc 
 
 Fish products 
 
 Cotton-seed products . . . 
 Ammonium sulphate - ■ ■ 
 
 Sodium nitrate 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 Total 
 
 Per cent, increase 
 
 1900 
 Tons 
 
 Tons 
 
 8,931 
 
 20,182 
 
 2,8ll 
 
 16,690 
 5,668 
 
 9,212 
 1,022 
 
 15,036 
 2,614 
 
 3-217 
 124 
 
 7,524 
 162 
 
 45,499 
 
 56,065 
 
 23.22 
 
 
 Nitrogen Removed by Crops. — Some crops do not remove as 
 much nitrogen as others but still these crops may deplete the 
 soil of nitrogen by allowing it to escape in other ways as by 
 leaching and denitrification. 
 
 Functions of Nitrogen. — Nitrogen increases growth and defers 
 maturity. In a certain parish in Louisiana where the people 
 were ignorant along fertilizing lines, cotton-seed meal was the 
 only fertilizer known to them. So year after year they applied 
 this fertilizer to their cotton. For the last three years that they 
 practiced this, they produced excellent large cotton plants but 
 the crop did not mature well or produce scarcely any cotton. 
 The people could not understand it. They did not know that 
 cotton-seed meal was a nitrogenous fertilizer nor did they know 
 that nitrogen produced growth. The Experiment Station was called 
 upon to investigate the trouble and as the soil was naturally 
 rich in potash, applications of acid phosphate corrected the con- 
 dition. The above example shows the results of an excess of 
 nitrogen in producing growth and deferring maturity. 
 
 When excessive nitrogen is applied to potatoes it produces 
 a vigorous growth of vines but very few tubers are formed. 
 Should an excess of nitrogen be supplied the small grain crops 
 it would cause them to lodge and produce grain of inferior 
 quality and the excess of the weight of the crop to the weight of 
 the grain would be high. Excessive nitrogen retards the for- 
 mation of fruit. It produces growth of wood and leaves when 
 the fruit should be forming. 
 
120 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Weights of Nitrogen Removed by Ordinary Crops in Pounds 
 
 Per Acre." 
 
 Crops 
 
 Meadow hay, lyi tons 
 Timothy hay, i % tons 
 
 Clover hay, 2 tons 
 
 Wheat 
 Grain, 25 bushels- ■ ■ 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Rye 
 
 Grain, 30 bushels- - ■ 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Oats 
 
 Grain, 50 bushels- . - 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Barley 
 
 Grain, 50 bushels- - - 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Corn 
 
 Kernel, 50 bushels . 
 
 Cobs 
 
 Stover 
 
 Total 
 
 Potatoes 
 Tubers, 200 bushels ■ 
 
 Haulm (stems) 
 
 Total 
 
 Sugar-Beets 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Mangei.^ 
 
 Roots, 25 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Turnips 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Swedes 
 
 Roots, 16 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Cabbage, 20 tons 
 
 Onions, 500 bushels ■ - - 
 Tobacco, leaf 
 
 Wt. as harvested 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 4,000 
 
 37.8 
 28.3 
 79-4 
 
 1,500 
 2,500 
 
 4,000 
 
 28.3 
 13-6 
 41.9 
 
 1,680 
 2,000 
 
 28.5 
 9.6 
 
 3,6So 
 
 38.1 
 
 1,600 
 2,100 
 
 30.2 
 13-4 
 
 3-700 
 
 43-6 
 
 2,350 
 2,800 
 
 5,150 
 
 46.6 
 
 13-7 
 60.3 
 
 2,800 
 
 700 
 
 2,300 
 
 5,800 
 
 46.1 
 
 2.7 
 14.0 
 
 62.8 
 
 14,000 
 4.500 
 
 47.0 
 21. 1 
 
 18,500 
 
 68. t 
 
 40,000 
 20.000 
 
 115-2 
 76.0 
 
 60,000 
 
 191.2 
 
 50,000 
 18.500 
 68,500 
 
 112.0 
 
 5>-8 
 
 163.8 
 
 40,000 
 11,600 
 5«,6oo 
 
 70.4 
 
 49.8 
 
 120.2 
 
 32,000 
 4,800 
 36,800 
 40,030 
 28,500 
 1,500 
 
 61. d 
 28.6 
 90.0 
 153-6 
 63.0 
 58-S 
 
LOW GRADE NITROGENOUS MATERIALS, ETC. 
 
 121 
 
 When nitrogen is lacking in the soil the plants do not grow 
 so high as when the supply is sufficient. With crops grown on 
 such soils the proportion of grain or seed to the weight of the 
 crop is high. No matter how much phosphoric acid and potash 
 there may be in the soil the crops can only use quantities in pro- 
 portion to the growth of the plants, and the growth of plants 
 will be in proportion to the nitrogen supply. 
 
 Generally speaking an application of a nitrogenous fertilizer 
 will produce increased yields without the application of potash 
 and with an occasional supply of phosphoric acid. The nitro- 
 gen produces a better leaf development, a better growth, the 
 color of crops became a darker green, and the crop matures 
 later. Often the supplying of nitrogen alone will increase yields 
 to such an extent that farmers may overate the value of this 
 constituent. On soils that are deficient in organic matter, that 
 have been continually cropped, the need of nitrogen is generally 
 greater than phosphoric acid and potash. 
 
 The following table shows the value of nitrogen in increasing 
 yields. 
 
 Average Yield OF Wheat — 56 Years (1852-1907).' 
 
 Fertilizer 
 
 Graiu 
 Bushels 
 
 straw 
 Pounds 
 
 
 12.9 
 
 U.8 
 
 20.5 
 
 23-7 
 31-6 
 
 1,050 
 1,230 
 1,870 
 2 280 
 
 
 Nitrogen only, no minerals 
 
 
 3.190 
 
 
 It is seen that the plot receiving phosphoric acid and potash 
 but no nitrogen produced 1.9 bushels more of grain and 180 
 pounds more straw than the unfertilized plot. The plot that 
 received nitrogen only produced 5.7 bushels more of grain and 
 640 pounds more of straw than the plot that was supplied with 
 phosphoric acid and potash. Nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
 show a gain over the nitrogen plot and the complete fertilizer 
 gave the best results. 
 
 Market gardeners often take advantage of the power of nitro- 
 
122 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 gen in the growing of lettuce and similar vegetables. Vegetables 
 grown on soils more than amply supplied with nitrogen produce 
 more delicate and tender vegetables, especially lettuce and cab- 
 bage, but they do not stand shipping so well; although better 
 for immediate consumption than vegetables grown on average 
 soils they wilt and spoil quickly and are not popular with the 
 commission houses. The cell walls and tissues are not so strong 
 with crops grown on excessive nitrogen as when not. 
 
 Excessive Nitrogen Invites Diseases. — Crops grown on soils that 
 have excessive nitrogen are more suceptible to plant diseases 
 than on average soils. This may be noticed to a limited extent 
 with oats and wheat. When the season is especially favor- 
 able to the production of nitrates in the soil during the growing 
 period or when oats and wheat are grown on rich nitrogenous 
 soils rust is more prevalent than usual. Plant diseases due to 
 excessive nitrogen are perhaps more noticeable with crops grown 
 under glass than outside. Most of the soils that are used in 
 hothouses are very rich in nitrogen and the high temperature 
 kept renders nitrification very rapid. The color of the leaves of 
 hothouse crops becomes a darker green when excessive nitrogen 
 is present, the leaves become tender and thin and seem to be 
 easily attacked by certain fung^ unless extra precautions are 
 taken. Cucumbers are especially susceptible to disease in the 
 presence of excessive nitrogen. 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 PHOSPHATES. 
 
 Phosphates are those materials that contain phosphoric acid. 
 The phosphates occur as phosphate of lime, iron and alumina, 
 in which compounds the phosphoric acid is united with lime, 
 iron and alumina respectively. Since the phosphoric acid in 
 fertilizers is derived mainly from phosphate of lime we will 
 limit our treatment of the subject to the important materials 
 composing this group. 
 
 The phosphates of lime occur as organic, organic and mineral, 
 and mineral compounds. 
 
 Bones. — The chief source of phosphoric acid from the organic 
 phosphates of lime are bones. The composition of bones is 
 variable. The bones from old mature animals are richer in 
 phosphate of lime than bones from young animals. Different 
 bones from the same animal also show a variable composition, 
 as the harder more compact bones are richer in phosphate of 
 lime than the softer, porous ones. 
 
 Raw Bone-Meal. — This is the finely ground product derived 
 from raw bones and it contains all the constituents of them. 
 It carries considerable organic matter much of which is in the 
 form of fats, which makes it hard to grind and to handle on the 
 market. The presence of organic matter makes it objectionable. 
 The fatty matter, which slowly decomposes, tends to make this 
 fertilizer very slowly available for plant food and so it is called 
 a slow acting fertilizer. Raw bone-meal usually contains about 
 19 to 25 per cent, of phosphoric acid and 2 to 4 per cent, of 
 nitrogen, with an average of 22 per cent, of phosphoric acid 
 and 3.5 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 
 Composition of Raw Bones.'" 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Moisture 9.90 
 
 Organic matter 33.70 
 
 Lime phosphate 49- 12 
 
 Alkaline salts, magnesia, etc 6.18 
 
 Insoluble silicious matter i . 10 
 
 Total • 100.00 
 
 Nitrogen 3.76 
 
124 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The phosphates are sold to the trade on the basis of tricalcium 
 phosphate present. To convert tricalcium phosphate to phos- 
 phoric acid, multiply by the factor 0.4S76 and to get the equival- 
 ent of tricalcium phosphate from a given percentage of phos- 
 phoric acid, multiply by 2.185. 
 
 Steamed Bone-Meal. — Most of the bone sold for fertilizing pur- 
 poses has been boiled or steamed in the rendering factories to 
 extract the fats and nitrogenous compounds which are used in 
 making soap, glue, and gelatine. The bones are then ground 
 or pulverized and sold as steamed bone-meal, bone-meal and 
 bone-dust. This product is variable in composition, ranging 
 from 17.5 to 29 per cent, of phosphoric acid and 1.5 to 4.5 per 
 cent, of nitrogen. Good clean bone-meal should contain at least 
 2.5 per cent, of nitrogen and 25 per cent, of phosphoric acid. 
 The treatment of the rawr bones affects the final composition of 
 the product (steamed bone-meal) ; the boiling or steaming re- 
 duces the nitrogen content and increases the phosphoric acid. 
 
 Steamed bone-meal is a more quickly available fertilizer than 
 raw bone-meal and is therefore better for most crops. 
 
 There is a great difference in the steamed bone-meals put 
 upon the market not only in the composition but in the hardness 
 of the product. Steamed bone-meal from some factories is 
 more porous and softer than from others. Some factories put 
 out a product that crumbles easily while others sell meal that 
 is extremely hard. 
 
 Composition of Steamed Bone-Meai..-"' 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Organic matter 
 
 Phosphate of lime, magnesia, etc 
 
 Sulphate of lime 
 
 Alkaline salts, carbonate of lime 
 Silicious matter 
 
 Total 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Good quality 
 
 Bad quality 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 11-57 
 
 3-95 
 
 19.01 
 
 14.40 
 
 60.02 
 
 40.32 
 
 0.52 
 
 35-42 
 
 S.02 
 
 4.21 
 
 O.S6 
 
 1.70 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.00 
 
 1.60 
 
 1.20 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 125 
 
 Degree of Fineness. — The bones when sold for fertilizing pur- 
 poses are ground fine and are known as fine ground bone, bone- 
 meal, bone-dust and bone-flour. The mechanical condition of 
 fineness does not affect the composition but increases the avail- 
 ability of the product for plant food. Hence the finer the bones 
 are ground the more valuable they are as quicker acting fertili- 
 zers. These products are generally valued according to their 
 degree of fineness and chemical composition. It must be re- 
 membered that all bone-meals give up their plant food slowly 
 and are not desirable for immediate results in the production of 
 crops. 
 
 Composition of Raw and Steamed Bone for Comparison, Krocker.' 
 
 Raw 
 Per cent. 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Organic matter 
 
 (^ nitrogen ) 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Carbonic acid 
 
 Iron oxide, magnesia, alkalies, etc. 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Total 
 
 7-5° 
 38.00 
 
 (4.05) 
 
 19-50 
 
 24.20 
 
 4.10 
 
 3.20 
 
 3-50 
 
 Steamed 
 Per cent. 
 
 5.30 
 
 33-40 
 
 (3-8o) 
 
 22.80 
 
 27.70 
 
 3.80 
 
 3-40 
 
 3.60 
 
 Bone-Black. — In the manufacture of bone-black, the choicest 
 bones are selected, cleaned and dried. They are then put in air- 
 tight vessels, heated and distilled until all the organic or volatile 
 matter has passed off. The product is then ground to a coarse 
 consistency and sold to the sugar refineries for clarifying or 
 decolorizing syrups in the manufacture of white table sugar. 
 After it has served its usefulness in the sugar refineries it is 
 sold for fertilizer. It contains usually about 30 per cent, of 
 phosphoric acid in the form of phosphate of lime. It is a slow 
 acting fertilizer and is not used extensively in this condition. 
 
126 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZEKS 
 
 Composition of Bone-Black from Sugar Refineries." 
 
 Percent 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 3 
 Percent 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 6 
 Per cent. 
 
 Carbon (nitrogenous). 
 
 Calcium phosphate 
 
 Calcium carbonate 
 
 Calcium sulphate 
 
 Iron oxide 
 
 Silicious matter 
 
 Total 
 
 9-74 
 82.80 
 
 592 
 0.67 
 
 0-33 
 0.54 
 
 100.00 
 
 10.60 
 83.20 
 
 4-15 
 0.64 
 
 0.55 
 0.86 
 
 12.86 
 81.80 
 2.92 
 0.42 
 0.67 
 1-33 
 
 100.00 
 
 19.64 
 73.20 
 3.18 
 1. 12 
 0.66 
 2.20 
 
 7.42 
 
 87.08 
 
 1.92 
 
 0.95 
 0.85 
 1.78 
 
 10.64 
 80.56 
 4-52 
 2.24 ■ 
 0.72 
 1-32 
 
 100.00 
 
 Average Composition of Bone-Black, Krocker.'* 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Moisture 2.350 
 
 Carbon 12.388 
 
 Lime 38.416 
 
 Phosphoric acid 29.690 
 
 Carbonic acid 2.400 
 
 Sand 13-300 
 
 Other matters 1.456 
 
 Total 100.00 
 
 Bone-Ash. — When bones are burned the remaining product is 
 called bone-ash. It is not manufactured a great deal in this 
 country because of the greater value of bone-black. It is an 
 excellent fertilizer and the only shipments received to-day come 
 from South America where the bones are burned to save freight. 
 In burning bones the nitrogen is driven oflf, so that bone ash is 
 valuable only for the phosphoric acid it contains. It varies in 
 phosphoric acid content from 30 to 39 per cent. It is used in 
 some countries in the manufacture of fertilizers. 
 Composition of Bone-Ash.'* 
 
 Commercial 
 bone-ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Pure ox 
 bone-ash 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water and carbon 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 ( ^ tricalcium phosphate) 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Iron oxide 
 
 Carbonic acid, alkalies and substances not deter 
 
 mined 
 
 Silica 
 
 Total 
 
 1.86 
 
 39-55 
 
 (86.34) 
 
 52.46 
 
 1.02 
 
 0.17 
 
 4-43 
 0.51 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 127 
 
 Froiu shank 
 
 bone of horse 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 From ox 
 
 bone 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Potash 
 
 Soda 
 
 Carbonic acid . - 
 Sulphuric acid ■ 
 Chlorine 
 
 Total 
 
 40.29 
 
 5501 
 0.84 
 0.25 
 0.03 
 2.99 
 
 < trace > 
 
 99.41 
 
 3981 
 
 55-43 
 
 0.80 
 
 0.49 
 
 0.60 
 
 3-52 
 0.04 
 0.06 
 
 100.75 
 
 Bone Tankage. — This product is composed entirely of animal 
 matter. It is the refuse from slaughter houses and rendering 
 factories and consists of meat, bone, etc. (from which the fat 
 has been extracted), and sometimes a little dried blood. There 
 are many grades of tankage put upon the market. Those tank- 
 ages coming under the head of bone tankage contain consider- 
 able bone and small amounts of meat and sometimes dried blood. 
 The amount of phosphoric acid in tankage varies with the bone 
 content. The more bone present the higher is the percentage 
 of phosphoric acid. The bone tankages range from iij4 per 
 cent, to 20 per cent, of phosphoric acid. Those tankages fall- 
 mg below 11 5^ per cent, of phosphoric acid are discussed under 
 the chapter on nitrogenous fertilizer materials. The phosphoric 
 acid in bone tankages has about the same value as in steamed 
 bone, since both of these products are steamed or boiled to ex- 
 tract the fats, etc. The bone tankages are very popular among 
 farmers in certain sections of this country. 
 
 Dry Ground Fish. — This is also an organic source of phosphoric 
 acid from phosphate of lime. The phosphoric acid content de- 
 pends upon the amount of bones present. This product was 
 described with the fertilizer materials containing nitrogen. 
 Suffice it is to say that dry ground fish carries from 6 to 16 per 
 cent, of phosphoric acid. 
 
128 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Average Composition of Organic Phosphates of Lime. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 Raw bone-meal 
 
 Steamed bone-meal . 
 
 Bone-black 
 
 Boue-ash 
 
 Bone tankage 
 
 Dry ground fish 
 
 22 
 
 25 
 
 30 
 
 36 
 
 II.5-20 
 
 9 
 
 3-5 
 2.5 
 
 4-6 
 8.5 
 
 The phosphoric acid present in raw bone-meal, steamed bone- 
 meal, bone tankage, bone-black, bone-ash and dry ground fish 
 is insoluble in water and slowly available as plant food. 
 
 Mineral Phosphates. — These phosphates occur in natural beds 
 in different parts of the world. The following descriptions on 
 the production of phosphate rock for 1908 have been mostly 
 taken from Van Horn's article in the American Fertilizer. 
 
 The occurrence of rock phosphates in the United States has 
 a very important bearing upon the agricultural industry, since 
 certain classes of plant life cannot exist without the presence of 
 phosphoric acid in the soil. Growing crops deplete the soil of 
 its phosphoric acid, and if no steps are taken to restore this 
 substance, the soil must eventually become non-productive. 
 
 Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee have for several years 
 been the main sources of phosphate in the United States. North 
 Carolina, Alabama, and Pennsylvania have produced phosphate 
 rock, but never on a large scale, and there is at present no pro- 
 duction from these states. In 1900 Arkansas entered the field 
 as a producer, and in 1906 a new field was discovered in Wyom- 
 ing, Idaho, and Utah. 
 
 Phosphate mining began in the United States in 1868 in South 
 Carolina. The existence of the rock had been known since 
 1837, but the possibilities of its commercial use were not recog- 
 nized until 1859. 
 
 Until 1888 South Carolina enjoyed a monopoly of the phos- 
 phate industry of the United States. In that year Florida came 
 forward as a phosphate state, with a production of 3,000 long 
 tons. In 1904 the production surpassed that of South Carolina, 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 129 
 
 and Florida has maintained its lead up to the present time, per- 
 haps because its rock is richer. 
 
 In 1892 phosphate was discovered in Tennessee, and two years 
 later the production from that state was 19,188 long- tons. In 
 1899 Tennessee went ahead of South Carolina, the production 
 from the latter state having decreased steadily since 1893. 
 
 Production. — The production of phosphate from South Caro- 
 lina from the beginning of the industry in 1867 to the year 1888, 
 during which period that state was the only producer, was 
 4,442,945 long tons, valued at $23,697,019. The following table 
 shows the total production in the United States from 1867 to 
 1908: 
 
 Marketed Production 
 
 OF Phosphate Rock in the United States, 
 
 1867-1908, IN Long Tons. 
 
 
 Year 
 
 Quantity 
 
 Value 
 
 1 867-1887 
 
 4,442-945 
 
 123,696,019 
 
 1888 
 
 448,567 
 
 2,018,552 
 
 1889 
 
 550,245 
 
 2.937.776 
 
 1890 
 
 510,499 
 
 3 213,795 
 
 I89I 
 
 587,988 
 
 3,651,150 
 
 1892 
 
 681,571 
 
 3,296,227 
 
 1893 
 
 941,368 
 
 4,136,070 
 
 1894 
 
 996,949 
 
 3,479,547 
 
 1895 
 
 1,038,551 
 
 3,606,094 
 
 1896 
 
 930.779 
 
 2,803,372 
 
 1897 
 
 1,039.345 
 
 2,673,202 
 
 1898 
 
 1,308,885 
 
 3,453,460 
 
 1899 
 
 1,515.702 
 
 5,084,076 
 
 1900 
 
 1,491,216 
 
 5,359,248 
 
 I90I 
 
 1,483,723 
 
 5,316,403 
 
 1902 
 
 1,490,314 
 
 4,693,444 
 
 1903 
 
 1,581,576 
 
 5.319,294 
 
 1904 
 
 1,874,428 
 
 6.580,875 
 
 1905 
 
 1,947,190 
 
 6,763,403 
 
 1906 
 
 2.080,957 
 
 8,579,437 
 
 1907 
 
 2.265,343 
 
 10,653,558 
 
 1908 
 
 2,386,138 
 31.594,279 
 
 11,399,124 
 
 
 1128,715,126 
 
 Of this quantity South Carolina has furnished 12,138,454 tons; 
 Florida, 14,087,833 tons; Tennessee, 5,315,422 tons; and other 
 states, 53,570 tons. In twenty-one years Florida has produced 
 more phosphate than has South Carolina in thirty-two years. 
 
130 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
 « 
 
 
 ■< 
 
 
 ■< 
 
 en 
 
 / 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 .-I 
 
 f-c 
 
 O 
 
 M 
 
 
 3 
 
 K 
 
 a 
 
 tH 
 
 
 n 
 
 _ 
 
 o 
 
 
 w 
 
 13 
 
 
 
 < 
 
 Q 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 ►J 
 
 T) 
 
 fa 
 
 qa 
 
 g 
 
 CO 
 EA 
 
 
 
 P 
 
 r J 
 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 W 
 
 
 Ul 
 
 
 vi 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 (4 
 
 
 (J 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 CIS 
 
 
 III 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 •t. 
 
 
 K 
 
 
 pi< 
 
 
 tfi 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tt rv. lO ro 
 
 U 
 
 00 lo r-» "o 
 
 
 
 
 - lOI^-** 
 
 eq 
 
 mao 1^00 
 
 > 
 
 W lO »o "* 
 
 
 ■<* lO^OO 
 
 
 ««*- 
 
 >^ 
 
 \0 lO lO N 
 
 o o^ o 
 
 •J 
 
 I-. lO CO" 
 
 
 ■^ Tfr^ w 
 
 
 
 
 HH rO rOvO 
 
 
 
 
 " " " " 
 
 
 Q O " O 
 
 
 Q O N CO 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 <a 
 
 r^vO vO CO 
 
 > 
 
 ~ « rorO 
 
 
 W t-. « 
 
 
 W. 
 
 >> 
 
 i^ fO »o o 
 
 
 Tl-kOOO VO 
 
 
 00 ■* 1- •- 
 
 d 
 
 
 r^ 1-.^ - 
 
 a 
 
 00 Tj- CO" 
 
 O N — ►-! 
 
 I-. O »X> '^ 
 
 HI CI W O 
 
 ■«:f « l>.CO 
 O O fDOO 
 
 t-- '^ r|- O 
 CO -Tf M 0^ 
 lO '^ 0_ w 
 
 00 lO lO to 
 
 « r^ r>.oo 
 lovO ^D o 
 
 r*o r^ r^ -i 
 r-^ M CO O 
 
 « GO vD rD 
 
 r^ (7v lo r-. 
 
 VO >0 H- -^ 
 
 t-^ i^vo" "9 
 
 »o u-)\0 lO 
 
 lovo r-00 
 o o o o 
 
 O^ 0^ CTv ON 
 
 VO VO vT) CO 
 -_ O_C30_M 
 
 oo" r^ d" d> 
 r^ ►-. 00 CO 
 00 00 a* ON 
 
 lO lO HH lO 
 
 M t^ P) ON 
 W vO 01 tJ- 
 
 0~ CO r~^ lO 
 r^ w lo « 
 
 M W M W 
 
 N »-« N -^ 
 W N O -^ 
 t^VO Ov O 
 
 ON lO r^ M 
 lO TtOO N 
 
 rv. t-^ lo rv. 
 
 ■<^Tt ONCO 
 
 ■4 --r (o-tF 
 
 I^ •-( CO lO 
 t^ t^OO CO 
 
 VO O Tf rO 
 
 r^oo lovo 
 
 vO HH rO N 
 
 tF o*co' n 
 
 (O O^ N ON 
 
 rt M N »-i 
 
 I I 
 
 ON- VO 
 
 
 00 ON CO w 
 
 fOONOO 
 
 (N) 
 
 (orC f^ t-^ 
 
 rO Tj- -rl- r^ 
 
 ^ ^ CO 
 
 
 
 M M fO 
 
 
 ON t^ N 
 
 
 lo r-«. « 
 
 CO 
 
 00 VO VO 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 
 
 lO 
 
 00 •<*- CO lO 
 
 ■<d- lOvO 
 
 -rr 
 
 to r- O lo 
 lo r^ lO lo 
 
 H- o lo r-* 
 
 pT in ^ -^ 
 
 ON CO lO O 
 CO o w o 
 VO rO O VO 
 
 VO r^ N >- 
 
 CO ONOO -^ 
 
 ■^ ON CO ON 
 
 M On cor^ 
 covo Ov •-< 
 O VO ONJ>. 
 
 00 r^ -^ lo 
 
 Tt — O N 
 
 r>- ON ON lo 
 
 c^ fC o" N~ 
 
 O W CO t^ 
 lO O CO lO 
 
 w" n" pT t-T 
 
 Ov lO-^ -^ 
 coo ON- 
 >-■ r*. lo H-" 
 
 00* o' -^ •* 
 CO -I On r^i 
 ■^ lO lO CO 
 
 »OVO t^oo 
 
 o o g o 
 
 On On On On 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 131 
 
 The foregoing tables give the amounts of phosphate rock 
 marketed by Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee classified 
 into grades, for the years 1905-6-7-8. 
 
 Exports. — The following table shows the production and ex- 
 portation of phosphate rock since 1899: 
 
 Production and Exportation of Phosphate Rock in the United 
 States, 1899-1908, in Long Tons. 
 
 Year 
 
 Production 
 
 1899 
 
 1900 
 
 1 90 r 
 
 1902 
 
 1903 
 
 i9°4 
 
 1905 
 
 1906 
 
 1907 
 
 1908 
 
 Total 
 
 1,515.702 
 
 867,790 
 
 I,4c)i,2i5 
 
 619,995 
 
 1.483.723 
 
 729.539 
 
 1,490,314 
 
 802, ob6 
 
 I.58I.576 
 
 785.259 
 
 1,874,428 
 
 842,484 
 
 1.947,190 
 
 934,940 
 
 2,080,957 
 
 904,2 r 4 
 
 2,265,3J3 
 
 1,018,212 
 
 2,386,138 
 
 1,188,411 
 
 18,116,587 
 
 Exportation 
 
 1,692,930 
 
 Western Deposits. — Within the last few years a large area of 
 phosphate-bearing rock has been discovered in the western United 
 States. This discovery is of much importance since it opens a 
 new field in an area which is tributary to the great agricultural 
 region of the middle west. The phosphate occurs over a con- 
 siderable area in southeastern Idaho, southwestern Wyoming, 
 and northeastern Utah. It is found in rocks of "upper carbonif- 
 erous" age in a series of shales and limestones, 100 feet Ihick, 
 within which are several beds of phosphate rock ranging in thick- 
 ness from a few inches to 10 feet. At the base of the series 
 is a limestone, and 6 to 8 inches of soft brown shale separates 
 this from the principal phosphate bed, which is 5 to 6 feet thick. 
 This phosphate bed is high in phosphoric acid. There are in the 
 series several beds ranging from a few inches to 10 feet in thick- 
 ness, and separated by thin beds of limestone or shale. Usually 
 one and sometimes two of these b'eSs at a given section are work- 
 able, and probably some of the others will eventually be mined. 
 The lime phosphate content in the workable beds varies from 56 
 to 80 per cent., with an average of 72 per cent. 
 
132 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 is 
 o 
 
 
 
 N 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 \o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 rf 00 
 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 M lO 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 
 
 
 q_ 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 « in 
 
 
 <u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 IN 
 
 
 
 
 ^' 
 
 
 \o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 
 I 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 M- 
 
 
 lO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 °°- 
 
 
 
 
 VD^ 
 
 
 
 cT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 cT 
 
 r* 
 
 
 ^!^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 M 
 
 8> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 ro 00 1 
 
 
 >. 
 
 VO 
 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 rO 
 
 
 
 
 ■<t 00 i 
 
 
 t^ 
 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 N 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 lO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 
 
 HI 
 
 
 
 
 OV 
 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 t^ 
 
 -H 
 
 -H 
 
 
 -f— rO 
 
 -i- 
 
 
 
 NO 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 rO 
 
 
 
 
 
 "* 
 
 
 
 
 o_ 
 
 
 ro 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 "^ 
 
 
 m' 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 g 
 
 
 IN 
 
 On 
 
 H 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 >o 
 
 
 \B 
 
 o_ 
 
 
 
 lO 
 
 m 
 
 -*; 
 
 
 Tj- 
 
 
 V 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 
 in 
 
 
 w 
 
 Tt 
 
 
 M 
 
 ^ 
 
 t^ 
 
 TT 
 
 
 Ov 
 
 
 
 VO 
 
 * 
 
 00 
 
 
 * 
 
 r^ 
 
 -^t 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 5 
 
 o\ 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 lO 
 
 1 
 
 > 
 
 «%. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 pT 
 
 
 CO' 
 
 
 )_l 
 
 O) 
 
 
 
 WH 
 
 00 
 
 W 
 
 8 
 
 Q 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 >t 
 
 rO 
 
 ro 
 
 ■^ 
 
 CN 
 
 
 H 
 
 CO 
 
 § 
 
 
 m 
 
 
 lO 
 
 
 
 lO 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 CO 
 
 
 M 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 VO 
 
 M 
 
 
 01 0^ 
 
 fO 
 
 
 NO 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 CD 
 
 n 
 
 m 
 
 
 a^ VD 
 
 
 
 On 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 s 
 
 fO 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tj- 
 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 "^, 
 
 
 Of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 
 
 vC 
 
 00 
 
 w 
 
 'O 
 
 
 ao 
 
 00 
 
 in 
 
 ro 
 
 
 ro 
 
 
 
 M 
 
 X 
 
 ON 
 
 t^ 
 
 
 
 vo 
 
 c\ 
 
 ON 
 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 
 
 w 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 r* 
 
 « 
 
 •<J- 
 
 
 ■^ 
 
 
 <u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s 
 
 lO 
 
 w 
 
 w 
 
 QO' 
 
 
 fO 
 
 fO 
 
 t^ 
 
 cs" 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 W 
 
 TT 
 
 to 
 
 
 * 
 
 ON 
 
 ro 
 
 
 
 
 ^O 
 
 
 cd 
 
 « 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 o_ 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 > 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 pT 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^o" 
 
 *fi 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CT^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 _^ 
 
 rj- 
 
 r^ 
 
 to 
 
 00 
 
 a\ o 
 
 w 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 lO 
 
 
 t^ 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 rO 
 
 
 « 
 
 w 
 
 r^ 
 
 <o 
 
 
 ■«r 
 
 
 
 r-* 
 
 to 
 
 rO 
 
 m 
 
 m t^ 
 
 m 
 
 tn 
 
 t^ 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 s 
 
 '<*■ 
 
 ro 
 
 CO 
 
 i-T 
 
 cj\ \o 
 
 oT 
 
 ^ 
 
 _" 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 «: 
 
 m 
 
 CS 
 
 O^ 
 
 
 0^ r^ 
 
 
 
 <N 
 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 s 
 
 a 
 
 tr> 
 
 
 •^ 
 
 
 
 "^ 
 
 
 
 »o 
 
 
 a\ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 { 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 '< 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <. 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 ►i 
 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 _« 
 
 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 "O 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 
 
 
 n 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HH 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 <U 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 T 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 J3 
 
 
 
 
 
 ( 
 
 ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 c 
 
 I « 
 
 
 
 
 
 ii 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 c 
 
 "0 Ji 
 
 
 
 
 
 =s 
 
 
 
 
 
 C( 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 • 3 
 
 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 CI 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 •c 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 J w 
 
 
 
 1° 
 
 1 
 
 n 
 
 .5 
 'So 
 
 CO 
 
 •s 
 
 B 
 eg 
 
 c 
 n 
 
 
 
 
 'a 
 
 s 
 
 
 < u 
 '3 
 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 PC 
 
 ) 
 
 c 
 
 I 
 
 c 
 
 > p. 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 a- 
 
 1 
 
 i- 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 ) c 
 
 1 
 
PHOSPHATES 133 
 
 Development and Production. — The newness of the field, the 
 lack of transportation facilities, and the high freight rates have 
 prevented the development of this phosphate territory to any 
 great extent, although there have been some shipments from 
 Montpelier, Idaho, in the last three years. 
 
 This field embraces the largest area of known phosphate beds 
 in the world, and at some future time it will doubtless furnish 
 a large part of the world's production of commercial fertilizer. 
 The development of intensive farming as a result of the re- 
 clamation of arid lands in the west will afford an increasing 
 home market. 
 
 Available Phosphate Deposits. — The known phosphate deposits 
 of the United States are distributed principally among four lo- 
 calities : (i) along the west coast of Florida, running back 20 
 to 25 miles inland; (2) along the coast of South Carolina, ex- 
 tending 6 to 20 miles inland; (3) in central Tennessee ; and (4) 
 in an area comprising southeastern Idaho, southwestern Wy- 
 oming, and northeastern Utah. In addition to these areas, some 
 deposits occur in north-central Arkansas, along the Georgia" 
 Florida State line, and in North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, 
 and Nevada, but these are mainly of low grade and not utilized 
 at the present time. The three important deposits first men- 
 tioned have been worked from ten to thirty years; the fourth 
 is a new field which has as yet had but a small output. 
 
 Estimated life of United States Phosphate Deposits. — The rate 
 of increase in production for the last twenty years has been 117 
 per cent, for each decade. Assuming that this rate of increase 
 will continue, it will require but a comparatively short time to 
 exhaust the available supply of phosphate rock in the United 
 States. The annual production, at the stated rate of increase, 
 will be approximately 17,000,000 tons in 1932. 
 
 It is hardly probable that the rate of increase in production 
 will be so great as for the last decade, since the agricultural lands 
 of the Middle West do not at present need artificial assistance. 
 But increasing population, with its accompanying intensive farm- 
 ing, will eventually force these .states to the use of fertilizing 
 
134 SOIL FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 materials. The reclamation of arid lands in the West will prob- 
 ably postpone the day, but even those lands will early need some 
 assistance to grow the large crops which will be required of them. 
 Of course the vast amount of low grade rock which is now 
 available will be in reserve, and some time before the exhaustion 
 of the high grade phosphates we shall doubtless have begun to 
 use this rock. The increasing price of the 60 to 80 per cent, 
 phosphate will have a hastening effect on the utilization of the 
 present low grade material. The deposits of Arkansas, Georgia, 
 North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee, and the West, which run 
 from 30 to 50 per cent, in lime phosphate, will be available to 
 draw upon after the high grade rock is exhausted. This class 
 of deposits, especially in Tennessee and in the Western States, 
 win afford an enormous tonnage, but, based upon present availa- 
 ble deposits, the life of the phosphates must at best be a short 
 one. 
 
 Foreign Deposits. — Deposits of phosphate rock exist in Algeria, 
 France, New Zealand, Canada, Russia, Spain, Tunis, Belgium, 
 French Guiana, and some of the South Sea Islands. The de- 
 posits of France and Belgium are practically exhausted, only those 
 of low grade remaining. Concerning the other countries no infor- 
 mation as to reserve tonnage is at hand' except for the three 
 South Sea Islands — Ocean, Pleasant, and Makatea. These three 
 islands have deposits which are estimated to aggregate 60,000,000 
 tons of high grade phosphate rock. 
 
 Utilization of the iPhosphates. — From the foregoing pages it is 
 evident that the utilization of our phosphate deposits to the best 
 possible advantage is imperative. Our farm lands must be pre- 
 served for future generations. The phosphate rock of South 
 Carolina is nearly exhausted ; the Florida deposits have projjably 
 reached their maximum production ; the output of the Tennessee 
 deposits is on the increase, but this field alone would at the pres- 
 ent rate of increase in production, last only a few years; there 
 is some phosphate in Arkansas, but it is of low grade ; therefore 
 the large deposits of the public land states of the West must be 
 depended upon for the greater supply of phosphate rock in the 
 
PHOSPHATES 135 
 
 future. These Western deposits should be controlled by the 
 government in such a way that only a limited amount may be 
 mined and this amount should be saved for domestic consump- 
 tion. 
 
 It is seen that the most important deposits in this country are 
 in Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee and that the prodiiction 
 in the United States amounts to over two million long tons 
 (2,240 pounds) a year while that of the remaining countries ap- 
 proximates one million tons. A glance at the tables is sufficient 
 to impress one with the magnitude and value of this industry in 
 the United States. 
 
 South. Carolina phosphates were first put upon the market in 
 1868. There are two kinds of phosphates found in South Caro- 
 lina, namely, the land and river phosphates. The land phosphate 
 is mined from the land and is known as land rock, while the river 
 phosphate is obtained by dredging rivers and is called river rock. 
 These phosphates occur in the form of nodules varying in weight 
 from a fraction of an ounce to more than a ton. 
 
 Whether the rocks are mined or dredged, they are washed free 
 from the clay and other adhering matter and dried, when they are 
 ready for shipment. When phosphate rock is ground or pul- 
 verized it is known as floats, and is used in this form in the 
 middle western states quite extensively. The land rock is light 
 fawn colored; the river rock is black; both are very hard. 
 The South Carolina land rock averages about 50 per cent, 
 tricalcium phosphate, which is equivalent to about 23 per 
 cent, of phosphoric acid, and the river rock runs about 50 
 to 60 per cent, tricalcium phosphate, which is equivalent to 23 
 to 27.5 per cent, of phosphoric acid. 
 
 Including the year 1908, South Carolina's total production of 
 phosphates was 12,138,454 long tons of rock, of which about one- 
 third was shipped to Europe. The discovery of the Florida phos- 
 phates decreased the exportation of those from South Carolina 
 to about 30,000 tons annually, because the Florida phosphates 
 that are exported contain more phosphoric acid and less impuri- 
 ties. 
 
136 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Analyses of South Carolina Phosphates."* 
 
 Water 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 (= tricalcium phosphate) 
 
 Lime 
 
 Iron oxide, alumina, magnesia, 
 
 carbonic acid 
 
 Silicious matter 
 
 Total 
 
 River rock 
 
 1-56 
 26.89 
 
 (58.70) 
 42.28 
 
 18.47 
 10.80 
 
 4.07 
 
 28.44 
 
 (62.09) 
 
 45-07 
 
 15.16 
 7.26 
 
 Land rock 
 
 Per cent. Per cent. 
 
 7.40 
 26.50 
 
 (57.85} 
 37.20 
 
 16.27 
 12.63 
 
 10.30 
 22.06 
 
 (48.16) 
 37.24 
 
 15-45 
 14-95 
 
 Florida phosphates occur as soft phosphate, pebble phosphate 
 
 ^^M^, 
 
 «teliiL 
 
 
 %^ii,a:n^ 
 
 tii 
 
 j^. _„. ..Ii^'i^^->^^j^^<»*'- 
 
 ^V^x.-- : 
 
 r - ..-..^y,^.^^,. ^ r'"^Xv -^' 
 
 '' ''^'^SfS?'*'' ' - ^^"^^"^^ -Ci^^- 
 
 
 :^:*^^ 
 
 0m.'^'~*^h>^ •' -' ""■';::,•■' ,' 
 
 J^^ 
 
 :■■' ■•■'""li^''': ':'"' -r^:' '' /■..:' .:■■;..., ^5--. 
 
 'h^?^^^-"- " 
 
 ,,..•';-•*""■ ,■„■ /'"'••■' -^ - .■ . ■'W^^ 
 
 %8'^ii**-.*if>,-~^~. j^ 
 
 , - v^iSl-' /^ '^ ^ -^ : ;,^-^'' -^^-t 
 
 
 
 •"»-*•■ ■ ' 
 
 Fig. 15. — Mining phosphate rock, showing the water gun in action. 
 
 and boulder or hard rock phosphates. The soft phosphate re- 
 sembles a whitish clay and generally contains 50 to 60 per cent, 
 of tricalcium phosphate, which is equivalent to 23 to 27.5 per cent. 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 137 
 
 of phosphoric acid. The hard rock ranges from 60 to 75 per 
 cent, of tricalcium phosphate which is equivalent to 27.5 to 34.3 
 per cent, of phosphoric acid, ahhough many samples show even a 
 higher content of phosphoric acid. Most all of the high grade 
 phosphates of Florida are exported to Europe where they find 
 a ready market. Florida has put out 14,087,833 tons of phos- 
 phate rock from 1888 to 1908. 
 
 In some Florida mines a water gun is used for mining the 
 rock. The overburden, as sand, clay, etc., is removed, usually 
 by steam shovels, and then a water gun is employed to shoot 
 into the bank of phosphate rock, sand, etc., which is all washed 
 down into a pool. It is then pumped with centrifugal pumps and 
 elevated into a washer, where the rock is separated from the sand, 
 water, and other foreign material. From there it is conveyed by 
 cars to a bin called the Wet Rock Bin, from which the rock is 
 transferred into large rotatory steel dryers. A flame passes 
 through these cylinders, and as the rock comes out at the lower 
 end it is elevated by a conveyor to a large house called the Dry 
 Bin, from which the shipments are made to the trade. 
 Analyses of Florida Phosphates.*' 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Rock 
 Per cent. 
 
 0.53 
 36.72 
 
 Soft 
 Per cent. 
 
 4.46 
 26.48 
 
 Low Grade Soft Phosphates.*' 
 
 Water 
 
 Silica 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 (= tricalcium phosphate) . 
 
 Iron oxide 
 
 Alumina 
 
 Lime 
 
 Aluminum phosphate 
 
 Calcium carbonate 
 
 1.77 
 
 9.62 
 
 36.90 
 
 24.42 
 
 21.49 
 
 19-93 
 
 (46.91) 
 
 (43-55) 
 
 0.44 
 
 0.50 
 
 13.06 
 
 17.14 
 
 28.00 
 
 
 
 
 1.97 
 
 
 
 2.50 
 
 Tennessee Phosphates. — These are perhaps the most extensive 
 deposits in the United States that are being worked. Their 
 commercial importance was made known in 1893. The Tennessee 
 
138 
 
 SOIIv FEKTII.ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 phosphates are known as brown rock, blue rock and white 
 rock. About one-fourth of the high grade Tennessee phosphate 
 is shipped to Europe the remainder being used in this country. 
 The output of Tennessee phosphate has amounted to 5,315,422 
 tons from 1893 to 1908. The Tennessee rock phosphates are not 
 in favor in Europe because of their high content of iron and 
 alumina oxides, which run from 2 to 4.5 per cent. 
 
 The brown rock has been sold more than the blue or white 
 rock. 
 
 Analyses of Five Samples of Brown Rock.^' 
 
 Per cent. Per cent Per cent. Per cent. Per cent 
 
 Insoluble (silica etc. ) 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Phosphate of lime 
 
 Iron and alumina oxides • ■ 
 
 Carbonate of lime 
 
 Organic matters and water 
 
 I-3I 
 36-55 
 79.80 
 
 2 00 
 
 13-27 
 3.62 
 
 256 
 36.55 
 79.80 
 
 2.48 
 12.05 
 
 3-11 
 
 1.85 
 35-47 
 77-45 
 
 3-i6 
 11.46 
 
 6.08 
 
 2.16 
 35-50 
 77..50 
 
 3.H8 
 14.29 
 
 3-17 
 
 5-87 
 32-85 
 71-73 
 4-52 
 9-93 
 7-95 
 
 The blue rock varies from 50 to 70 per cent, lime phosphate or 
 23 to 32 per cent, phosphoric acid. 
 
 Composition of Blue Rock. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphate of lime 50 to 70 
 
 Iron and alumina oxides 2.5 to 5 
 
 Silica 1. 5 to 5 
 
 White Rock. — There are several varieties of white rock vary- 
 ing a great deal in composition. 
 
 Analyses of Tennessee White Rock.'" 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 Per 
 sent. 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 Silica 
 
 Linje 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Lime phosphate 
 Lime carbonate . 
 
 61.34 
 20.30 
 
 12-55 
 27.40 
 
 9-75 
 
 49-43 
 26.40 
 15.12 
 33-00 
 15-21 
 
 54-30 
 22.87 
 14.86 
 32.45 
 9-36 
 
 54-88 
 22.76 
 ■5-30 
 33-40 
 8.23 
 
 50.18 
 25-57 
 15-21 
 33-20 
 13-45 
 
 56.46 
 22.01 
 
 ■3-15 
 28.60 
 ir.56 
 
 This phosphate, as is shown by the above analyses, contains 
 a great deal of silica and is rather low in phosphoric acid. Not 
 much of this product is consumed. By proper selection of this 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 139 
 
 grade of phosphate a higher product may be obtained than is 
 represented in the above table. 
 
 Canadian Apatite. — This is rock where the phosphate has be- 
 come crystalline and is known as apatite and is found principally 
 in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It is not mined very ex- 
 tensively, only 748 tons being produced for 1907. It is a variable 
 product and contains impurities. The Canadian apatite carries 
 from 75 to 90 per cent, of tricalcium phosphate, which is equiva- 
 lent to 34 to 41 per cent, of phosphoric acid. Preparing Canad- 
 ian apatite for the market is a more expensive operation than 
 mining the American phosphates. Apatite is usually considered 
 one of the purest forms of tricalcium phosphate for manufactur- 
 ing fertilizers. 
 
 Composition of Canadian Apatites.'* 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 ( ^ tricalcium phosphate) 
 
 Lime 
 
 Iron oxide, alumina, etc. • ■ • - 
 Sandy matter 
 
 Total 
 
 O.II 
 
 37.68 
 (82.25) 
 
 51-04 
 6.88 
 4.29 
 
 100.00 
 
 0.62 
 33-51 
 (73-15) 
 46.14 
 
 7-83 
 11.90 
 
 o. 10 
 
 41-54 
 (90.68) 
 
 54-74 
 3-03 
 0-59 
 
 100.00 
 
 Rodunda Phosphate. — This phosphate is found on the Rodunda 
 Island. 
 
 Composition of Rodunda Phosphate." 
 
 Water 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Alumina and iron oxides. 
 Silicious matter 
 
 Total 
 
 23-23 
 
 36-95 
 
 36-38 
 
 3-44 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 24.20 
 
 38-52 
 
 35-33 
 
 1-95 
 
 27.70 
 19.40 
 25-65 
 27-25 
 
 It is seen that this is not a phosphate of lime but a phosphate 
 of iron and alumina. Although the per cent, of phosphoric acid 
 is high, this material cannot be used to manufacture into acid 
 phosphate because of the absence of lime. The gypsum (sulphate 
 
140 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 of lime) formed in tlie manufacture of acid phosphate from 
 phosphate of lime acts as a drier. Rodunda phosphate may be 
 used for crops provided it is well pulverized but it must be con- 
 sidered as slow acting. This product is sometimes called iron 
 and alumina phosphate rock. 
 
 Basic Slag. — This is known by several names as iron phosphate, 
 Thomas phosphate powder, odorless phosphate, and phosphate 
 slag. When phosphatic iron ores are used for the manufacture 
 of steel by the basic process, an excess of lime is used which unites 
 with the phosphoric acid and iron and forms a product known 
 as basic slag. There is not much of this product manufactured 
 in this country but the production is large in England, France and 
 Germany. According to Wiley : "The quantity of basic slag 
 manufactured in Germany in 1893 was 750,006 tons; in England 
 160,000; in France 115,000. making the total production of cen- 
 tral Europe about 1,000,000, a quantity sufficient to fertilize 
 nearly 5,000,000 acres. During the year 1907, it is estimated that 
 German agriculture made use of from 1,500,000 to 1,600,000 tons 
 of basic phosphate slags. The total output of basic slag is 
 undoubtedly not far from 2.000,000 tons. The total production 
 of basic slag is therefore approximately one-half of that of crude 
 phosphates."'" 
 
 Composition of Basic Slag Phosphate.'* 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Ferrous oxide • • - 
 
 Ferric oxide 
 
 Manganous oxide 
 
 Alumina 
 
 Phosphoric acid ■ 
 Sulphuric acid • - ■ 
 
 Sulphur 
 
 Vanadium oxide • ' 
 Silica 
 
 Total 
 
 99-93 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 41-54 
 
 45-04 
 
 6.13 
 
 6.20 
 
 14.66 
 
 11.64 
 
 8.64 
 
 5-92 
 
 3-81 
 
 3-51 
 
 2.60 
 
 1.72 
 
 14-32 
 
 18.H 
 
 0.31 
 
 0.41 
 
 0.23 
 
 0.30 
 
 0.29 
 
 0.24 
 
 7.40 
 
 6.90 
 
 99-99 
 
 This product is sold in the form of an impalpable powder which 
 is black in color. The phosphoric acid in basic slag is often 
 
PHOSPHATES 141 
 
 rated as valuable as the phosphoric acid in bone-meal. The 
 composition of this product is variable depending on the amount 
 of phosphoric acid in the iron ore, but it is possible to obtain 
 this product containing 23 per cent, of phosphoric acid, but the 
 lower grades are most common. It averages about 14.20 per cent, 
 of phosphoric acid. On account of the large amounts of iron 
 oxide present, it is not suitable for manufacturing artificial fer- 
 tilizers. 
 
 Leavens says in part the following of basic slag:*" 
 
 1. The phosphoric acid in basic slag is in a form which can 
 not revert or go back to more insoluble forms when mixed with 
 the soil as is the tendency with all superphosphates. 
 
 2. The phosphoric acid in basic slag is not washed from the 
 soil by the heavy rains and leached away in the drainage waters 
 as is the case with many other phosphates. 
 
 3. Since the phosphoric acid in basic slag never wastes after 
 application to the soil, it follows that basic slag may be applied 
 at any time, either fall, spring, summer, or even in winter without 
 danger of loss. 
 
 4. In addition to its high content of phosphoric acid, the large 
 amount of lime in basic slag greatly adds to its value. Instead 
 of having a souring effect on the land, as do superphosphates, 
 basic slag on account of its strong alkaline reaction sweetens 
 acid soils and restores them to a prodiictive condition. 
 
 5. Basic slag also contains a considerable amount of magnesia 
 which is extreriiely valuable in changing crude forms of plant 
 foods in the soil into forms which the plant may take up readily. 
 So powerful is its action in this direction that it is often spoken 
 of as "a chemical plow." 
 
 6. The large amount of iron in the basic slag should not be 
 overlooked. "Iron" says Prof Sorauer, in his excellent treatise 
 on the physiology of plants, "is necessary in the building of 
 chlorophyll," the substance that gives the green color to all 
 foliage. "As it is the function of chlorophyll to form new plastic 
 material under the influence of the sunUght, it is natural that the 
 absence of iron, which is shown by the paleness of the leaves, 
 should cause a cessation of assimilation." 
 
142 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 7. In addition to all of the above, basic slag commends itself 
 strongly on account of the high degree of availability to plants 
 possessed by its phosphoric acid. While little or none of its 
 phosphoric acid is soluble in pure distilled water, it is soluble in 
 the secretions of the plant roots which feed upon it readily. 
 
 Experiments indicate that the total phosphoric acid or basic 
 slag is practically as effective as the available phosphoric acid of 
 acid phosphate.*^ 
 
 The average total results show that insoluble phosphoric acid, 
 that is phosphates which have not been treated or dissolved in 
 sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), have more pounds of crop, both 
 straw and marketable grain, than the phosphoric acid in the solu- 
 ble and reverted forms ; that is, in phosphates which have been 
 dissolved in sulphuric acid.^- 
 
 8. The comparative low cost of basic slag with resulting 
 economy in crop production, is a matter that should appeal to 
 every practical farmer. 
 
 Slag phosphate plots produced a greater yield and at a less 
 cost than the average of the soluble phosphoric acid plots and 
 the bone-meal plots. All yields were produced at less cost with 
 slag phosphates than with bone-meal. *- 
 
 9. While basic slag generally should not be mixed with ma- 
 terials containing nitrogen in organic forms such as dried blood, 
 ground bone, dried fish or tankage, many highly desirable and 
 splendid combinations of it with nitrate of soda and potash salts 
 may be made. 
 
 By varying the amount of nitrate of soda and potash salts mixed 
 with the slag, fertilizers adapted for use on all of our leading 
 crops may be prepared. 
 
 Wheeler states that basic slag is an effective source of phos- 
 phoric acid for use upon all kinds of soils, and on account of 
 its lime it is of special promise in the reclamation of exhausted 
 acid soils, particularly such as are rich in organic matter, like 
 many marsh or muck soils.*' 
 
 Basic slag has been found useful for peaches, apples, grapes, 
 oranges, and fruits in general, and for all the cereals. It has 
 also proved very beneficial to clover, alfalfa, and the grasses. 
 
PHOSPHATES 
 
 143 
 
 Phosphatic Guanos. — These guanos are of the same origin as 
 nitrogenous guanos. They are the excreta of sea fowls. Be- 
 fore the phosphate deposits were discovered in the United States 
 these guanos were imported into this country and used largely 
 by the manufacturers. All of these guanos originally contained 
 nitrogen. However, the nitrogen, soluble phosphates, and al- 
 kalies have disappeared by decomposition of organic matter and 
 leaching of water, so that most of them only contain traces of 
 nitrogen. The phosphoric acid is in the form of tricalcium 
 phosphate and insoluble in water. Some of these guanos contain 
 too much iron and alumina oxides to manufacture profitably. 
 They are not imported into the United States very much now, 
 as many of the deposits are exhausted or else too expensive to 
 compete with our native mineral phosphates. 
 
 The following gives a list of the phosphatic guanos that have 
 been used. Those printed in italics are still being shipped. 
 
 Phosphatic Guanos. 
 
 Maracaibo, or Monks 
 
 Raza Island 
 
 Curacao 
 
 Baker Island 
 
 Starbuck 
 
 Enderbury 
 
 Californian 
 
 Aves 
 
 Fanning Island 
 
 Rowland 
 
 Sidney Island 
 
 Mejillones 
 
 Lacepede Island 
 
 Maiden Island 
 
 Sombrero 
 
 Browse Island 
 
 Huon Island 
 
 Patos Island 
 
 Jarvis Island 
 
 Cape Vert 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 42 
 40 
 40 
 39 
 38 
 37 
 35 
 34 
 34 
 34 
 34 
 33 
 33 
 32 
 32 
 31 
 28 
 
 24 
 20 
 II 
 
 The composition of some phosphatic guanos follow:^* 
 
144 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Water 
 
 Organic matter. • • 
 Phosphoric acid - - 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Iron oxide 
 
 Alumina 
 
 Potash 
 
 Soda 
 
 Sulphuric acid 
 
 Carbonic acid 
 
 Chlorine 
 
 Fluorine 
 
 Calcium carbonate 
 
 Alkaline salts 
 
 Insoluble matter- ■ 
 Nitrogen . 
 
 Aves 
 Per cent. 
 
 6.83 
 
 7-03 
 
 33-12 
 
 42.62 
 
 2.03 
 
 I 
 I 
 (■ 2.16 • 
 
 I 
 J 
 
 1. 19 
 
 3-84 
 1.07 
 
 0-35 
 traces 
 
 Cape Vert 
 Per cent. 
 
 15-21 
 10.63 
 
 11-37 
 [ 20.49 j 
 
 0.92 
 
 41.06 
 
 0.03 
 
 Baker 
 
 Island 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 4.71 
 6.17 
 
 39-44 
 
 43-01 
 
 2.32 
 
 } 0.96 ] 
 
 includes 
 sulphuric 
 acid 
 
 0.27 
 
 2-33 
 0.79 
 
 0-34 
 
 Sidney 
 
 Island 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 7-38 
 7.29 
 
 34-41 
 
 42-96 
 
 2-03 
 
 0.76 
 1.63 
 2-64 
 0.87 
 0.40 
 
 0.28 
 
 Mejillones 
 Per cent. 
 
 8.98 
 
 8.36 
 
 32-59 
 
 38.57 
 
 4-30 
 3-34 
 3.86 
 
 It should be understood that there are many other phosphates 
 used in other countries but they cannot compete with our mineral 
 phosphates and therefore are not found on the American market- 
 Classification of Phosphates. — From the foregoing it is shown 
 that there are three classes of phosphates used for fertilizing 
 purposes. 
 
 r 
 I 
 
 I . Bone phosphates ^ 
 
 I 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 r 
 
 I 
 
 2. Rock phosphates { 
 
 Raw bone-meal 
 Steamed bone-meal 
 Bone-black 
 Bone-ash 
 Bone tankage 
 Dry ground fish 
 
 Florida 
 
 South Carolina 
 
 Tennessee 
 
 L 
 
 Apatite 
 
 Rodunda phosphate 
 
 Phosphatic guanos 
 
 Land pebble 
 River pebble 
 Hard rock 
 Land rock 
 River rock 
 Brown rock 
 Blue rock 
 White rock 
 
 3. Basic slag phosphates. 
 
 Of the bone phosphates, bone-ash is not found much on the 
 
PHOSPHATES 145 
 
 American market and bone-black is usually acidulated (treated 
 with sulphuric acid) before being applied as fertilizer. The 
 production of rock phosphates in the United States has almost 
 entirely discouraged the importation of the mineralized or phos- 
 phatic guanos. 
 
 Form of the Phosphates. — The phosphoric acid in bone phos- 
 phates and rock phosphates is in the form of tricalcium phos- 
 phate. Bone phosphates are always as phosphate of lime while 
 rock phosphates contain more or less impurities as iron, alumina 
 and silica. It is customary to apply the name, "bone phosphate 
 of lime," to the phosphate present in rock phosphates, although 
 tricalcium phosphate is the correct name. The phosphoric acid in 
 basic slag is not in the same form as in the other phosphates. It 
 was formerly accepted that the phosphoric acid in basic slag 
 existed as tetra-calcium phosphate, but Hall" claims that the 
 phosphoric acid is in the form of double phosphate and silicate 
 of calcium CajCCaO) (PoJ^CaSiO,. 
 
 Availability of the Phosphates. — All of the phosphates are slow- 
 ly available as plant food and practically insoluble in water. The 
 phosphoric acid in phosphates is not entirely used the first year 
 so that maximum crop returns cannot be expected immediately, 
 but the continued use of phosphates give good results. For quick 
 growing crops the phosphates are not always desirable. The 
 phosphates from bones are perhaps more readily decomposed 
 than the rock phosphates. There is more or less organic matter 
 in bones which decays quite rapidly and attacks the phosphoric 
 acid with which it is closely associated. In the rock phosphates 
 there is no organic decay and the impurities as iron and alumina 
 retard to a certain extent the fermentation and decomposition of 
 the phosphoric acid present. Basic slag phosphate as shown by 
 the statistics in this chapter, is used extensively in Europe. 
 European experiments show that this material is of higher avail- 
 ability than the insoluble bone and rock phosphates. 
 
 The nature of the soil has a great deal to do with the avail- 
 ability of phosphates. Soils in good tilth will disintegrate the 
 phosphates more readily than those in poor physical condition. 
 The sandy and gravel soils are liable to give poorer results than 
 
146 
 
 soil, fert;i,ity and fertilizers 
 
 clay soils or soils containing considerable organic matter and 
 potash. Organic matter tends to promote fermentations which 
 attack the phosphates and make them available as plant food, and 
 with the aid of potash, it tends to act upon the lime of the 
 phosphates. The kind of crop also influences the rate of decom- 
 position of phosphates. Some plants are more able to make use 
 of the phosphoric acid of phosphates than others. 
 
 The degree in fineness of phosphates influences the readiness 
 with which they are acquired by plants. For this reason these 
 products when used are usually ground very fine, especially basic 
 slag which is ground to a powder. Wagner, a German investi- 
 gator, obtained the following results with basic slag of various 
 degrees of fineness. 
 Availability of Basic Slag of Different Degrees of Fineness. 
 
 Basic slag degree 
 of fiueness 
 
 Amount per 
 acre in pounds 
 
 Superphosphate • • 
 Inpalpable powder 
 
 Fine 
 
 Coarse 
 
 Barley 
 
 300 
 425 
 425 
 875 
 
 100 
 65 
 59 
 
 13 
 
 Wheat 
 
 100 
 61 
 61 
 13 
 
 57 
 55 
 16 
 
 In the above results the yields from 300 pounds of superphos- 
 phate were taken as 100 and the yields from the basic slag were 
 figured on this Basis. The results show that the finer the me- 
 chanical condition of the basic slag the more available it is. 
 This same condition is true for the other phosphates, as grinding 
 gives a larger area for the soil acids to act upon. 
 
 When a farmer wishes to use raw phosphates, the market value 
 per unit of phosphoric acid should govern to a great extent his 
 .^election. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID. 
 
 The phosphates mentioned in the previous chapter, with the 
 exception of basic slag, are not always used in the raw condition 
 for fertilizing purposes, but are treated with sulphuric acid in the 
 manufacture of commercial or artificial fertilizers to make the 
 phosphoric acid available; that is, to convert the phosphoric acid 
 into forms that may readily be used by the plant as food. 
 
 Manufacture of Super or Acid Phosphate. — The manufacturing 
 of artificial fertilizers began some time after 1840 in which 
 year Liebig, a German scientist, discovered that by adding sul- 
 phuric acid (oil of vitriol) to bones the phosphoric acid was made 
 soluble. This discovery paved the way for the manufacture of 
 commercial fertilizers which are sold in such large quantities 
 to-day. 
 
 Manufacturing Sulphuric Acid. — The manufacture of super- 
 phosphate is rather technical but a knowledge of this important 
 industry may prove of interest. To begin with, the manufac- 
 turer purchases pyrites of brimstone and phosphate rock. Py- 
 rites is a compound of sulphur and iron and is obtained from 
 Spain and mines in this country. The pyrites or brimstone are 
 burned . in special burners and the sulphurous gases are mixed 
 with nitrous gases obtained from nitrate of soda. These mixed 
 sulphurous and nitrous gases are introduced into large high lead 
 towers and then into lead chambers which are also large and 
 high. Steam is introduced into the lead chambers, mixed with 
 the gases and sulphuric acid is formed which falls to the bottom 
 as a liquid. These lead towers and lead chambers are very 
 costly. 
 
 Preparing the Phosphate Rock. — The manufacturer purchases 
 phosphates that contain sufficient tricalcium phosphate to warrant 
 profitable treatment. Phosphates that contain considerable im- 
 purities as iron and alumina are avoided. The phosphate rock 
 is broken into small pieces by a machine called the crusher. 
 These small pieces are then ground to a fine powder by special 
 
148 SOIL FKRTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 grinding machinery. This is an important feature in the suc- 
 cessful manufacture of superphosphate as the finer the raw pro- 
 duct the better is the finished material. When the phosphate is 
 well pulverized the acid can more readily act upon it and so the 
 decomposition is more complete, and an even, high class product 
 is produced. There has been a great deal of money spent in 
 securing machinery that would grind or pulverize phosphates. 
 Some of the phosphates as apatite are extremely hard to pulverize. 
 
 Making Superphosphate. — After the phosphate has been well 
 pulverized certain amounts, say 1,000 pounds, of phosphate pow- 
 der and dilute sulphuric acid (chamber acid) are weighed and 
 dumped into a mixer, which is a cylindrical cast iron container 
 furnished with a revolving shaft on which there are paddles or 
 stirrers, to thoroughly mix or stir the acid and the ground rock. 
 During this mixing great heat is evolved and the sulphuric acid 
 attacks the lime which hold the phosphoric acid and unites with 
 it to form sulphate of lime or gypsum. The phosphoric acid is 
 still held by a small amount of lime. The acid used must contain 
 enough water so that gypsum is formed to insure a dry product. 
 The amount of acid to use depends upon the amount of phosphate 
 of lime and carbonate of lime in the raw product. The acid 
 first acts on the carbonate of lime and cannot act upon the phos- 
 phate of lime until the carbonate is decomposed. Therefore the 
 more carbonate of lime present in the raw material the more 
 acid must be used. After the phosphate and acid are thoroughly 
 mixed the mass is dumped into an iron car and the contents tilted 
 into a pit or chamber. This process is repeated many times until 
 the pit or chamber contains many tons of superphosphate. W^hen 
 the mixture of sulphuric acid and powdered rock is first dumped 
 into the pit, it is a semi-liquid mass and dries out in a few 
 days and is ready for shipment. If it is allowed to remain too 
 long in the pit, it becomes caked or hard and must be disinte- 
 grated in special machines before being sacked. 
 
 Chemistry of the Process. — The phosphoric acid is in the form 
 of tricalcium phosphate in phosphates, or three parts of lime 
 are united with one part of phosphoric acid. When the sulphuric 
 acid is added it attacks the phosphate and dissolves it, setting 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID I49 
 
 free two parts of lime (that were originally combined with the 
 phosphoric acid) which unite or combine with the sulphuric 
 acid forming superphosphate (one lime phosphate or mono-calcic 
 phosphate) and gypsum (sulphate of lime). In other words 
 the phosphoric acid in superphosphate is only combined with one 
 part of lime as the remaining two parts of lime, with which the 
 phosphoric acid was formerly combined, have been set free. 
 From the above it is evident that superphosphate is made up 
 of one lime (mono-calcic) phosphate and gypsum (sulphate of 
 lime). Or the reaction is: 
 
 (3CaO, P.Os) 4- 2 (H2O, SO,) = (CaO, 2H2O, PjOj) + 2 (CaO, SO,) 
 Tricalcic phosphate Sulphuric acid Monocalcic phosphate Gypsum 
 Phosphates of Lime. — In the phosphoric acid fertilizers used 
 there are four different forms of phosphates of lime, all of 
 different availability. These phosphates of lime are known as 
 the insoluble, soluble, reverted, and basic slag forms. 
 
 1. Insoluble Phosphoric Acid. — The most common form of 
 phosphate of hme is that which is found in bones, mineral phos- 
 phates, guanos, etc., and is called insoluble. The lime and phos- 
 phoric acid are combined as three parts of lime and one of phos- 
 phoric acid. This is called tricalcic, tribasic, bone phosphate 
 and three lime phosphate. We may represent this form as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 I,ime ') 
 
 Lime [• Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime .) 
 
 This is the most insoluble form of phosphate of lime and is 
 
 called insoluble phosphoric acid. 
 
 2. Soluble Phosphoric Acid. — When insoluble phosphate of lime 
 is acted upon by sulphuric acid, two parts of lime are replaced 
 by two parts of water and soluble phosphate of lime is formed. 
 This soluble phosphate is called super or acid phosphate and is 
 a saturated compound. It is also known as monobasic, mono- 
 calcic, and one lime phosphate. 
 
 This compound may be graphically represented as : 
 
 Lime ") 
 
 Water >■ Phosphoric acid 
 
 Water ) 
 
150 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 This form is entirely soluble in water and readily available as 
 plant food. It is the highest valued form of phosphate of Hme 
 and is called soluble phosphoric acid. 
 
 3. Reverted Phosphoric Acid. — Between the soluble and insolu- 
 ble phosphate of lime there is another form known as reverted, 
 citrate soluble, dicalcic, and two lime phosphate, in which there 
 are two parts of lime and one part of water as represented : 
 
 Lime ^ 
 
 Lime [■ Phosphoric acid 
 
 Water ) 
 
 The name reverted is applied to this form of phosphate of 
 lime because it is formed by reversion or retrograding of some 
 of the soluble towards the insoluble. This form is not as solu- 
 ble as the soluble phosphoric acid and is more soluble than the 
 insoluble form. It is insoluble in water, but the weak acids of 
 the soil render it favorable for plant food. The sum of the 
 soluble and the reverted is called available, because both forms 
 may be used by plants. 
 
 4. Basic Slag Phosphate. — It used to be accepted that the three 
 forms just described were the only forms of phosphoric acid. 
 However, the phosphate of lime in basic slag is in another form. 
 It was supposed that one part of phosphoric acid was combined 
 with four parts of Hme, and in this form it was known as 
 tetracalcic, tetrabasic, and four lime phosphate. 
 
 Lime 1 
 
 J . J- Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime J 
 Recently, however, there seems to be some uncertainty as to 
 whether or not the phosphoric acid in basic slag exists as tetra- 
 calcic phosphate of lime. Hall says: For example, basic slag 
 is found to be readily attacked by a solution of carbon dioxide 
 or other very weak acid ; a much larger proportion of phosphoric 
 acid goes into solution than would be the case with an equally 
 fine ground sample of tricalcium phosphate containing the same 
 amount of phosphoric acid. Nearly the whole of the phosphoric 
 acid in basic slag also goes into solution when it is shaken with an 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EEFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 15I 
 
 alkaline solution of ammonium citrate, in whch tricalcium phos- 
 phate is not very soluble. The analysis of certain flat square 
 plate crystals, occasionally found in cavities in the balls of slag 
 proved them to consist of a tetrabasic phosphate of calcium of 
 the formula (CaO)4P|205, the molecule of phosphorus pentoxide 
 being combined with four molecules of lime instead of vsfith three 
 as in ordinary calcium phosphate. To this tetrabasic phosphate 
 of lime the properties of basic slag have usually been ascribed, 
 it is supposed to be readily acted upon by carbon dioxide with 
 the formation of calcium carbonate and dicalcium phosphate, 
 and as this latter phosphate is readily soluble in water containing 
 carbonic acid, the availability of the basic slag is accounted for. 
 But it is by no means certain that this association of tetra- 
 calcium phosphate with basic slag is correct. In the first place, 
 the detailed analysis of the basic slag hardly bears out this view ; 
 there is more lime than is necessary to make up tetracalcium 
 phosphate even when every allowance is made for silica and 
 sulphur, and the amount of free lime that can be determined 
 is not sufficient to make up the balance. Moreover, the crystals 
 of tetracalcic phosphate are only to be foynd in basic slags made 
 from irons poor in silicon ; the usual crystals found in the basic 
 slag cavities are long hexagonal needles, pale green or blue in 
 color, of which considerable quantities can be picked out from 
 the cindery portions of the slag. The appearance also of a 
 fractured surface of the ordinary molten parts of the slag would 
 agree much better with a structure built up of such prismatic 
 crystals than of the flat crystals of tetracalcium phosphate. The 
 prismatic crystals, according to Stead, consist of a double sili- 
 cate and phosphate of lime of the composition (CaO)5P,Or,SiO,, 
 and contain about 29 per cent, of phosphoric acid, 11 per cent, 
 of silica, and 56 per cent, of lime. Moreover, when separated 
 from the mass of the cinder, finely ground, and attacked with 
 water charged with carbon dioxide or with very dilute citric 
 acid, the phosphoric acid they contain shows approximately the 
 same solubility as that of the phosphoric acid in an ordinary 
 sample of basic slag, whereas the crystals of tetrabasic phosphate 
 of lime are markedly less soluble. On the whole, it seems more 
 
152 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 probable that the typical phosphoric acid compound of basic 
 slag is this (CaO)5Pa05Si02 — and not the tetracalcium phos- 
 phate, (CaOjjPaOr,, especially as there is plenty of other evidence 
 to show how large a part silica will play in bringing phosphoric 
 acid into a soluble state. 
 
 Whatever may be the form of combination of the phosphoric 
 acid in basic slag, it is undoubtedly easily attackable by the soil 
 water, so that it is more available to the plant than any of the 
 forms of tricalcium phosphate, though as a rule it falls below 
 superphosphate." 
 
 Amounts of Acid to Dissolve Phosphates. — Voorhees states: 
 Mineral phosphates, both because of their hardness and of the 
 presence of other minerals, which are attacked by the acid, are 
 less easily dissolved, and require more acid in proportion to the 
 phosphate present than those from organic sources. They are 
 also less absorbent, preventing the acid from permeating the 
 mass of the material, and hence it is more difficult to secure good 
 condition when sufficient acid is used to dissolve the phosphate. 
 In making superphosphates from these materials, less acid is 
 used than is required to completely dissolve the phosphates, and 
 there is, therefore, always present in them more or less of the 
 insoluble phosphoric acid. 
 
 In the case of animal bone, too, less sulphuric acid is used than 
 is required to completely dissolve the phosphoric acid. Other- 
 wise, a gummy, sticky product would result, due largely to the 
 organic matter in the bone. The insoluble phosphoric acid in 
 bone, bone-black, and bone-ash superphosphates is, however, of 
 greater value than the insoluble in the mineral phosphates, for 
 reasons already given. 
 
 In superphosphates, too, there is nearly always present a great- 
 er or less amount — depending upon the material — of the second 
 form of phosphoric acid, the dicalcic, reverted or retrograde. 
 This form usually exists in the greatest amounts in those made 
 from mineral phosphates, which is believed to be due either to 
 the soluble acting upon the insoluble portions, or to the presence 
 of oxide of iron and alumina, which combine with a portion of 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATBS AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 1 53 
 
 the soluble phosphoric acid. The soluble goes back to the less 
 soluble dicalcic form.*^ 
 
 The Eeversion of Phosphoric Acid. — Aikman says: A change 
 which is apt to take place in superphosphate after its manufac- 
 ture is what is known as reversion of the soluble phosphate. 
 Thus it is found that on keeping superphosphate for a long time 
 the percentage of soluble phosphate becomes less than it was 
 at first. The rate at which this deterioration of the superphos- 
 phate goes on varies in different samples. In a well-made arti- 
 cle, it is practically inappreciable, whereas in some superphos- 
 phates, made from unsuitable materials, it may form a consid- 
 erable percentage. The causes of this reversion are two-fold. 
 For one thing, the presence of undecomposed phosphate of lime 
 may cause it. This source of reversion, however, is very much 
 less important than the other, which is the presence of iron and 
 alumina in the raw material. When a soluble phosphate re- 
 verts, what takes place is the conversion of the monocalcic phos- 
 phate into the dicalcic. 
 
 Wherever reversion is due to the presence of iron and alumina 
 in the raw material, the nature of the reaction is not well under- 
 stood, and is, consequently, not so easily demonstrated as in the 
 former case. Where iron is present in the form of pyrites, or 
 ferrous silicate, it does not seem to cause reversion. It is only 
 when it is present in the form of oxide (and in most raw phos- 
 phatic materials it is generally in this form) that is causes re- 
 version in the phosphate. 
 
 Value of Reverted Phosphoric Acid. — The value of reverted 
 phosphate is a subject which has given rise to much dispute 
 among chemists. That it has a higher value than the ordinary 
 insoluble phosphate is now admitted, but in this country (Eng- 
 land), in the manure trade, this is not as yet recognized. At 
 first it was thought that it was impossible to estimate its quantity 
 by chemical analysis. This difficulty, however, has been over- 
 come, and it is generally admitted that the ammonium citrate 
 process furnishes an accurate means of determining its amount. 
 Both on the continent and in the United States reverted phos- 
 phoric acid is recognized as possessing a monetary value in ex- 
 
154 SOIL FliRTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 cess of that possessed by the ordinary insoluble phosphates. The 
 result is, that raw mineral phosphates containing iron and alumina 
 to any appreciable extent are not used in this country (England), 
 although they do find a limited application in America and on 
 the continent.-* 
 
 Difference Between Phosphates and Superphosphates. — It is cus- 
 tomary among some farmers to call every fertilizer a phosphate 
 and among others this name is used for the product — superphos- 
 phate. A phosphate is a product containing phosphoric acid as 
 its main ingredient, in the insoluble form, as bone phosphates, 
 rock phosphates and basic slag phosphates. A superphosphate 
 is a fertilizer containing principally soluble phosphoric acid. 
 The phosphates, except basic slag, may be manufactured into 
 superphosphates by the addition of sulphuric acid as previously 
 mentioned in this chapter. Thus we have superphosphates from 
 bones and minerals, as raw bone superphosphate, steamed bone 
 superphosphate, bone-ash superphosphate, bone-black superphos- 
 phate, Florida hard rock superphosphate, Florida pebble super- 
 phosphate, Florida soft rock superphosphate, South Carolina 
 land rock superphosphate. South Carolina river rock superphos- 
 phate, Tennessee brown rock superphosphate, Tennessee blue 
 rock superphosphate, Tennessee white rock superphosphate, etc. 
 Of course all of these superphosphates will not contain the same 
 amounts of soluble phosphoric acid, as the mode of manufacture 
 and content of phosphoric acid in the raw products determine 
 this. A superphosphate made from bone-black containing 30 
 per cent, of phosphoric acid will be richer in soluble phosphoric 
 acid than one made from South Carolina land rock running 23 
 per cent, of phosphoric acid. Bone-black and bone-ash because 
 of their higher phosphoric acid contents make richer superphos- 
 phates than those manufactured from most of the mineral phos- 
 phates. 
 
 Some Names Applied to Superphosphates. — Acid phosphate, dis- 
 solved bone, dissolved bone-black and dissolved bone-ash are 
 names that are used indiscriminately by the trade. A manufac- 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 1 55 
 
 turer may call a product made from rock phosphate, "dissolved 
 bone," and sell it under this name. Dissolved bone, strictly speak- 
 ing is a dissolved bone superphosphate, or a superphosphate made 
 from raw or steamed bones. Dissolved bone-black is a super- 
 phosphate manufactured from bone-black. Dissolved bone-ash 
 is a superphosphate made from bone-ash. The superphosphates 
 made from rock phosphates are usually called acid phosphates by 
 the trade, although this latter term is applied to any superphos- 
 phate and is perhaps a more common name in the United States 
 than superphosphate. For superphosphates made from ground 
 rock phosphate, acid phosphate is perhaps a more correct name 
 as it is the phosphate acted upon by acid. 
 
 Available Phosphoric Acid. — There seems to be a great deal of 
 confusion among farmers over what constitutes available phos- 
 phoric acid and this is not to be wondered at when one considers 
 the number of terms applied to reverted and insoluble phos- 
 phoric acid. Reverted phosphoric acid is soluble in the weak 
 acids of the soil. The chemist uses a solution called ammonium 
 citrate or citrate, which has a similar action to the weak soil 
 acids, in dissolving out this form of phosplioric acid. For this 
 reason the term citrate soluble is often applied to reverted phos- 
 phoric acid. The insoluble phosphoric acid is not soluble in 
 this citrate solution but it is soluble in strong acids; hence the 
 names citrate insoluble and acid soluble are applied to insoluble 
 phosphoric acid. 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid is equivalent to citrate soluble phosphoric acid. 
 
 T luii. I.- -J- -i^if citrate insoluble phosphoric acid 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid is equivalent to | ^^.^ ^^j^y^ phosphoric acid. 
 
 The sum of the soluble and reverted phosphoric acid is called 
 available phosphoric acid, or the sum of the soluble and citrate 
 soluble phosphoric acid is available phosphoric acid. The farmer 
 often confuses the term acid soluble as belonging to the available 
 phosphoric acid on account of the use of the word soluble. 
 Again, the difference between the total phosphoric acid (which 
 is the sum of the soluble, reverted and insoluble forms) and the 
 insoluble phosphoric acid is available phosphoric acid. 
 
156 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Available phosphoric acid : 
 
 f soluble + reverted phosphoric acid 
 
 soluble -j- citrate soluble phosphoric acid 
 I 
 
 ^ total — insoluble phosphoric acid 
 I total — citrate insoluble phosphoric acid 
 [.total — acid soluble phosphoric acid. 
 f soluble + reverted -j- insoluble phos. acid 
 I soluble -j- reverted + acid soluble phos. acid 
 
 Total phosphoric acid = ] ^°|"^i^ + "^^J"'^"^ + citrate insol. phos. acid 
 *^ '^ 1 soluble + citrate soluble + insol. phos. acid 
 
 I soluble -j- citrate soluble -j- acid sol. phoS. acid 
 [soluble 4- citrate soluble -f- cit. iii.'sol. phos. acid. 
 
 The available phosphoric acid contained in manufactured fer- 
 tilizers for 1900 and 1905, in short tons, was as follows:"^ 
 
 Bones, ammoniates, etc 
 
 Tankage, etc 
 
 Fish products 
 
 Cotton-seed products 
 
 Phosphate rock (acid phosphate). 
 
 Total 
 
 278,701 
 
 1900 
 Tons 
 
 •905 
 Tons 
 
 16,177 
 
 13.455 
 1,768 
 
 879 
 
 246,422 
 
 15,162 
 11,127 
 
 3.565 
 1,100 
 
 273.241 
 
 304,195 
 
 The Difference of the Forms of Phosphoric Acid in Superphos- 
 phates. — In the manufacture of superphosphates not all of the 
 tricalcium phosphate is converted into soluble phosphoric acid. 
 The manufacturer generally calculates to add just enough acid 
 to convert most of the phosphoric acid into the soluble form. 
 However he does not wish to add much acid in order to put 
 a profitable marketable product. Hence most of the superphos- 
 phates found on the market contain some insoluble phosphoric 
 acid, ranging perhaps from a few hundredths to as high as four 
 per cent, in poor acidulation. This insoluble phosphoric acid 
 in superphosphates is different. That in the bone superphos- 
 phates is of more value as regards availability than the insoluble 
 phosphoric acid in the mineral superphosphates. The insoluble 
 phosphoric acid is also of different value in the mineral super- 
 phosphates depending upon the nature or purity of the rock from 
 which it was made. However, the insoluble phosphoric acid 
 in super or acid phosphates is generally present in small amounts 
 and would only have to be seriously considered when the acidula- 
 tion proves insufficient. The soluble phosphoric acid in all sup- 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 1 57 
 
 erphosphates is the same, whether the superphosphates are made 
 from bones, bone-ash, bone-black, or any of the mineral phos- 
 phates. It is an erroneous opinion among some, that the material 
 from which the superphosphate is made influences the value of 
 the soluble phosphoric acid. Many farmers would rather pur- 
 chase soluble phosphoric acid as superphosphates manufactured 
 from bones than soluble phosphoric acid from mineral super- 
 phosphates. There is not any difference in the soluble phos- 
 phoric acid of superphosphates no matter what raw material 
 is used in making it. Of course a dissolved bone superphosphate 
 will perchance give better results than a raw rock superphos- 
 phate of equal soluble phosphoric acid composition as the dis- 
 solved bone superphosphate will contain in addition to the phos- 
 phoric acid, a certain amount of nitrogen ; so if we judge the 
 value of soluble phosphoric acid in this way we are assuming 
 an unequal and unfair task. 
 
 Some Farmers Favor Bone Superphosphates. — Many farmers 
 seem to be prejudiced against the mineral superphosphate- and 
 always demands superphosphates made from bone. Often the 
 price is much higher for the bone superphosphates on account 
 of the greater price bones bring when sold for bone-black, manu- 
 facturing interests, etc. These farmers could generally pur- 
 chase their phosphoric acid more cheaply from mineral super- 
 phosphates. Of course when dissolved bone and mineral super- 
 phosphates of equal available phosphoric acid content, are offered 
 for the same price, it is more economical to select the dissolved 
 bone; but it is seldom that one can get such a bargain as the 
 dealers in fertilizers always charge for the ammonia content. 
 Generally phosphoric acid can be purchased cheaper from mineral 
 superphosphates than from dissolved bone superphosphates. 
 
 Double Superphosphate. — This is sometimes called double phos- 
 phate. This double superphosphate is manufactured as follows: 
 
 Phosphates are treated with an excess of sulphuric acid (cham- 
 ber acid) and the phosphoric acid is dissolved out as free phos- 
 phoric acid. The fluids, sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid are 
 filtered or separated from the insoluble matter and concen- 
 trated. This concentrated solution is then used in dissolving 
 
158 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 high grade phosphates and the resulting product is called double 
 superphosphate because the phosphoric acid content is more than 
 double and generally three times as much as in superphosphates. 
 Wiley^" suggests that superphosphate is a more correct name for 
 this class of material as it is a phosphate acted upon by free 
 phosphoric acid and superior to acid phosphate. Phosphates con- 
 taining too low a percentage of phosphate of lime for profitable 
 manufacture of acid phosphate may be utilized in obtaining the 
 free phosphoric acid. 
 
 Not much double superphosphate is found on the American 
 market but it is quite popular in Germany where it is manufac- 
 tured principally. Double superphosphates contain about 40 to 
 45 per cent, of available phosphoric acid. They contain less im- 
 purities than acid phosphates. The phosphoric acid is present 
 in the same forms as in acid phosphate, namely as soluble, 
 reverted and insoluble phosphoric acid. Double superphosphates 
 are expensive but sometimes economical to purchase when freight 
 is high. 
 
 No Free Acid in Treated Phosphates. — Acid phosphates and 
 double superphosphates when well manufactured do not contain 
 any free acid as all of the sulphuric acid is united with lime and 
 forms gypsum. Of course it is possible for a manufacturer to 
 make a product that will contain free acid, but this is not done 
 and the product delivered to the trade does not contain any free 
 acid. 
 
 The Color of an Acid Phosphate. — There seems to be a prefer- 
 ence among some for a light colored acid phosphate while others 
 demand a dark colored product. The color and nature of the 
 raw material from which acid phosphates are made determine 
 their final color. The manufacturers in order to satisfy the 
 trade often carry two different colored acid phosphates of the 
 same chemical composition which are made from the same raw 
 product. The dark or black color is obtained by mixing in lamp- 
 black when the final product is not sufficiently dark. Some raw 
 materials as bone, bone-black, etc., produce a black superphos- 
 phate without the addition of any coloring substance. The color 
 of an acid phosphate does not indicate its fertilizing value. 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 
 
 159 
 
 Average Composition of Superphosphates and 
 Double Superphosphates. 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Acid pliosphate 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Dissolved bone-black • . 
 Dissolved bone-meal . . . 
 Dissolved bone-ash . . . 
 Double superphosphate 
 
 Total 
 
 Available 
 
 Phos. acid 
 
 Phos. acid 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 14 
 
 12 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
 18 
 
 16 
 
 17-5 
 
 16.S 
 
 16.5 
 
 12.5 
 
 28 
 
 26 
 
 48 
 
 1 
 
 43 
 
 The most common of the above fertilizers found on the Ameri- 
 can market are the acid phosphates carrying 14 per cent, of avail- 
 able phosphoric acid. 
 
 How to Make Superphosphate at Home. — Sometimes farmers live 
 far away from places where fertilizers may be purchased and 
 should such farmers save the bones that accumulate on the farm, 
 superphosphate may be made at home. The process may be con- 
 ducted as follows ; Break up the bones in as small pieces as pos- 
 sible and add one-third their weight of water to them in a long 
 wooden trough lined with sheet lead or with a thick coating of 
 pitch ; the lead is better. To the bones and water, add very slow- 
 ly sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol). This acid must be added very 
 slowly as great heat is evolved on the addition of sulphuric acid 
 to water. The amount of acid to add depends upon its strength 
 or concentration. About one-third the weight of the bones of 
 strong white sulphuric acid or one-half of the brown sulphuric 
 acid should suffice. The whole mass should be thoroughly mixed 
 with a wooden shovel, allowed to stand for an hour and removed 
 to some dry place and stored for two months when it will be 
 ready for the land. If sulphuric acid gets on your clothes it 
 will ruin them and it will burn the skin wherever it touches it. 
 
 Amount of Phosphates Used for Manufacturing Fertilizers. — The 
 
 following table gives the tonnage of bone products, tankage, and 
 rock phosphates used in the manufacture of fertilizers in the 
 United States for 1900 and 1905 in short tons.^^ 
 
l6o SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 
 1900 
 
 Tons 
 
 Tons 
 
 Bone products 
 
 Tankage 
 
 168,510 
 
 354,075 
 958,802 
 
 236,906 
 
 439,206 
 
 1,063,195 
 
 PhosT)ha.te rock 
 
 
 Phosphoric Acid Removed by Crops. — ^According to \'oorhees ;" 
 the crops of the United States take away from the soil 7,000,000 
 tons of 14 per cent, acid phosphate annually. There are also 
 large losses by erosion and drainage. So it is probable that at 
 least 1,000,000 tons of phosphoric acid are required to restore the 
 losses of phosphoric acid anmially. Hopkins^" says : "To restore 
 to the soils of the United States the phosphorus (P) removed 
 by the corn crop alone, would require the annual application of 
 our total annual production of phosphate rock, counting 23 pounds 
 of phosphorus for a hundred-bushel crop of corn, and 2^ billion 
 bushels as the average corn crop of the United States." 
 
 The following table shows the amounts of phosphoric acid re- 
 moved by some common farm crops. 
 
 Grain contains more phosphoric acid than straw and roots 
 take away more than tops. Sugar-beets, mangels, turnips, cab- 
 bages and onions take away a great deal of phosphoric acid from 
 the soil. 
 
 Amount of Phosphoric Acid in Soils. — The phosphoric acid in 
 soils is generally found in largest amounts in the surface soil 
 and is usually derived from the disintegration of rocks. It is 
 often deficient and many soils show only traces of phosphoric 
 acid. Even fertile soils only contain small amounts of this con- 
 stituent. Soils average from traces to 0.25 per cent, of phos- 
 phoric acid. We may figure that an average soil contains about 
 3,500 to 4,000 pounds of phosphoric acid per acre. Only a small 
 amount of this is available. Some soils may contain large quan- 
 tities of phosphoric acid but the poor condition of the soil keeps 
 this locked up so that plants cannot utilize it. Organic matter, 
 lime and good tillage help to increase the available supply of phos- 
 phoric acid. 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 
 
 i6[ 
 
 Weights of and Phosphoric Acid Removed by Ordinary Crops 
 IN Pounds Per Acre." 
 
 Meadow hay, i% tons 
 Timothy hay, I'/i ton.s 
 
 Clover hay, 2 tons 
 
 Wheat 
 
 Grain, 25 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Rye 
 
 Grain, 30 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Oats 
 
 Grain, 50 bus. 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Barley 
 
 Grain, 50 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Corn 
 
 Kernel, 50 bus 
 
 Cobs 
 
 Stover 
 
 Total 
 
 Potatoes 
 
 Tubers, 200 bus 
 
 Haulm (stems) 
 
 Total 
 
 Sugar-Beets 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Mangels 
 
 Roots, 25 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Turnips 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Swedes 
 
 Roots, 16 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Cabbages, 20 tons 
 
 Onions, 500 bus 
 
 Tobacco, leaf 
 
 Wt. as harvested 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 3,000 
 3.000 
 4,000 
 
 13.6 
 21.0 
 22.4 
 
 1,500 
 2.500' 
 4,000 
 
 12.4 
 
 5.8 
 
 18.2 
 
 1.680 
 2.000 
 
 14.8 
 5-4 
 
 3,680 
 
 20.2 
 
 1,600 
 2,100 
 
 11.4 
 6.3 
 
 3.700 
 
 17.7 
 
 2.350 
 2.800 
 
 5.150 
 
 19.2 
 
 5-4 
 
 24.6 
 
 2.800 
 
 700 
 2 300 
 5,800 
 
 16.40 
 0.04 
 8.74 
 
 25.18 
 
 14,000 
 
 4.500 
 
 18,500 
 
 18.9 
 6.8 
 
 25-7 
 
 40,000 
 20,000 
 60,000 
 
 25.2 
 23-3 
 48.5 
 
 50,000 
 18,500 
 68,500 
 
 29.4 
 16.7 
 46.1 
 
 40,000 
 11.600 
 51,600 
 
 38.7 
 13.2 
 
 51-9 
 
 32,000 
 4.800 
 
 3t>,boo 
 
 40,000 
 
 28,500 
 
 1,500 
 
 18.4 
 
 4-9 
 
 23-3 
 48.6 
 
 32.4 
 10.8 
 
1 62 
 
 SOIL FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Fixation of Phosphoric Acid. — When soUible phosphoric acid is 
 added to soil it becomes iixed and does not wash out readily. 
 Crawley** found that when a fertilizer containing water soluble 
 phosphoric acid was applied to the soil and followed by irriga- 
 tion, more than one-half of the soluble phosphoric acid stayed 
 in the first inch of the soil, more than nine-tenths remained in 
 the first three inches, and about all of it in the first six inches. 
 Soluble phosphoric acid is added to soils because a better distri- 
 bution is affected, but Crawley's results show that this form of 
 phosphoric acid does not distribute so readily as has been sup- 
 posed, even when there are heavy rains or irrigation. The soils 
 Crawley worked on were suitable for fixing phosphoric acid and 
 not so acid as many of our soils. 
 
 Experiments conducted at Rothamstead show that phosphoric 
 acid is retained in the surface soil. 
 
 PHO.SPHORIC Acid Soluble in Five Extractions With One Per 
 
 Cent. Citric Acid, Compared With That in 
 
 Manure and Crop.' 
 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 pounds per acre 
 
 
 Supplied in 
 
 Removed in 
 
 Surplus in 
 
 Dissolved by i per 
 
 manure 
 
 crop 
 
 soil 
 
 cent, citric acid 
 
 
 550 
 
 —550 
 
 565 
 
 3,960 
 
 790 
 
 3-170 
 
 3-000 
 
 3-810 
 
 1-370 
 
 2,440 
 
 2,470 
 
 3.810 
 
 I-520 
 
 2,290 
 
 2-055 
 
 
 555 
 
 —555 
 
 400 
 
 3.390 
 
 1,200 
 
 2,190 
 
 2,315 
 
 3.390 
 
 1,240 
 
 2,150 
 
 2,000 
 
 The above table shows that the phosphoric acid applied to the 
 soil is all accounted for by the removal of crops and the surplus. 
 It shows that the phosphoric acid did not leach out of the soil. 
 The soils of this experiment were well supplied with carbonate 
 of lime which was favorable to the extraction of the phosphoric 
 acid by the citric acid. 
 
 It is generally supposed that soluble phosphoric acid from fer- 
 tilizers becomes readily distributed and unites with the minerals 
 forming compounds insoluble in water; the phosphoric acid in 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 163 
 
 soluble phosphoric acid is in a very finely divided state and the 
 distribution takes place before the insoluble compounds are 
 formed. Soils rich in lime readily fix phosphoric acid and a 
 certain amount is probably fixed in combination with iron and 
 alumina. Experiments show that phosphoric acid is not carried 
 away by leaching to any extent. All soils are not of equal fixa- 
 tion value ; most soils fix phosphoric acid but some are better 
 equipped to perform this process than others. Clay soils rich 
 in lime fix phosphoric acid very rapidly while soils deficient in 
 lime act much slower in this respect. Sandy and gravel soils, 
 lacking in organic matter and clay, do not fix the phosphoric acid 
 rapidly. 
 
 Absorption of Phosphoric Acid. — Jofifre states : That contrary 
 to what is usually thought, the combinations soluble in water ap- 
 pear to be absorbed by vegetation. The proportion absorbed is, 
 without doubt, very small, but it may have a very great import- 
 ance because the absorption takes place at a moment when the 
 plants have vtsed up the material in the seed and have not yet 
 developed sufficiently to evaporate the large quantity of water 
 and to be able thus to extract from the soil the useful sub- 
 stances, difficultly soluble, which there exist. 
 
 This theory explains perfectly the results of the remarkable 
 researches of Schloesing and Prunet who have found that, when 
 fertilizers are planted in the rows, they produce greater effects 
 than when they are mixed with the soil. This evidence depends 
 upon the fact that when they are planted in rows, they become 
 soluble less rapidly and the plants thus have more time to absorb 
 the combinations of phosphoric acid soluble in water. 
 
 Moreover, in the culture experiment made in pure sand where 
 there was nothing which could produce insolubility of phosphate 
 soluble in water and where it is seen that this body causes an in- 
 crease in the crops, it is necessary to admit that the combinations 
 of phosphoric acid soluble in water enter into the plant and are 
 assimilated there. I have not said that insoluble phosphate is 
 without utility in agriculture. It produces, indeed, in certain 
 earth eiifects which are as beneficial as the soluble phosphate, but 
 in the greater part of soils, if it produces an action, this action 
 
x64 
 
 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 is less than that of superphosphates and the inferiority of this 
 action appears to be caused, at least in part, because no portion 
 of it can enter immediately into the plant in a condition of 
 aqueous solution. 
 
 To resume, the whole of my experiment seems to make clear 
 that the favorable action of superphosphate is not only caused 
 by a greater dissemination of the combination of phosphoric acid 
 in the arable earth, but that it is also necessary to take into ac- 
 count the absorption in the form of combinations, soluble in 
 water, of a portion of soluble phosphoric acid of superphos- 
 phates. If we desire to obtain a maximum result it is necessary 
 to distinguish two sorts of soil; first, the soil analogous to those, 
 of which numerous examples are found in Bretagne, in which 
 insoluble phosphates succeed as well as superphosphates and 
 where it is natural to employ phosphate simply ground. Second, 
 the other soils which are far more numerous and in which the 
 phosphoric acid fertilizers in combinations soluble in water are 
 absolutely indispensable to obtain the maximum effect.*' 
 
 Functions of Phosphoric Acid. — Phosphoric acid hastens maturity 
 of crops. It has a ripening effect and seems to hasten grain and 
 fruit formation ; it stimulates root development in young plants. 
 The influence of phosphoric acid on grain formation is shown 
 in the following table. 
 
 Effect of Phosphoric Acid on Barlev.' 
 
 
 Grain 
 Bushels 
 
 Grain to 
 100 straw 
 
 Nitrogen per cent. 
 in grain 
 
 
 1893 
 
 1894 
 
 1893 
 
 1894 
 
 1893 
 
 1894 
 
 
 11.6 
 
 18.1 
 i6.8 
 
 30.8 
 
 10.4 
 
 34.9 
 17.8 
 
 41.4 
 
 85-3 
 
 lOI.O 
 
 85.9 
 
 102.2 
 
 67-5 
 77.0 
 
 73-8 
 
 77.7 
 
 2.19 
 
 2.13 
 2.17 
 
 2.08 
 
 1.65 
 1 60 
 
 Ammonium salts and super- 
 
 Ammonium salts and potash ■ 
 Ammonium salts, superphos- 
 
 1.61 
 1.44 
 
 
 The year 1893 was a particularly dry one and in 1894 there 
 was considerable rain and the season was very wet. 
 
 It is seen that the phosphoric acid increases the yield of grain 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 
 
 165 
 
 and of grain to straw. It also decreases the nitrogen in the 
 grain. 
 
 The same effect of phosphoric acid is shown on wheat. 
 
 Effect of Phosphoric Acid on Wheat.' 
 
 Grain 
 Bushels 
 
 Straw 
 Cwt. 
 
 Weight 
 
 per bushel 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Grain to 
 
 100 straw 
 
 Wet season, 1879 
 
 Untnanured 
 
 Nitrogen only 
 
 Nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
 
 Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash 
 
 Dry season, 1893 
 
 Unmanured 
 
 Nitrogen only 
 
 Nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
 
 Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash 
 
 4-5 
 
 4-3 
 
 II. I 
 
 16.0 
 
 10.7 
 8.4 
 7-7 
 
 16.4 
 
 6.7 
 
 8.5 
 18.0 
 27.2 
 
 5-6 
 5-6 
 6.2 
 9-7 
 
 51.8 
 50-8 
 54-6 
 57-8 
 
 62.5 
 59-1 
 56.4 
 62.6 
 
 42.8 
 33-6 
 36.2 
 
 35-2 
 
 110,3 
 84.4 
 67.3 
 98.0 
 
 Experiments conducted at the Ohio Experiment Station on a 
 rotation of potatoes, wheat and clover from 1894 to 1908 showed 
 greater yields from phosphoric acid than from nitrogen and pot- 
 ash. The Pennsylvania Experiment Station conducted a rota- 
 tion from 1885 to 1908 with corn, oats, wheat and hay on four 
 acres of land with similar results and the Iowa Experiment Sta- 
 tion found that phosphoric acid increased the yield of clover more 
 than did lime, manure, and potash. Many other experiments 
 have been conducted showing that phosphoric acid helps to in- 
 crease the yield of grain crops. 
 
 Experiments indicate that a better root system is had when 
 phosphoric acid is available to the young plant. 
 
 Phosphoric acid helps in transferring substances from the 
 stalks, leaves, and other growing parts to the seed. Certain 
 substances are aided by phosphoric acid by being rendered 
 soluble enough to pass through the plant tissues. 
 
 Phosphoric acid helps to build up protein substances in the 
 plant as certain proteid bodies require phosphoric acid for their 
 
i66 
 
 SOIIy FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 complete development. Therefore a lack of phosphoric acid 
 would necessarily cause the plant to suffer. 
 
 Crop Returns of Fhosphatic Fertilizers. — The Ohio Experiment 
 Station ran an experiment for seven years to find out the crop 
 increase of certain commercial (artificial) fertilizers compared 
 to raw and steamed bone-meal. As we are interested in the 
 latter two products the results are here given for these. 
 
 
 Increase per acre 
 
 
 Corn 
 Bushels 
 
 Wheat 
 Bushels 
 
 Hay 
 
 Pounds. 
 
 
 6.40 
 11.02 
 
 13.22 J 1,309 
 
 
 
 
 
 The bone-meals were applied at the rate of 200 pounds per 
 acre to the corn and wheat, which were grown in rotation, fol- 
 lowed by clover for one year. It is evident that the steamed 
 bone-meal gave the better results and at the price of these pro- 
 ducts the phosphoric acid in the steamed bone-meal was the 
 cheaper. 
 
 Hall" gives returns from phosphatic fertilizers in the follow- 
 ing table. 
 
 Returns From Phosphatic Fertilizers. 
 
 
 1878 
 
 1879 
 
 l83o 
 
 1881 
 
 
 Swedes 
 Tons 
 
 Barley 
 
 uii manured 
 
 Total produce 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Seeds hay 
 
 unmanured 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Oats 
 
 manured 
 
 Total produce 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Ground rock phosphates 
 
 Raw bone-meal 
 
 Phosphatic guano 
 
 Dissolved rock phos- 
 
 150 
 134 
 154 
 
 15.8 
 15-1 
 13-1 
 
 5,844 
 6,052 
 6,016 
 
 5,964 
 6,364 
 
 5,955 
 
 3.850 
 4,150 
 3.380 
 
 4,130 
 4.430 
 3.350 
 
 5.9II 
 6,686 
 6.726 
 
 7,696 
 7,460 
 7,132 
 
 Dissolved bone-meal . . . 
 
 
 The results in the above table show lower yields for the raw 
 products than for those that were treated with acid. It is 
 rather to be expected that the raw materials should give lower 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 167 
 
 returns because they are slow acting and do not give up phos- 
 phoric acid so readily as the superphosphates that contain their 
 phosphoric acid mostly in the soluble form. Considering the 
 price that raw bone-meal carries the results are disappointing, 
 showing that this product cannot be economically purchased for 
 fertilizing purposes. It is to be expected that raw bone-meal on 
 account of the fatty matter should be slowly disintegrated. 
 Steamed bone-meal usually gives good results on certain crops. 
 The returns from raw rock phosphate however deserve consid- 
 eration as this product can be purchased for about one-half of 
 what acid phosphate costs. For certain crops therefore it is 
 often advisable to use raw rock phos_^ihate finely ground. 
 
 Experiments at the Ohio Experiment Station gave favorable 
 results with a combination of ground rock phosphate and stall 
 manure on corn, wheat and clover grown in rotation. In this 
 experiment a comparison was made with mixtures of rock phos- 
 phate and manure, and acid phosphate and manure, with the 
 result that the above crops were grown for about one-half the 
 cost with the raw rock phosphate. For quick growing crops 
 acid phosphate is no doubt more satisfactory unless the raw 
 rock phosphate is decomposed and rendered available in some 
 way to satisfy the needs of such crops. 
 
 Field Experiments with Nine Phosphates. — The Rhode Island 
 Station started an experiment in 1894 to ascertain fhe relative 
 values of the different phosphatic fertilizers. Quoting from this 
 work: According to the original plan like money values of 
 phosphate were to be compared, and the applications were made 
 for several years upon that basis. Owing, however, to the 
 widely varying market prices from year to year, it was decided 
 in 1898 to change the plan of the experiment so as to make it a 
 comparison of like amounts of phosphoric acid. 
 
 The crops of 1894 and 1895 were Indian corn and oats, re- 
 spectively. In the autumn of 1895 the land was replowed and 
 seeded to clover and grass, as follows : 
 
 Seed per acre 
 
 Timothy 12 quarts 
 
 Redtop 6 pounds 
 
 Medium red clover 12 pounds 
 
l68 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Owing chiefly to the dryness of the soil, a stand of clover was 
 not secured, and medium red clover seed was sown again, the 
 next April, at the same rate. 
 
 On account of the fact that some of the phosphates con- 
 tained soluble phosphoric acid while others were practically 
 insoluble in water, all of the more insoluble phosphates were 
 sown broadcast after plowing, and were then thoroughly har- 
 rowed into the soil before seeding. These applications were 
 made sufficiently large to cover the crop requirements during the 
 three years that the land was expected to be left in grass. It 
 was planned to divide the application of soluble phosphates into 
 three parts, one-third to be applied annually as a top-dressing, 
 in the spring, together with the nitrogenous and potassic manures 
 which have been applied annually at like rates to all of the plats 
 in both series. Owing to the change in the plan of the experi- 
 ment in 1898, the land was left for an additional year in grass. 
 In the spring of 1899 such quantities of phosphates were applied 
 as were suppKDsed, based upon their composition, to equalize the 
 amount of phosphoric acid upon all of the plats. It was dis- 
 covered, however, in 1902 that the assistant to whom the cal- 
 culations were intrusted in 1899 omitted to take into account 
 the applications of the insoluble phosphates which had been 
 made in the autumn of i8g6, and owing to this oversight the 
 complete equalization of the phosphoric acid was not finally 
 accompHshed until the spring of 1902. The total amount of 
 phosphoric acid which was applied per plat (two-fifteenths acre) 
 to all excepting the two check plats, from 1894 to 1902 inclusive, 
 amounted to 98.5 pounds, or to 738.6 pounds per acre. This 
 equals 82 pounds per acre annually, an amount which would 
 be supplied by an annual application of about 360 pounds of 
 fine ground boiie or of about 500 pounds of acid phosphate. 
 
 The following phosphates were used; dissolved bone-black, 
 dissolved bone, dissolved phosphate rock (acid phosphate), 
 steamed bone-meal, basic slag, raw rock phosphate (floats), iron 
 and alumina phosphate, roasted iron and alumina phosphate and 
 double superphosphate. One ton of air slaked lime was applied 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 
 
 169 
 
 -jadns siqnoa 
 
 00 ON ON -^00 
 
 t1- r^ io»o 
 
 r-. O Tt r*5 ro o . vO»^ 00 
 
 ■ O •- *£l 00 I 
 
 M M •- w I 
 
 Ph 
 
 en 
 
 o 
 
 K 
 CM 
 
 H 
 'A 
 W 
 Pi 
 
 w 
 
 Q '^ 
 
 
 s « 
 
 OS 
 
 X 
 
 w 
 
 p 
 
 i4 
 
 W 
 Q 
 
 O 
 
 Pi 
 
 psiXddE 
 
 ■-' OM^ r^ Tt^ Tf 
 ^o ON -^ r*^ r^ N o 
 
 W « -^ to IOM3 
 
 ON lO t^ »o « rO - ON r^ 00 10 o 
 
 oO'<i--<^t^O'-'aN| lOj r^ 
 
 dlipuopsj 
 pb;sBoa 
 
 r^ ro I- O 00 00 >*D 
 rO ON rt-OO -^ t^ c^ 
 N M W OMO i-^ 
 
 <N fO O On O '-' ^ 
 ro CO r^ ON ^ 10 "' 
 
 10 o a^ ^ ^ 
 
 N t^ I 00 00 CN 
 
 9)ipUOp9J 
 
 Tt ^ I— On ON 10 M 
 Tj- O ^O O «0 CO »0 
 
 I h-. CO \0 
 
 (siBO^) ajBqd 
 -soqd MGH 
 
 Q tO-X) O 
 
 .00 10 r^ H- 
 
 ■^ O lOVO 
 
 XE31U 
 
 CO W -^VD O >*0 O 
 M -^ ON Tt -^ 10 CO 
 CO W NO O 10 t*^ 
 
 vO O 00 -^CO 10 . W M CO CS ON 
 
 rO'^r^'-it--r^r^l Onioi i-ioooo 
 
 IB3ai-3Uoq 
 pamBsqs 
 
 VD CO r^ Tj- ►-. 00 N 
 NO ONOO W O 00 10 
 n f-t 10 N lo r-. 
 
 OMO - 00 W VO - 
 10 -^ r^ ONvO t-.00 
 
 i-i (N (-1 h-i (-« I- 
 
 r^ CO cono ^ 
 00 10 I r^ t^rj- 
 
 a^Bqdsoqd 
 ppV 
 
 10 10 ro ON >-■ O ND 
 ON H- O •- W lONO 
 CO CO ►" ^O O lONO 
 
 •^ co«^ i-\DvO0 I '-Hr^i lor^pt 
 
 I-. tN N h- .-1 C^ I hH I 
 
 jBdui-auoq 
 paAiossiQ 
 
 00 fN ^ O 00 0\\D 
 »0 r^ ON N « w O 
 CO w ON On 10 t^ 
 
 Tj-WioOco--' r*-0 CD O^VO 
 
 . Tj-00 i-H\OvOCM I r^^iOl lOOrD 
 
 31DB|q-3UOq 
 
 paAiosBja 
 
 h- h- CO VO ■^00 M 
 
 10 r^ <-< NO CO ON ON 
 
 Td- CO >- lO ON "^ T^ 
 
 CUV 
 
 10^ 
 
 E« 
 
 Pi 
 o 
 
 D 
 
 Sj= 
 
 o M-rSi ono 
 
 o a „, "M " 
 
 cC O ^ ri 
 OJ CJ ~ * 
 
 _M ■ ■ • «^ 
 
 CT3. 
 
 a; ^ n 
 
 o ^ S - -_ ^- 
 
 ^4) hoc H„Sja 2 
 
 It 
 
 o 
 
 a; (0 
 I- -a 
 
 lU S tn 
 
 o 
 
 j=.S"3 
 
 a ■ 
 
 -0-5; &,»>_, s^ffl £ 1 > 1^ 
 
 , (A 00 U g 
 ; 4-t '"' U( Vh 
 
 :*- ;= 2 
 
 •5 Tt »0 invD Q o 
 0^ ON ON ON ON O O 
 00 00 00 00 CO ON ON 
 
 oj y', w 
 2 a-'Jix! 
 
 
 
lyo 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 aieqdsoqd 
 -jsdns 3[qnOQ 
 
 pdi^ddB 
 9)Bqd'uoiid on 
 
 3)ipuop3j 
 
 p9)S60H 
 
 CO rO t-^ lO ro 
 
 fO -^ f^ CO 
 
 W vO I O « O 
 
 I W vO I 
 
 CO UO f^CO lO -< vo 
 
 MCO cO^O rO C>CO 
 rO N lO r^ ON t-^-vO 
 I- 1-. fO -^ CO rO 
 
 I O O I HH On O 
 ! CO ro I r^ 
 
 9)ipuopaj 
 
 NO "^ O O -^ w CO 
 ■^ lO lO r^ O CO NO 
 
 HH i-i fO to fO ro 
 
 I - 
 
 u 
 n 
 
 •<! 
 X 
 
 o) 
 
 O 
 
 w . 
 
 W -d 
 
 Pi 01 
 
 -soqd MBH 
 
 lO TfNO "^nO lO W 
 
 ON -^ !>. -^ lo r^ lo 
 
 h-. M Tt O Tf lO 
 
 00 ON lO N fONO On 
 C4 rO lO O rt- <0 I-" 
 )-i « M >-« i-i 
 
 IBSin 
 
 Sb\S 3ISBS 
 
 « t^ M ON ON ONCO 
 
 rO ON ON N ►"« iOCO 
 Ml-. »0 rO '^ lO 
 
 O lONO o « fo r* 
 
 Tj- CO t»* On lO fO •-' 
 
 leaiu-anoq 
 pdtUBa^S 
 
 NO r- ^nd no OnvO 
 
 CS CO CO OnOO CO CO 
 (N 1-1 -«t M Tt lO . 
 
 •-• Tf r-* 1-1 o^ o^ O 
 CO -^NO ■-* r» Tt « 
 
 =5 
 
 
 W 
 Q 
 
 ■«: 
 i-r 
 
 ■a 
 
 a 
 o 
 a 
 Pi 
 
 3)Bqdsoi{d 
 PPV 
 
 vO lO fO t^ »0^ 0) 
 « lO f 0^ 0^ ON CT\ 
 
 
 lBdIU-3QOq 
 paAJOSSIQ 
 
 ON rO i-i O VO (N W 
 NO 00 O 00 lO •* n 
 Ct M >-H -^00 Tf lO 
 
 3iDBxq-3Uoq 
 paAiossiQ 
 
 O 00 NO ■* M rooO 
 t^ PO ONOO 00 00 00 
 fO "^ rO ON ro Tj" 
 
 NOOO I ■* O 
 
 0." 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 o 
 
 ON 
 
 
 
 
 - OJ 
 
 o ■ 
 p — 
 
 ii VI 
 
 CB ' ■. 
 
 -^ v B n 
 ^ Mi 
 
 bi 01 
 
 M- -^ lO lOVD Q Q 
 ON ON ON 0\ ON O O 
 CO C» GO 00 00 ON CT\ 
 
 S S 3 a Sis "=^13 3 a « twg-g 
 2 c ^ S ^ -ij --' J 5 S j3 B m * 
 
 orr*Oo^«5--233cBC3J 
 (!< »2,0 Oa3<Ct,WPi.(CPi(JUPii 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 17I 
 
 per acre on the limed plots and none on the unlimed plots. 
 Applications of potash salts were made, and nitrate of soda was 
 added to all plots to eliminate the benefit of the nitrogen supplied 
 in the bone-meal and dissolved bone. 
 The results of this experiment are shown on pages 169-170. 
 
 Comments on the Results. — The Rhode Island Experiment Sta- 
 tion says of these results: With the pea, oat, summer squash, 
 crimson clover, Japanese millet (on the unlimed land), golden 
 millet, white-podded Adzuki bean, soy bean, and potato (on the 
 unlimed land) floats gave very good results; but with the flat 
 turnip, table beet, and cabbage they were relatively very in- 
 efficient, nothwithstanding that much more phosphoric acid had 
 been applied in the floats than in any other of the phosphates. 
 
 In the case of the pea, oat, summer squash, crimson clover, 
 Japanese millet, golden millet, cabbage, soy bean, and potato the 
 yields were less on the limed soil with than without the raw 
 Redondite (iron and alumina phosphate). With but one or 
 two exceptions the yields were raised somewhat by its use on the 
 unlimed land. 
 
 Concerning the roasted Redondite, liming exerted a most 
 marked influence in increasing its efficiency, a point well shown 
 by the summer squash, crimson clover, Japanese millet, white- 
 podded Adzuki bean, and other plants. There were cases of 
 plants on the unlimed land, as for example with the crimson 
 clover and white-podded Adzuki bean, where the raw Redondite 
 Seemed to have exerted a more beneficial influence than after it 
 had been roasted, yet this may have been due to inherent dif- 
 ferences in the soil itself. 
 
 Nothwithstanding the fairly good eflfect of roasted Redon- 
 dite upon many of the crops when used upon limed land, its 
 inefficiency with the beet and cabbage under the same conditions 
 was most striking. Double superphosphate particularly, and in 
 some cases dissolved bone-black and acid phosphate, proved 
 relatively inefficient upon the unlimed land, and a few instances 
 of the same kind were observable even where the land had been 
 limed, particularly in the case of those plants which are liable to 
 
1/2 SOIL, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 injury upon soil which strongly and intensely reddens blue lit- 
 mus paper and which is at the same time practically devoid of 
 carbonate of lime. 
 
 Double superphosphate seemed to be the least adapted to acid 
 soil of any of the soluble phosphates, namely, the dissolved bone, 
 dissolved bone-black, and acid phosphate. 
 
 Finely ground unacidulated steamed bone failed to fully meet 
 the needs of some of the crops in the earlier years, but this con- 
 dition soon ceased and it has given excellent results for several 
 years, and has shown a much greater elficiency than the floats, 
 even though a much larger quantity of phosphoric acid had al- 
 ready been applied in the latter than in bone. 
 
 Basic slag meal has proved throughout to be a highly effi- 
 cient phosphatic manure. Its relative eiificiency has been par- 
 ticularly high where those plants have been grown which are 
 helped by liming. This is doubtless due in part to the fact that 
 it contains far more lime than bone-meal or floats. 
 
 The use of fine ground bone, basic slag meal, and floats has 
 tended continually to make the unlimed land more favorable to 
 clover, as is well shown by its appearance only upon those plants 
 of the imlimed series where these phosphates had been used, 
 while it was absolutely lacking where raw and roasted Redondite 
 and the soluble phosphates had been applied. Upon limed land, 
 clover has been uniformly common upon all the plats. 
 
 In one or two instances it seemed possible that the nitrogen 
 of the bone and dissolved bone might have been of some avail 
 in raising the yields. In most cases, however, evidence of particu- 
 lar advantage in that respect was lacking, which was doubtless due 
 to the heavy applications of nitrate of soda which were made 
 each year. If bone or tankage (which contains much bone) are 
 to be employed upon neglected land deficient in assimilable phos- 
 phoric acid, these experiments suggest the idea of supplement- 
 ing them to some extent for two or three years with basic slag 
 meal, acid phosphate, dissolved bone, dissolved bone-black, or 
 other soluble phosphate. 
 
 Floats can probably be used to best advantage on moist soil 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 1/3 
 
 rich in decaying vegetable matter, and for such crops as certain 
 legumes, Indian corn, millet and possibly wheat and oats, which 
 seem far better able to make use of them than certain vegetables. 
 The vegetable growers in the East should not be influenced to 
 use them on account of their reported value on the Illinois black 
 soil of the corn belt, where wheat, grass, clover, and Indian 
 corn are the chief crops, and where the soil conditions are ex- 
 ceptionally favorable to their ready assimilability. Perhaps it 
 may be found that floats can be advantageously mixed with the 
 stable manure which gardeners collect during the winter, but this 
 is a point which needs to be more definitely determined. The 
 fact that phosphoric acid in floats costs less than half what it 
 does in bone makes it most desirable to utilize the former where 
 it can be done to advantage, but the Rhode Island gardener and 
 general farmer will do well to study the foregoing results care- 
 fully before employing the floats extensively or depending iipon 
 them at the outset, or his bank account may pay the penalty. °° 
 These experiments were continued with the results shown on 
 pages 174-175- 
 
 Summary. — The Rhode Island Experiment Station makes the 
 following summary : In several cases in the limed series the 
 results were better without than with the raw Redondite. 
 
 In the unlimed series neither the raw nor the roasted redon- 
 dite proved to be of much practical value when used in con- 
 nection with most of the varieties of plants. The crimson 
 clover, potato, and especially the Japanese millet, oat, and golden 
 millet, furnished, however, some notable exceptions. 
 
 Floats gave very good results with the soy bean, peas, crimson 
 clover, mangel wurzel (on limed land), barley (on limed land), 
 potato (on unlimed land), Japanese millet, oat, and golden mil- 
 let, but they proved highly inefficient especially for the Hubbard 
 squash, rutabaga, crookneck squash, flat turnip, cabbage, mangel 
 wurzel (on the acid unlimed land), tomato, lettuce. New Zealand 
 spinach, and red valentine bean. 
 
 As a rule in the unlimed series, especially in the case of plants 
 which are subject to injury by acid soils, double superphos- 
 
174 
 
 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 W 
 !-i 
 -< 
 
 » 
 
 CO 
 
 O 
 K 
 (^ 
 
 H 
 
 z 
 
 H 
 M 
 W 
 III 
 
 
 S PL, 
 
 M . 
 
 S ° 
 
 W 5 
 
 w 
 a 
 o 
 a 
 
 s^Bqdsoqd 
 -jadns 9iqnoa 
 
 a^ t-^ m t-t roOO « 00 »O00 r^ ro Q 00 O C> « 
 
 psilddB 
 s9)6i{dsoqd ON 
 
 I I 
 
 d^ipuopsj 
 
 pi^SBOH 
 
 l-H ■_, ^ (N H^ HH 
 
 3;ipuopdj 
 
 (siBog) ajBiid 
 
 XBaui 
 
 SbIS 31SBa 
 
 [B9iu-9aoq 
 paoiBd^s 
 
 s^Bqdsoqd 
 ppV 
 
 l63U-auoq 
 pdAiossta 
 
 3[DBiq-aaoq 
 psAiossia 
 
 
 vO "^ fO^O \0 VO VO C* N O ■-< »OC0 1-. N i-H r 
 W i-i 0^ OxX 1-1 0^ tj-vO lO O^vO ^ rO "^ lO 
 Md fO'-ifO'-'i-'-'-' 
 
 I I 
 
 
 I a 
 
 r>.« 00 W OOO'-H OQ0i-i-o\O lOO^ 
 Nj-hhh rO'-irO'-'W'-i'-' 
 
 " I I 
 
 
 " I 
 
 I o 
 
 00 
 
 Cm 
 
 p. 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 ON 
 
 _ en 
 
 S (U c ^ 
 
 _ 01 -'^ S^ 2 I- ? 
 .5 B s S — * = " -3 
 
 '" n cu ^ La '^ > ** 
 
 &'S E." S'C o wi 
 
 ea ^ u m -tr**- -^ u S 
 
 
 MS 
 ' — ttj 
 
 
 ||ll|i|-3«| 
 O W w cc to m u u pq (i< 
 
 s 
 
 2 S 
 o S 
 
 OH 
 
 a; 
 u 
 
 rt tn 
 
 —'n 
 
 o o S 
 
 (U'CL V 
 
 i-tCOP< 
 
 o 
 
 .1 = 
 
 S "i 
 0.-S ° 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EFFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID 
 
 175 
 
 9)cqdisoqd 
 -aadns ajqnoa 
 
 I ! ^ 
 
 pdi|ddB 
 s3)«qdsoiid OK CO' 
 
 H 
 
 
 fH 
 
 
 <l 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 CL< 
 
 
 <n 
 
 
 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 Oi 
 
 10 
 
 H 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 Ph 
 
 H 
 
 T1 
 
 
 a; 
 
 W 
 
 III 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D 
 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 
 ;z; 
 
 01 
 
 s 
 
 £ 
 
 u 
 
 >: 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 
 H 
 
 
 ii 
 
 3 
 
 w 
 
 •a 
 
 IS 
 
 S 
 
 M 
 
 (^ 
 
 III 
 
 ■S 
 
 
 c 
 
 Q 
 
 S 
 
 Z 
 
 Ph 
 
 .4 
 
 w 
 
 Q 
 
 o 
 
 R 
 PS 
 
 p's^SGOH 
 
 91ipuOp9J 
 
 -Soqd ALB^ 
 
 
 IBsm-anoq 
 paiuES^s 
 
 d^EqdEoqd 
 PPV 
 
 lEsm-anoq 
 paAiossja 
 
 
 31DEiq-suoq 
 paA[oiiSia 
 
 s-0 
 O..S 
 o a 
 s a. 
 ad 
 
 a, 
 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 J3 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 Mr 
 
 - -is n 
 
 (U. 
 
 to OJ I- O 
 
 ■ Eio; a 
 3 i 5^ ca CO 
 
 = - "-s s 
 
 H M iH ^ .S 
 
 -^i»J— rtC81-i 
 
 O W « CO fiH pq CI U 
 
 
 SB 
 
 ;3 c 
 
 s'5 
 
 •r— be 
 
 ?. a 3 
 
 SI'S 
 
 u o 
 
 MPM 
 
 CO 
 
 <J . 
 3 
 cH 
 O. 
 
 .2.0 
 
 CO 
 
 Is 
 
 
 a 
 
 I I 
 
 I I 
 
 
 
 0)7, o 
 
 cd to 
 
 (u J- 5! 
 o u K 
 
 S.S'O 
 o>'q^ oj 
 
 i-tccrt 
 
 -O o 
 CD O ^ 
 
 o s 8s 
 
 UCO " 
 
176 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 phate failed to give good results. The same inferior action, in 
 a less degree, was observed in the case of certain plants both 
 with dissolved bone-black and acid phosphate. 
 
 In one or two cases the results with acid phosphate were quite 
 poor even in the limed series, but whether this was incidental 
 or due to the presence of some compound peculiar to this sub- 
 stance which is particularly toxic to certain plants, remains to be 
 determined. 
 
 Basic slag meal and fine ground bone proved to be excellent 
 phosphatic manures for acid soil, the former being immediately 
 efficient and the latter becoming so after remaining in the soil 
 for two or three years or long enough for extended decomposi- 
 tion to result. 
 
 In employing for the first time either raw or steamed bone- 
 meal on land greatly in need of phosphoric acid, supplementary 
 applications of dissolved bone, dissolved bone-black, or acid 
 phosphate should be repeated for two or three years, after which 
 the bone may be expected to meet the demand, provided the 
 applications of bone are generous and are also continued from 
 year to year. 
 
 Farmers who are taking up exhausted land or who are plan- 
 ning to grow crops which do not seem to have great feeding 
 power for phosphoric acid, as was shown, for example, in this 
 experiment, by the cabbage, should be very careful to select 
 fertilizers which contain a large proportion of the phosphoric 
 acid in a soluble condition, that is, as soluble phosphoric acid. 
 They should bear in mind 'that fertilizers, excepting basic slag 
 meal, containing high percentages of the so-called "available" 
 phosphoric acid, none or practically none of which is soluble 
 or capable of being at once dissolved by water, are not adapted 
 to conditions where the soils lack assimilable phosphorus, nor to 
 plants that are lacking in feeding power for phosphoric acid. 
 
 It should be again emphasized that the "available" phosphoric 
 acid, as shown by analysis, is obtained by adding together the 
 soluble and reverted phosphoric acid. Bearing this in mind it 
 will be seen that a fertilizer might be made by using roasted 
 
SUPERPHOSPHATES AND EEFECT OF PHOSPHORIC ACID I// 
 
 Redondite as the sole source of phosphoric acid which would 
 contain a high percentage of reverted and available phosphoric 
 acid and but little soluble phosphoric acid. Such a fertilizer if 
 applied to a' very acid soil lacking in assimilable phosphoric 
 acid would prove practically worthless for certain varieties of 
 plants. If it is known, however, that the land is but slightly 
 or not at all acid, or if lime or wood ashes have been applied 
 recently, then the danger in using such fertilizers is less than 
 it would be otherwise, particularly if legumes, oats, Japanese 
 millet, golden millet, or other plants are grown which have a 
 great feeding power for phosphoric acid in such combinations ; 
 nevertheless, even under such conditions the after effect upon 
 many varieties of plants is far less than with bone, basic slag 
 meal and with superphosphates. It must be evident after a 
 study of the foregoing results, especially when it is stated that 
 fertilizers containing small and even very large amounts of 
 roasted and raw Redondite have been sold in Rhode Island, that 
 a safe course for the farmer is to buy the materials and mix his 
 own fertilizer, or he should have a positive assurance as to the 
 character of the materials entering into the ready mixed goods. 
 If the latter can be secured, then it becomes merely a question of 
 price which shall determine his choice. 
 
 The results ought to show that attention must be paid to the 
 kind of crop, the kind of phosphate, and the kind of soil, if one 
 will make sure that the phosphoric acid shall pay proper re- 
 turns for the money employed in its purchase.'^ 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 POTASH FERTILIZERS. 
 
 Before the discovery of the potash mines in Stassfurt, Ger- 
 many, the main source of supply of potash was wood ashes. 
 
 History. — The following description tells how the deposits of 
 potash salts were formed. 
 
 The Stassfurt salt and potash deposits had their origin, 
 
 Fig. i6. — Section of potash salt mine shaft. 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 179 
 
 thousands of years ago, in a sea or ocean, the waters of which 
 gradually receded, leaving near the coast, lakes which still re- 
 
 s 
 
 w 
 
 I 
 
 tained communication with the great ocean by means of small 
 13 
 
i8o 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 channels. In that part of Europe the climate was then tropical, 
 and the waters of these lakes rapidly evaporated, but were con- 
 
 stantly replenished through these small channels connecting 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS l8l 
 
 them with the main body. Decade after decade this contimied, 
 until by evaporation and crystalHzation the various salts present 
 in the sea water were deposited in solid form. The less soluble 
 material, such as sulphate of lime or "anhydrite," solidified 
 first and formed the lowest stratum. Then came common rock 
 salt, with a slowly thickening layer which ultimately reached 
 3,000 feet, and is estimated to have been 13,000 years in forma- 
 tion. This rock salt deposit is interpersed with lamellar de- 
 posits of "anhydrite," which gradually diminish towards the top 
 and are finally replaced by the mineral "polyhalit," which is 
 composed of sulphate of lime, sulphate of potash, and sulphate 
 of magnesia. The situation in which this "polyhalit" pre- 
 dominates is called the "polyhalit region," and after it comes 
 the "kieserit region," in which, between the rock salt strata, 
 kieserit (sulphate of magnesia) is embedded. Above the 
 kieserit lies the "potash region," consisting mainly of deposits 
 of carnallit, a mineral compound of chlorides of potash and 
 magnesia. The carnallit deposit is from 50 to 130 feet thick and 
 yields the most important of the crude potash salts and that 
 from which are manufactured most of the concentrated articles, 
 including muriate of potash. 
 
 Overlying this region is a layer of impervious clay which 
 acts as a water-tight roof to protect and preserve the very solu- 
 ble potash and magnesia salts, which, had it not been for the 
 protection of this overlying stratum, would, have been long ages 
 ago washed away and lost by the action of the water percolating 
 from above. Above this clay roof is a stratum of varying thick- 
 ness of anhydrite, and still above this is a second salt deposit, 
 probably formed under more recent climatic and atmospheric 
 influences or possibly by chemical changes resulting in dissolving 
 and subsequent precipitation of the compounds. This salt de- 
 posit contains 98 per cent, (often more) of pure salt, a degree 
 of purity rarely found elsewhere. Finally, above this are strata 
 of gypsum, tenacious clay, sand and limestone, which crop out 
 at the surface. 
 
 The perpendicular distance from the lowest to the upper sur- 
 
l82 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZEKS 
 
 face of the Stassfurt salt deposits is about 5,000 feet (a little 
 less than a mile), while the horizontal extent of the bed is from 
 the Harz Mountains to the Elbe River in one direction, and 
 from the city of Magdeburg to the town of Bernburg in the 
 other.'- 
 
 It is evident that these deposits are sufficient to supply the 
 world for many centuries. 
 
 Discovery. — The Stassfurt deposits, which are the main sources 
 of supply of potash salts for fertilizing purposes, were first 
 used for the rock salt they contained. The presence of potash 
 salts in these mines spoiled the rock salt and it was not until 
 1857 that the value of these mines was known. In 1862 potash 
 salts were first put upon the market and since that time the use 
 of these salts for agricultural purposes has steadily increased. 
 
 Potash Salts Used for Fertilizing Purposes. — The principal pot- 
 ash salts obtained from these mines that are used as fertilizers 
 in the United States are: 
 
 1 . Kainit 
 
 2. Sylvinit 
 
 3. Muriate of potash 
 
 4. Sulphate of potash 
 
 5. Double sulphate of potash and magnesia 
 
 6. Potassium — magnesium carbonate. 
 
 These products may be classified as crude and manufactured as 
 
 follows : 
 
 Crude salts f Kainit 
 
 Natural products ( Sylvinit 
 
 f Muriate of potash 
 Manufactured salts ( Sulphate of potash 
 Concentrated salts j Double sulphate of potash and magnesia 
 
 t Potassium-magnesium carbonate. 
 
 There are many other salts as carnallit, polyhalit, krugit, 
 hartsalz, sylvin, kieserit and schonit found in these deposits 
 but are not usually sold on the American market. 
 
 I. Kainit as sold in this country is finely ground, gray-colored 
 and contains small red and yellow particles. This potash salt 
 has been used more extensively in this country than any of the 
 others, but the kainit deposits are gradually becoming ex- 
 
POTASH I-'ERTILIZERS 
 
 183 
 
 hausted so that it is not so common on our markets as formerly. 
 Kainit is made up of potassium, sodium and magnesium chlorides, 
 
 ;■■;■ -r~-: 
 
 ^-v " *'^'- 
 
 
 
 -S.-V _ ■ 
 
 He 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 -^ii ,, '- ■- .■- 
 
 «. 'is;'.,-. - 
 
 ^f^ 
 
 Wl 
 
 '' ** 
 
 f*%i 
 
 
 v-.-?''n]T 
 
 5 S ,! EJ 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 
 
 My^ 
 
 1 ■ . 
 
 
 
 
 »r 
 
 ||wy|Bp 
 
 1 , ■ ' '■ 
 
 1 
 
 usiirai 
 
 wmm. 
 
 and potassium, magnesium and calcium sulphates. The potash 
 
184 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 is present chiefly as sulphate but on account of the large amounts 
 of sodium and magnesium chlorides present, the potash has the 
 same action as if it were chloride. Kainit usually contains 12 
 to 12.5 per cent, of potash. 
 
 Composition of Kainit. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Actual potash 12.8 
 
 Sulphate of potash 21.3 
 
 Chloride of potash 2.0 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia 14.5 
 
 Chloride of magnesia 12.4 
 
 Chloride of sodium 34.6 
 
 Sulphate of lime 1.7 
 
 Insoluble substances 0.8 
 
 Water » 12.7 
 
 When kainit is kept for a long time it tends to become very 
 hard and compact, due to the presence of sodium and magnes- 
 ium chlorides. This effect can be eliminated to a great extent 
 by mixing earth with it. 
 
 Kainit cannot be used advantageously on crops that are in- 
 jured by chlorine. Therefore it is objectionable for tobacco. 
 It should be applied to the soil sometime before planting as the 
 chlorides present in this salt are liable to burn or injure the 
 young tender roots. The chlorides of sodium and magnesium 
 often exert a beneficial effect on certain soils because they are 
 easily diffused and thus help to distribute the other ingredients. 
 Kainit is said to check insect damage and prevent certain plant 
 diseases. 
 
 2. Sylvinit. — This salt when ground is much more red in color 
 than kainit. It is being used more in this country than formerly 
 because of the scarcity of true kainit. It is often sold in the 
 United States by the fertilizer manufacturers under the name 
 kainit. Sylvinit consists chiefly of chlorides ; in fact it is com- 
 posed principally of sodium chloride and potassium chloride. 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 185 
 
 The sylvinit sold in this country contains from 12.5 to 15.5 
 
 
 per cent, of potash. Like kainit it helps to make available other 
 
1 86 
 
 SOIL FEKTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Composition of Sylvinit. 
 
 Actual potash 
 
 Sulphate of potash ■ ■ ■ 
 Chloride of potash • . . 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 Chloride of magnesia . 
 
 Per cent. 
 •■ 174 
 ■- 1.5 
 .. 26.3 
 .. 2.4 
 .. 2.6 
 
 Chloride of sodium S^-? 
 
 Sulphate of lime 2.8 
 
 Insoluble substances 3-2 
 
 Water 4-5 
 
 plant food ingredients in the soil, particularly the phosphates, 
 and so it is somewhat of an indirect fertilizer. 
 
 3. Muriate of Potash. — As has been said, this product is a 
 manufactured one. It is sold in large quantities in this country. 
 The crude salts of the mines are refined, during which process 
 most of the useless impurities are removed, as Hme, magnesia, 
 soda, etc. The principal grades of muriate of potash as manu- 
 factured are: 
 
 Muriate of potash (KCl) 
 Per cent. 
 
 Actual potash (K.O) 
 Per cent. 
 
 70 to 75 = 46.7 
 
 80 to 85 = 52-7 
 
 90 to 95 . = 57-9 
 
 98 = 62.0 
 
 The product sold in the United States usually contains 80 
 per cent, of muriate of potash which is equivalent to 50.5 
 per cent, of potash. 
 
 Composition of Muriate of Potash. 
 
 Actual potash 
 
 Sulphate of poiash. . . 
 Chloride of potash . . . 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 Chloride of magnesia . 
 Chloride of sodium . . . 
 
 Sulphate of lime 
 
 Insoluble substances. 
 Water 
 
 Grades 
 
 90 to 95 
 Per cent. 
 
 8a to 8s 
 Per cent. 
 
 70 to 75 
 Per cent. 
 
 57-9 
 
 91.7 
 0.2 
 
 52-7 
 
 83-5 
 0.4 
 
 46.7 
 1-7 
 
 72-5 
 0.8 
 
 0.2 
 
 0.3 
 
 0.6 
 
 7.1 
 
 14-5 
 
 21.2 
 0.2 
 
 0.2 
 
 0.2 
 
 0-5 
 
 0.6 
 
 I.I 
 
 2-5 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 187 
 
 The principal impurity in this product is sodium chloride and 
 the lower grades contain more common , salt than the higher 
 
 
 grades. Muriate of potash is one of the cheapest sources of pot- 
 
i88 
 
 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 ash and can be used for all crops that chlorine does not injure. 
 Tobacco, potatoes, sugar-beets, and oranges are a few crops 
 that will not do well on large quantities of this fertilizer. 
 
 4. Sulphate of Potash. — This is a yellow, dry, almost powdery 
 substance. It is sold containing 90 to 97 per cent, of sulphate 
 of potash which is equivalent to 46 to 52 per cent, of potash. 
 High grade sulphate of potash containing 50 per cent, of potash 
 is mostly used in America. 
 
 Composition of Sulphate of Potash. 
 
 Actual potash 
 
 Sulphate of potash - - . 
 Chloride of potash . . . 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 Chloride of magnesia 
 Chloride of sodium . . 
 
 Sulphate of lime 
 
 Insoluble substances. 
 Water 
 
 Grade 
 
 Grade 
 
 90 per cent. 
 
 96 per cent. 
 
 49-9 
 
 52.7 
 
 90.6 
 
 97.2 
 
 1.6 
 
 0-3 
 
 2.7 
 
 0.7 
 
 i.o 
 
 0.4 
 
 1.2 
 
 0.2 
 
 0.4 
 
 0-3 
 
 0.3 
 
 0.2 
 
 2.2 
 
 0.7 
 
 Sulphate of potash is more expensive than muriate because 
 the cost of manufacture is more, but it is desirable for tobacco, 
 potatoes, citrous fruits, and other crops that are injured by ex- 
 cessive chlorides. The orange growers of Florida supply pot- 
 ash often as sulphate. The concentrated products, as muriate 
 and sulphate, are often cheaper than kainit and sylvinit per unit 
 of potash. In purchasing the concentrated potash salts there 
 is a saving in freight charges, as it costs as much to ship crude 
 salts as concentrated salts, and the freight for the impurities is 
 saved. 
 
 5. Doable Sulphate of Potash and Magnesia. — This product is 
 somewhat similar in action on crops to high grade sulphate of 
 potash. It contains considerable sulphate of magnesia which 
 is believed to exert a beneficial effect. It usually carries about 
 26 per cent, of potash. It is not used to any great extent in this 
 country, except by sorne fruit growers who prefer it to sulphate 
 of potash. 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 I»5 
 
 Composition of Double Sulphate of Potash and Magnesia. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Actual potash 27.2 
 
 Sulphate of potash 50.4 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia 34.0 
 
 Chloride of sodium 2.5 
 
 Sulphate of lime 0.9 
 
 Insoluble substances 0.6 
 
 Water 1 1 .6 
 
 Potash Manure Salts. — There are other potash salts that vary 
 from 20 to 30 per cent, of potash called double manure salts 
 and potash manure salts which are not used extensively in 
 fertilizers; although a potash manure salt containing 20 per 
 cent, of potash is sometimes sold which acts like kainit. 
 Composition of Potash Manure Salts. 
 
 Actual potash 
 
 Sulphate of potash . . 
 Chloride of potash- - . 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 Chloride of magnesia 
 Chloride of sodium . • 
 
 Sulphate of lime 
 
 Insoluble substances- 
 Water 
 
 20 per cent. 
 
 30 per cent. 
 
 21.0 
 
 30.6 
 
 2.0 
 
 1.2 
 
 31-6 
 
 47.6 
 
 10.6 
 
 9-4 
 
 5-3 
 
 4.S 
 
 40.2 
 
 26.2 
 
 2.1 
 
 2.2 
 
 4.0 
 
 3-5 
 
 4.2 
 
 5-1 
 
 The cost of the potash is double sulphate of potash and mag- 
 nesia and double manure salts is generally more than in kainit, 
 sylvinit, and muriate of potash. 
 
 All the salts described are very soluble in water and care should 
 be exercised in their application. 
 
 6. Potassitun-Magnesinm Carbonate. — This is a dry, white manu- 
 factured product. It is not sold as extensively as kainit, sylvinit, 
 muriate of potash, and sulphate of potash, but it is well liked 
 by tobacco growers. It is also used in Florida on oranges and 
 pineapples. This product is an excellent source of potash for 
 any crops that chlorides prove injurious to. It usually contains 
 from 20 to 25 per cent, of potash in the form of carbonate. 
 On account of its dry nature, and because it does not absorb 
 water from the atmosphere, it is always easy to distribute. 
 
igo 190 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 ss 
 
 M 
 
 a 
 
 w 
 
 ►J 
 
 < 
 
 to 
 
 o 
 
 {-I 
 Pi 
 » 
 
 < 
 
 03 
 
 Hi 
 O 
 
 ;? 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 w 
 o 
 
 si 
 w 
 > 
 
 < 
 
 5E 
 
 
 CO 00 ■* 
 
 00 vo 0> 
 
 00 lO >- 
 
 
 
 
 
 >- 00 10 
 
 vo rr 
 
 
 
 8, 
 
 10 Tj- (N 
 
 10 10 ^ w 
 
 d 
 
 ja^BAV 
 
 
 d ci ^ 
 
 d " w 
 
 -n|osui S33UB)sqns 
 
 CO up « 
 
 d d ro 
 
 odd odd -4 
 
 *OSBD 
 9taii jo a^Eiidins 
 
 r^ a^oo 
 
 l-i »-.' P4 
 
 d d d 
 
 TDBJSC 
 uinipos JO spuomo 
 
 d ■-* <N 
 
 -Sbui jo apuomo 
 
 Tf o 
 d " 
 
 d d d 
 
 *OS3w 'Bisan 
 -Sbui jo 9)Biidins 
 
 10 >-• -^ 
 
 1^ t^ O 
 
 d cI ^ 
 
 N Tl-CO 
 
 d d d 
 
 d 
 
 i{SB)od JO 9)BunK 
 
 O in ro 
 
 « 10 'O 
 
 d -' 
 
 r^ 10 »o vO 
 
 i{SB)od JO a^Bifdins 
 
 "I 
 
 I I 
 
 V 
 
 -a 
 
 s 
 ^ , 
 
 MS 
 
 
 - a = c - *S.^\S.E 
 ^ e 5S.«S. M 0) !S "^ >" 
 
 a 2 ^ o M ii 9^«> •> - 
 
 a 4) - . V 'C °^<» f^-S 
 
 — l- "m M •» 3 J3 j: J3 " 
 
 ^ STh p,q,q,Mo o o s 
 « "a « . j7 c fl, a. o. c 
 
 -si .« « «j-3 ° °° H 
 2 -exja ja o.JS.S.Sm 
 •g tc to M ^ S S S cu 
 
 tn 2 M 
 a 2 CO 
 
 o C o 
 a. p. 
 
 o-g o 
 
 « O f^ 
 
 o 
 
 w 
 
 ;'J3 
 
 ^ lo^o ''■' t^oo a^ o 
 
 11 w 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 191 
 
 Composition op Potassium— Magnesium Carbonate.'' 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potassium carbonate 35 to 40 
 
 Magnesium carbonate 33 to 36 
 
 Water of crystallization 25 
 
 Potassium chloride, potassium sulphate, and insoluble 2 to 3 
 
 
 Production 
 
 OF Crude Potash Salts 
 
 , 1905 TO 1909.'* 
 
 Year 
 
 Carnallit 
 dzi 
 
 Kieserit 
 dz 
 
 Kainit with hard 
 
 salt and Schoenit 
 
 dz 
 
 Sylvinit 
 
 Total 
 dz 
 
 1905 
 1906 
 1907 
 1908 
 J 909 
 
 22,397.099 
 22,631,972 
 25,347.888 
 
 27.687,939 
 32,807,260 
 
 27.308 
 
 91,905 
 
 103,595 
 
 184.730 
 
 73.878 
 
 24.055.361 
 27,540,215 
 27,889,734 
 29.215,093 
 32,680,871 
 
 2,306,216 
 2.849,435 
 3.041,431 
 3,052,824 
 
 3,447.493 
 
 48,785,984 
 53.113.527 
 56,382,648 
 60,140,586 
 69.011.539 
 
 1 Dz = 2Z0.47 pounds. 
 
 Production of Manufactured Salts. 1905 to 1908.= 
 
 a 
 
 > 
 
 Chloride of 
 
 potash 
 
 80 per cent. 
 
 dz. 
 
 Sulphate of 
 
 potash 
 
 90 per cent. 
 
 dz. 
 
 Sulphate of 
 potash- 
 magnesia 
 48 per cent, 
 dz. 
 
 t 
 
 a 
 
 h4 
 
 a 
 
 1 
 
 Crystallized 
 
 sulphate of 
 
 magnesia 
 
 c 
 
 U U K 
 
 Calcined 
 
 ground 
 
 kieserite 
 
 dz. 
 
 1905 
 1906 
 1907 
 1908 
 
 2.547,107 
 2.793.196 
 2,912,476 
 2,885,243 
 
 422,204 
 511,815 
 562.534 
 547,5" 
 
 305.892 
 370,907 
 315.028 
 337,564 
 
 2.154.075 
 2,782,850 
 2,862,613 
 3,132,205 
 
 7.178 
 8,342 
 7,881 
 6,652 
 
 350,025 
 294,109 
 265,209 
 255,325 
 
 6.001 
 6,318 
 4,566 
 6,684 
 
 Importations of Potash Salts from Germany to the United 
 States, 1908-1909, in Tons.''' 
 
 Year 
 
 Hartz salts, Kainet, 
 Kieserit. etc. 
 
 Muriate of potash 
 
 Sulphate of potash 
 
 1908 
 1909 
 
 364,731 
 469.963 
 
 100.587 
 132,198 
 
 59.869 
 63,845 
 
 The following table gives the consumption of potash salts in 
 actual potash, acres of arable land, and the amounts of actual 
 potash used per 100 acres of arable land in the countries enum- 
 erated for the year 1900.'^ 
 
IQ2 
 
 SOIL FEUTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Consumption of Potash Salts in Actual Potash. 
 
 Countrv 
 
 Potash salts 
 consumed in 
 tons of actual 
 potash (K.O) 
 
 1900 
 
 Germany 
 
 Holland 
 
 Sweden 
 
 Scotland 
 
 Belgium 
 
 Denmark 
 
 England 
 
 Norway 
 
 Switzerland 
 
 United States 
 
 Finland 
 
 Ireland 
 
 France 
 
 Spain 
 
 Italy 
 
 Austria-Hungary . 
 
 Portugal 
 
 Russia 
 
 117,712 
 7,106 
 8,197 
 3.370 
 3,607 
 1,692 
 4,020 
 286 
 1,026 
 
 66,595 
 
 382 
 
 600 
 
 8,229 
 
 2,428 
 
 1,380 
 
 2,389 
 
 43 
 
 1,597 
 
 Arable land 
 in acres 
 
 1900 
 
 86,971,300 
 
 5,012,100 
 
 8.622,000 
 
 3,641,200 
 
 5,232,800 
 
 6,305,000 
 
 16,915,400 
 
 1,412,900 
 
 5,258,700 
 
 348,212,300 
 
 2,755,100 
 
 5,322,500 
 
 92,649,800 
 
 72,201,100 
 
 50,421,000 
 
 99,416,900 
 
 11,329,000 
 
 515,055,200 
 
 Piitash sails 
 
 used per 100 
 
 acres arable 
 
 land in pounds 
 
 of actual 
 potash (K2O 
 
 1900 
 
 298.3 
 312.5 
 209.5 
 204.0 
 151-9 
 
 59- 1 
 524 
 44-7 
 43-0 
 42.2 
 30.6 
 24.8 
 19-5 
 7-4 
 6.1 
 
 5-3 
 0.8 
 0.7 
 
 Potash Investigation in the United States. — From the forego- 
 ing it is evident that Germany has a monopoly on the mineral 
 potash output of the world and our farmers are dependent on 
 this supply. Recently the American fertilizer manufacturers had 
 some difficulty with their German potash contracts and consid- 
 erable discussion was entered into before settlement was reached. 
 Because of this trouble our government has appropriated money 
 and placed it under the supervision of the Geological Survey 
 for the purpose of investigating certain western sections of the 
 United States where paying potash deposits are liable to be found. 
 Present reports are quite favorable. Should the Geological 
 Survey succeed in this investigation we will be independent of 
 Germany for our potash and it will be the greatest fertilizer dis- 
 covery of recent times in the United States. 
 
 Potash from Organic Sources. — Most of the potash used in 
 fertilizers is derived from the mineral sources but a small amount 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 193 
 
 is sometimes purchased in the form of wood ashes, tobacco 
 stems, cotton-seed hull ashes, and beet molasses. 
 
 1. Wood Ashes. — Before the discovery of the Stassfurt de- 
 posits wood ashes were used more extensively than now and 
 were practically the chief source of potash to be found on the 
 American market. The potash in wood ashes is in a form (as 
 carbonate) which is very desirable for all plants. The product 
 offered to the trade is not uniform as different woods, parts of 
 the same wood as bark, twigs, etc., and methods of handling, all 
 influence the composition. The ashes from soft woods usually 
 contain a lower percentage of potash than the ashes from hard 
 woods. Leached wood ashes naturally carry much less potash 
 than the unleached ashes. Ashes contain small amounts of phos- 
 phoric acid and large percentages of lime. They usually contain 
 more or less dirt and moisture which lower the composition. 
 The main source of wood ashes is Canada as not much wood is 
 burne'd in the United States. 
 
 The following compilation made by the Massachusetts Agri- 
 cultural Experiment Station shows the composition of 97 sam- 
 ples of unleached wood ashes.'' 
 
 Composition of Unleached Wood Ashes. 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Carbon dioxide and undetermined 
 
 Average 
 Per cent. 
 
 5-5 
 1-9 
 34-4 
 3-5 
 12.9 
 12.0 
 29.8 
 
 Maximum 
 Per cent. 
 
 10.2 
 4.0 
 
 50-9 
 7-5 
 
 27.9 
 
 28.6 
 
 Minimum 
 Per cent. 
 
 2-5 
 
 0-3 
 18.0 
 
 2-3 
 
 2.1 
 0.7 
 
 The analyses of 15 samples from domestic wood fires in New 
 England show the following average.'* 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 9.63 
 
 Phosphoric acid 2.32 
 
 The analyses of leached and unleached ashes follow :'° 
 
194 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Calcium carbonate and hydroxide 
 
 Potassium carbonate 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Undetermined 
 
 Uiileached 
 
 Leached 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 13.0 
 
 I3-0 
 
 12.0 
 
 30.0 
 
 61.0 
 
 51.0 
 
 5.5 
 
 I.I 
 
 1-9 
 
 1.4 
 
 6.6 
 
 3-5 
 
 In leaching wood ashes the phosphoric acid and potash are 
 principally lost. 
 
 Amounts of Ingredients in Different Kinds of Wood Ashes. — 
 The table on page 195 gives the amounts of ingredients in the 
 ashes of several common woods. 
 
 Value of Wood Ashes. — From a chemical standpoint the value 
 of wood ashes is represented in the contents of potash, phos- 
 phoric acid and lime. Ashes have another value in improving 
 the condition of the soil. They seem to help to conserve mois- 
 ture, improve the texture of soil and correct acidity, thereby 
 increasing the action of the organisms that promote nitrification. 
 Most soils are benefited by an application of wood ashes. Grasses 
 and legumes especially do well when wood ashes are applied as 
 a top dressing. 
 
 2. Tobacco Stems. — Wherever cigars, cigarettes, smoking and 
 chewing tobacco are manufactured there are considerable wastes 
 of stems and stalks collected. This material was formerly 
 thrown away or burned. The burning of tobacco wastes caused 
 the nitrogen to be lost. To-day these wastes are saved and used 
 as fertilizer. 
 
 Analyses of Tobacco Stems.°^ 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Organic matter - 
 
 Ash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Potash 
 
 Kentucky 
 
 Connecticut 
 
 stems 
 
 stems 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 26.70 
 
 13-47 
 
 60.18 
 
 70.85 
 
 13.12 
 
 1568 
 
 0.67 
 
 0.53 
 
 8.03 
 
 6.41 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 195 
 
 Q 
 P 
 
 o 
 
 Ph 
 
 a 
 z 
 
 < 
 « 
 
 D 
 O 
 X 
 
 f-> 
 
 z 
 
 St 
 H 
 
 a 
 a 
 
 < 
 
 m 
 
 H 
 
 H 
 B 
 w 
 
 O 
 
 (siiiui J) amd pjag pio 
 
 (BAIJBS JO 
 
 (EjSiu Baoij) aiiid 5iaBia 
 
 (spini 'd) auid AwoipA 
 
 (su^snied •^) auid biSjosq 
 
 (BJOHipuEjS -iM) eiiouSejs 
 
 (EqlB -5) 1«o siiqAV 
 
 (Bso)ii9iuoi eXjedI Xjojidjh 
 
 (Bjqnj -5) 31EO paa 
 
 (EUB0U31UV 'd) MSV 
 
 (Eqoiisnjqo 0) 3iE0 )S0J 
 
 (sjiEluap 
 -paosnnejBid) sJOUiBDiCg 
 
 (epijoy snuiJOD) pooAkSoa 
 
 SsS 
 
 rO O w O 
 
 N- ^ M ON 
 t^ r^ ^ « 
 
 \0 vO »0 uo 
 
 S « <u 
 
 rt o c 
 
 14 
 
 
 auid PI31J PIO 
 
 ininsaqD 
 
 SUld 3[3?{S 
 
 anid ^0[i9A 
 
 9Uld BlSjOSQ 
 
 BHonSEjii 
 
 31BO 3)mAV 
 
 iCio^DiH 
 
 3ieo pan 
 
 Hsv 
 
 sjouiedXs 
 
 POOMSO0 
 
 O ^ CO M 
 CO vO d\ N 
 
 Ti-CO tN. o 
 
 \o to "^ o 
 
 01 rr^ 
 
 3 « " ?„ 
 
 i5 O C M 
 
196 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The phosphoric acid content in tobacco stems is rather low and 
 the potash constitutes about one-half of the total ash. 
 
 The stalks of tobacco have about the same composition as the 
 stems but the ash is much lower. The Connecticut Experiment 
 Station found the ash to be, on the water free basis, 6.64, 7.00 
 and 7.46 per cent, on three samples. About 55 per cent, of the 
 ash was found to be as potash and 6.3 per cent, as phosphoric 
 acid. 
 
 Average Composition of Tobacco Stems and Stalks. 
 
 stalks 
 Per cent. 
 
 Notrogen 2.5 3.5 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.6 0.4 
 
 Potash 8.0 4.0 
 
 It is seen that the stems contain more potash and phosphoric 
 acid, and less nitrogen than the stalks. 
 
 In the manufacture of tobacco, nitrate of potash is sometimes 
 used to improve the flavor of lower grades of tobacco and when 
 such is practiced the value of the tobacco waste is increased. 
 The potash and nitrogen in tobacco waste are in forms suitable 
 for plant food. The potash is free from chlorides and mostly 
 soluble in water. The nitrogen is as organic and nitrate; two- 
 thirds of the former and one-third of the latter. 
 
 The wastes from tobacco factories are economical fertilizers 
 to purchase provided the price is right. Often it may be possible 
 for those living near tobacco factories to obtain such fertilizer 
 cheap. This fertilizer also has a value as an insecticide. To- 
 bacco wastes should be ground very fine before applying to the 
 soil and in this form this material is ideal for fertilizing tobacco. 
 
 3. Cotton-Seed Hull Ashes. — A few years ago, before the value 
 of cotton-seed hulls as a feed for live-stock was known, it was 
 the custom to burn these hulls in the furnaces of the giris of 
 the Cotton Belt, and dispose of the ashes for fertilizing purposes. 
 In those days considerable cotton-seed hull ashes was to be found 
 on our markets, but to-day it is rarely used. The practice of 
 burning the hulls was indeed wasteful as the nitrogen was lost. 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 197 
 
 The composition of this product is variable as is evident from the 
 resuhs in the following table. 
 
 Composition of Cotton-Seed Huli. Ashes, 21 Samples."" 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Average 
 Per cent. 
 
 7-97 
 
 23-93 
 
 8.70 
 
 7.20 
 
 12.64 
 
 18.30 
 
 Maximum 
 Per cent. 
 
 32.80 
 11.00 
 
 Minimum 
 Per cent. 
 
 15-20 
 6.26 
 
 4. Carbonate of Potash. — This fertilizer is used to some extent 
 by the tobacco growers of the Connecticut Valley. It was form- 
 erly obtained by lixivating wood ashes; the liquid was drawn 
 oft and concentrated, then evaporated to dryness and sometimes 
 burned to drive off the organic matter. This process is still in 
 vogue in parts of Canada and the United States. The impure 
 product is known as pot-ashes, and pearl ash is the term applied 
 tc the purer product. It is also obtained as a by-product in the 
 manufacture of sugar from the beet, which plant takes up con- 
 siderable potash from the soil. The beet molasses, the remaining 
 uncrystalHzable product from the manufacture of sugar from the 
 sugar-beet, is fermented with yeast and the sugar converted to 
 alcohol and distilled. The residue is evaporated to dryness and 
 the potassium carbonate is extracted. 
 
 Some of this substance is obtained from suint (the fatty sub- 
 stance of sheep's wool), which amounts to about 50 per cent, 
 of the weight of the wool. Tlie wool is washed with water 
 which separates the suint. The solution is evaporated to dry- 
 ness and the organic matter is burned off. The potassium car- 
 bonate is obtained by extracting this residue with water and al- 
 lowing it to crystallize out. 
 
 The development of the Stassfurt mines has caused these 
 methods to be almost entirely given up as potash can be manu- 
 factured from some of the Stassfurt salts on a large scale. 
 
 The carbonate of potash sold in this country usually carries 
 63 to 65 per cent, of potash and is very alkaline. It is a white 
 
198 SOIL I-'ERTILITY AND FEKTILIZEES 
 
 substance and soluble in water. It takes on moisture readily 
 and for this reason it Is usually put up in casks. 
 
 5. Beet Molasses. — The molasses obtained from the manufacture 
 of sugar from the sugar-beet is quite rich in potash which gives 
 this product its bitter taste thus making it unpalatable for human 
 consumption. The ash of beet molasses contains from 10 to 
 15 per cent, of ash of which 7.5 to 12.25 per cent, is in the form 
 of potash salts. 
 
 Composition of Beet Molasses Ash— Good Quality." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potassium carbonate 45-30 
 
 Sodium carbonate 13-86 
 
 Potassium chloride 17.02 
 
 Potassium sulphate .' 8.00 
 
 Silica, lime, alumina, water, phosphoric acid, and unde- 
 termined 15.82 
 
 From the above it is seen that over 75 per cent, of the ash is 
 as potash salts. 
 
 High grade potash manure carrying 6 to 9 per cent, of potash 
 and beet refuse compound containing about 0.5 to i per cent, 
 of potash are made from beet molasses. Beet molasses is gener- 
 ally used in the United States as a constituent of molasses feeds, 
 as it brings a higher price for feed than for fertihzer. The fer- 
 tilizer by-products are manufactured principally in foreign coun- 
 tries and imported into the United States. There is a new pro- 
 cess for recovering the sugar in beet molasses wherein the mo- 
 lasses is destroyed for feeding purposes and the refuse from this 
 process is sometimes used for making fertilizers. 
 
 Wine Residues. — Residues from the fermenting of wine con- 
 tain potash. The pomace from grapes is sometimes burned and 
 the potash obtained as carbonate. 
 
 Statistics. — The actual potash materials used in the manufac- 
 ture of fertilizers for 1900 and 1905 were as follows :'- 
 
 1905 
 
 tons 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 Kainit 
 
 Wood ashes 
 
 Other potash products 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 199 
 
 The total actual potash contained in the fertilizer manu- 
 factured was as follows : " 
 
 Cotton-seed products . 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 K.ainit 
 
 Wood ashes 
 
 Other potash salts ■ - • 
 
 1900 
 tons 
 
 Total 
 
 36.591 
 
 1905 
 tons 
 
 2 500 
 6,838 
 
 3.177 
 
 487 
 
 23,812 
 
 22 
 
 27,242 
 
 30,405 
 
 57,843 
 
 Amounts of Potash Removed by Crops. — ^"oorhees estimates 
 that the amount of potash removed annually from the soil by 
 the principal crops in the United States is equivalent to 2,500,000 
 tons of muriate of potash or 1,250,000 tons of actual potash.*' 
 
 The amounts of potash removed by some familiar crops are 
 given in the table on page 200. 
 
 Amount of Potash in Soils. — Soils generally contain from o.i 
 to 0.5 per cent, of potash, which is equivalent to 3,500 to 18,000 
 pounds of potash per acre to a depth of one foot.'' Most of this 
 potash is not available to plants and so a soil apparently rich 
 in potash will often be helped by a supply in artificial forms. 
 The addition of lime often increases the supply of available 
 potash in soils, by promoting certain favorable chemical changes. 
 The condition of the soil also influences the amount of available 
 potash. Light sandy soils are more apt to be deficient in pot- 
 ash than heavy soils. 
 
 Forms of Potash. — A review of this chapter teaches us that 
 potash exists chiefly in three forms in fertilizer materials. 
 
 As 
 
 chloride in } f^i\^^^^ ^^ P°*^«h 
 
 ( 
 
 As sulphate in 
 
 I Sulphate of potash 
 
 < Double sulphate of potash and 
 
 I magnesia 
 
 As sulphate and chloride in \ Kainit (action same as chloride) 
 
 ( Potassium-magnesium carbonate 
 
 As carbonate in I Wood ashes 
 
 ( Potassium carbonate 
 
200 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Weights of and Potash Removed by Ordinary Crops in Pounds 
 
 Per Acre."' 
 
 Name of crop 
 
 Meadow day, 1% tons. 
 Timothy hay, i}i tens 
 Clover hay, 2 tons . . . . 
 Wheat 
 
 Grain, 25 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Rye 
 
 Grain, 30 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Oats 
 
 Grain, 50 bus. 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Barley 
 
 Grain, 50 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Corn 
 
 Kernel, 50 bus. 
 
 Cobs 
 
 Stover 
 
 Total 
 
 Potatoes 
 Tubers, joo bus. . - . . 
 
 Haulm (stems) 
 
 Total 
 
 Sugar-Beets • 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Mangels 
 
 Roots, 25 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Turnips 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Swedes 
 
 Roots, 16 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Cabbages, 20 tons 
 
 Onions, 500 bus. 
 
 Tobacco, leaf 
 
 Wt. as harvested 
 
 Potash 
 
 3.000 
 3,000 
 4,000 
 
 50.9 
 64.6 
 75-0 
 
 1,500 
 2,500 
 
 4,000 
 
 8.2 
 16.6 
 
 24.8 
 
 1,680 
 2,000 
 
 lO.O 
 
 18.7 
 
 3,680 
 
 28. 7 
 
 1,600 
 2.100 
 
 8.0 
 39 4 
 
 3.700 
 
 47.4 
 
 2,350 
 
 2,S00 
 
 5,150 
 
 II. 7 
 29.6 
 
 41.3 
 
 2,800 
 700 
 
 2,, 300 
 
 5,Soo 
 
 10.80 
 0.42 
 3-82 
 
 15.04 
 
 14,000 
 
 4.500 
 
 18,500 
 
 67.2 
 1.S.8 
 86.0 
 
 40.000 
 20,000 
 60,000 
 
 109.9 
 129.0 
 
 238.9 
 
 50,000 
 18,500 
 68,500 
 
 180. 1 
 
 79-1 
 
 259.2 
 
 40,000 
 11.600 
 51,600 
 
 138.2 
 
 42.4 
 
 180.6 
 
 32,000 
 4,800 
 36,800 
 40,000 
 28,500 
 1,500 
 
 69.0 
 16.7 
 
 85.7 
 199.2 
 
 63.5 
 67.3 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 20I 
 
 The form of potash is an important consideration in the 
 purchase of fertihzers, as potash in the form of chloride is in- 
 jurious to the marketable value of certain crops as tobacco, 
 potatoes, sugar-beets, and oranges. Muriate of potash seems 
 tc make potatoes waxy; with sugar-beets it seems to lessen the 
 percentage of sugar as sucrose ; for tobacco the flavor is spoiled 
 for smoking; it sometimes forms calcium chloride in the soil 
 which is not relished by plants. 
 
 The form of potash does not seem to work any injury on crops 
 as legumes, grasses, corn, etc., and for such crops potash should 
 be purchased in its cheapest form. Muriate of potash diffuses 
 better in the soil than sulphate of potash. It should be under- 
 stood that actual potash (K,0) is not injurious to plants, but 
 the form or elements it is associated with are the cause of its 
 effect on crops. 
 
 Crop Producing Value of Potash Salts. — The Massachusetts Ag- 
 ricultural Experiment Station ran experiments, with high grade 
 sulphate of potash, low grade sulphate of potash, kainit, muriate 
 of potash, nitrate of potash, carbonate of potash and silicate of 
 potash, to determine the relative value of these salts for field 
 crops. Each plot received potash (K,©) at the rate of 165 
 pounds per acre. Nitrogen and phosphoric acid were supplied 
 to all plots in equal amounts except for the nitrate of potash 
 plots where allowance was made for the nitrogen in this salt. 
 Some of the results of this experiment are found in the table 
 on page 202. 
 
 Experiments to show the relative value of muriate and higl- 
 grade sulphate of potash were conducted by the Massachusetts 
 Experiment Station with some common crops. The potash salts 
 were supplied in equal amounts, and nitrogen and phosphoric 
 acid were also added. 
 
 "The sulphate of potash proves considerably superior to the 
 muriate for the crops making most of their growth early in the 
 season while for those making their growth in the latter part 
 of the season the muriate is slightly superior." 
 
202 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 U 
 
 W 
 tn 
 
 w 
 
 o 
 u 
 
 ti 
 o 
 »< 
 
 tn 
 i-l 
 
 < 
 
 H 
 in 
 
 < 
 
 w 
 
 b 
 O 
 
 IS 
 o 
 
 ■< 
 p. 
 
 s 
 
 o 
 
 
 U! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ( 
 
 
 It 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 Tj- 
 
 « 
 
 00 
 
 VO 
 
 CO 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 o^ 
 
 lO 
 
 co 
 
 
 w 
 
 PO 
 
 CO 
 
 « 
 
 01 
 
 2 3 
 
 OT 
 
 fO 
 
 CT; 
 
 1-^ 
 
 (*>. 
 
 o_ 
 
 (N 
 
 q. 
 
 1 
 
 «£ 
 
 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
 '-^" 
 
 pT 
 
 N 
 
 (N 
 
 .□ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 s> 
 
 rs 
 
 vo 
 
 vo 
 
 vo 
 
 fo 
 
 CO 
 
 VO 
 
 
 
 ll 
 
 r^ 
 
 ON 
 
 CO 
 
 I^ 
 
 q 
 
 ro 
 
 CO 
 
 Tj- 
 
 
 «' 
 
 vd 
 
 lO 
 
 r^ 
 
 r^ 
 
 ro 
 
 r^ 
 
 in 
 
 
 CM 
 
 
 (N 
 
 « 
 
 W 
 
 (N 
 
 « 
 
 N 
 
 
 *-4 IK 
 
 8 
 
 fO 
 
 CO 
 
 vo 
 
 fO 
 
 ro 
 
 
 
 fO 
 
 
 s-^ 
 
 
 
 t^ 
 
 up 
 
 fo 
 
 « 
 
 
 I-" 
 
 U] 
 
 S£ 
 
 a\ 
 
 »-i 
 
 ^ 
 
 d 
 
 co" 
 
 y5 
 
 rh 
 
 N 1 
 
 o 
 
 (Cm 
 
 rO 
 
 ro 
 
 rO 
 
 rO 
 
 fO 
 
 to 
 
 lO 
 
 rr 
 
 4-< 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ut* 
 
 o 
 
 r^ 
 
 \o 
 
 CJN 
 
 o 
 
 to 
 
 VO 
 
 VO 
 
 Ph 
 
 CO * 
 
 -a- 
 
 q 
 
 ^ 
 
 o 
 
 r^ 
 
 « 
 
 00 
 
 CO 
 
 
 I-l 
 
 r^ 
 
 r^ 
 
 ij 
 
 CO 
 
 >o 
 
 Cfv 
 
 <=^ 
 
 
 ►^5 
 
 ■^r 
 
 o 
 
 
 CN 
 
 <N 
 
 
 O 
 
 ON 1 
 
 
 
 CM 
 
 w 
 
 W 
 
 N 
 
 N 
 
 « 
 
 
 
 ■=•3 
 
 ^ 
 
 in 
 
 rn 
 
 fO 
 
 r^ 
 
 CN 
 
 ID 
 
 in 
 
 
 CO s 
 
 o\ 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 rn 
 
 <N 
 
 
 "O 3 
 
 q. 
 
 q_ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 r^ 
 
 vo 
 
 ■^ 
 
 fO 
 
 VO 
 
 
 ^£ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 l-> 
 
 CO 
 
 "^ 
 
 rn 
 
 rO 
 
 (O 
 
 rO 
 
 r*0 
 
 m 
 
 - (B 
 
 II 
 
 un 
 
 ^ 
 
 VO 
 
 CO 
 
 ^ 
 
 O 
 
 N 
 
 vo 
 
 
 N 
 
 t^ 
 
 lO 
 
 
 r- 
 
 t^ 
 
 
 n 
 
 o 
 
 o_ 
 
 ^ 
 
 q; 
 
 rt 
 
 w 
 
 
 - 
 
 w 
 
 CO 
 
 VO 
 
 Tt 
 
 r^ 
 
 to 
 
 VO 
 
 N 
 
 rO 
 
 Cv 
 
 
 vo 
 
 -T 
 
 \n 
 
 CO 
 
 
 PO 
 
 !N 
 
 c^ 
 
 
 o_ 
 
 "? 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 CO 
 
 
 cT 
 
 CN 
 
 cn' 
 
 pT 
 
 (m" 
 
 n' 
 
 cT 
 
 pT 
 
 r? 
 
 
 
 
 O 
 
 o 
 
 lO 
 
 O 
 
 »o 
 
 in 
 
 o 
 
 
 f' c 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 r>. 
 
 ON 
 
 n 
 
 lO 
 
 ''I- 
 
 
 II 
 
 
 d" 
 
 lO 
 
 
 o 
 
 
 d" 
 
 
 rO 
 
 Tt- 
 
 "^ 
 
 rO 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 T^ 
 
 fO 
 
 
 en 
 
 O 
 
 lO 
 
 r^ 
 
 in 
 
 r-* 
 
 « 
 
 00 
 
 in 
 
 
 O 
 
 r~>. 
 
 t^ 
 
 Ov 
 
 r^ 
 
 c» 
 
 lO 
 
 m 
 
 
 W3 
 
 -^ 
 
 » 
 
 lO 
 
 « 
 
 o_ 
 
 ■^ 
 
 q_ 
 
 1 
 
 "£ 
 
 ^■^ 
 
 i-T 
 
 i-T 
 
 N 
 
 I-T 
 
 f^ 
 
 pT 
 
 (N 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 in 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .SI 
 
 CT\ 
 
 rf) 
 
 "O 
 
 lO 
 
 ^ 
 
 CO 
 
 o 
 
 ro 
 
 
 .2^ 
 
 
 -^ 
 
 
 
 vq 
 
 ro 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 "^ 
 
 ■"i- 
 
 lO 
 
 vd 
 
 TT 
 
 r^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 •a 
 
 J^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ca 
 
 (/I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 -M 
 
 cd 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 •*-• 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 a. 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 o 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4) 
 
 
 
 
 
 .— ' 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 CO 
 
 
 
 
 
 Ul 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .a 
 a. 
 
 a 
 
 CO 
 
 •a 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 t 
 
 en 
 O 
 
 
 
 •5 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 
 
 -s 
 
 (U 
 
 -a 
 
 c«-< 
 
 O 
 
 
 
 ii 
 
 o 
 
 
 
 t 
 
 O 
 
 a 
 
 
 bo 
 
 2 
 
 V 
 
 ■n 
 
 3 
 
 ii 
 
 2 
 
 s 
 o 
 
 •s 
 
 V 
 
 1 
 
 
 ;z 
 
 1 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 ii 
 
 
 ^- 
 
 } 
 
 % 
 
 
 ? 
 
 
 C 
 
 ; 
 
 t? 
 
 1 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 203 
 
 Rhubarb, lbs 
 
 Stalks 
 
 Leaves 
 
 Cabbage, lbs 
 
 Hard heads 
 
 Softheads 
 
 Pototoes, bus. 
 
 Market 
 
 Small 
 
 Onions, bus. 
 
 Scallions, lbs. 
 
 Timothy and clover hay, lbs. . • 
 Timothy and clover rowen, lbs 
 
 Yield per acre 
 
 Muriate of 
 potash 
 
 Sulphate of 
 potash 
 
 8,421 
 11,957 
 
 8.559 
 14,286 
 
 872 
 22,791 
 
 2,071 
 24,319 
 
 208 
 
 215 
 
 53 
 
 no 
 
 10,811 
 
 4,710 
 
 1,745 
 
 39 
 
 75 
 8,828 
 
 4,725 
 1,997 
 
 Fixation of Potash. — Potash is quickly fixed in the soil; it re- 
 places the sodium and calcium in soils and forms compounds in- 
 soluble in water. The chlorides of potash are liable to render 
 the lime content of a soil deficient, as the chlorine unites with 
 lime and forms a soluble compound that is readily leached from 
 the soil. In experiments at the Massachusetts Experiment Sta- 
 tion, Goessmann found that continued applications of muriate 
 of potash produced sickly crops which were made well and 
 healthful by an application of lime. Therefore acid soils should 
 always receive an application of lime before the use of potash 
 as chloride. As potash is quickly fixed in the soil and the 
 chlorides washed out, it is often advisable to apply chloride of 
 potash some time before the crop is planted, especially when the 
 crop that is to be planted is injured by chlorine. The fixation 
 of potash usually occurs in the surface soil and so rapidly does 
 this fixation take place on some alluvial soils, that it fs necessary 
 to work it in soon after applying to insure an even distribution. 
 
 Functions of Potash. — The intelligent use of potash fertilizers 
 requires a knowledge of the effect of this constituent on crops. 
 Potash is essential to the formation of starch, sugar and cellulose 
 (pure fiber) in plants. When there is a deficiency of available 
 potash in soils, certain plants do not mature well. 
 
204 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Potash Favors the Formation of Carbohydrates. — The effect of 
 potash on the sugar content of mangolds in shown in the fol- 
 
 lowing table." 
 
 
 
 
 Fertilizer 
 
 Leaf per acre 
 tons 
 
 Roots per acre 
 tons 
 
 Sugar per acre 
 tons 
 
 Nitrogen and phosphoric acid 
 
 Nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potasl. 
 
 2-95 
 3-25 
 
 12.00 
 2S.95 
 
 0.797 
 2.223 
 
 The two plots received equal quantities of ammonium salts 
 and superphosphate. The plot that received potash shows a 
 yield in roots of about 2)4 times more than the plot that had 
 no potash. The leaf development per acre was nearly the same 
 in both plots and as the ro6ts of this crop are made up largdy of 
 carbohydrates the effect of potash is readily seen. 
 
 Another system of fertilizing mangolds gave the following 
 results." 
 
 AvER.\GE OF 12 Years. 
 
 ^ .... ! No potash 
 Fertilizer | xons 
 
 1 
 
 ■f Phosphates 
 
 and potash 
 
 Tons 
 
 Manure only 
 
 iS.6 
 
 27.7 
 21.S 
 249 
 24.2 
 
 195 
 26 S 
 
 Manure and ammonium salts 
 
 25-9 
 28 6 
 
 Manure, rape cake, and aumionium salts 
 
 29.9 
 
 The above data show that potash increased the yield in every 
 case except where nitrate of soda was added. The soda present 
 in nitrate of soda renders unavailable potash in the soil available, 
 which accounts for this increase. It is also seen that the addi- 
 tion of potash to manure was beneficial. This is interesting be- 
 cause 14 tons of manure was applied per acre which amount 
 supplied considerable potash, yet was unable to furnish all the 
 potash needed for this crop. 
 
 Potash Benefits Legumes. — Another beneficial effect of potash 
 is the increase it gives to the growth of legumes. At Rotham- 
 stead the yields of plots of mixed grasses and legumes show 
 this effect." 
 
POTASH FERTILIZERS 
 
 Dry hay 
 
 Fertilizer 
 
 1856 to J902 
 I Cwts. 
 
 Complete mineral fertilizerj 38.8 
 Nitrogen and phosphoric 
 
 acid 28.1 
 
 Superphosphate only 23.3 
 
 Unfertilized 21.9 
 
 1893 to 1902 
 Cwts. 
 
 3b-5 
 
 21.6 
 17.8 
 15-9 
 
 Composition of Herbage in 1902 
 
 Grasses 
 Per cent. 
 
 28.8 
 54-4 
 34-3 
 
 Legumin- 
 ous plants 
 Per cent. 
 
 55-3 
 
 22.1 
 
 15-4 
 7-S 
 
 Weeds 
 Per cent. 
 
 24.4 
 
 49.1 
 50.2 
 58.2 
 
 The complete mineral manure consisted of phosphates and 
 sulphates of potash, soda and magnesia. The plot receiving 
 the complete mineral manure gave the highest yields and also 
 showed the greatest percentages of legumes and least of weeds. 
 The plot receiving nitrogen and phosphoric acid without pot- 
 ash gave the next highest yields and shows a larger percentage 
 of leguminous plants than the plots that received phosphates 
 and no fertilizers. On the unfertilized plot the percentage of 
 leguminous plants is very low. The effect of the soda in the 
 mineral fertilizer without potash, which comes second in the 
 above table, is shown by the comparatively higher yields over the 
 plot that received phosphates only. It is thus evident that pot- 
 ash is the most important fertilizing constituent for legumes and 
 large applications of phosphoric acid do not increase their 
 growth materially. 
 
 Potash Favors Seed and Straw Formation. — Hall says: "On 
 these grass plots another very striking effect of potash manuring 
 is also very manifest. On the potash-starved plots the grasses 
 fail to a large extent to develop any seed, and the heads are 
 soft and barren, presumably because of the deficiency in carbo- 
 hydrate formation. For the same cause the straw, not only of 
 the grasses, but also on the similarly manured wheat and barley 
 plots, is also weak and brittle when potash is wanting." 
 
 Potash Effects the Leaves. — Grass grown on soils deficient in 
 potash tends to show the effect of this constituent by producing 
 a brown sickly appearance. The grass blades often turn brown 
 about 2 inches from the tip and die off. The leaves of root 
 
206 SOIL FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 crops also often show a lack of potash when they are nearing 
 maturity, by a spotted brown coloration. 
 
 Potash Effects Maturity. — Experiments show that soils without 
 sufficient potash do not produce as valuable grain crops in dry 
 seasons as soils rich in this constituent. This is probably due 
 to the fact that potash causes a longer growing period and holds 
 back maturity. With root crops the opposite effect has been 
 found to exist. That is the maturity of -these crops is hastened 
 by a supply of potash. 
 
 Potash Helps to Neutralize Plant Acids. — Many plants contain 
 acids ; for example, in the grape there is tartaric acid ; in the 
 apple, malic ; in the orange, citric ; and potash helps to neutralize 
 these plant acids and form acid salts. 
 
 Potash Sometimes Checks Insect Pests and Plant Diseases. — Ex- 
 periments show that certain forms of potash are distasteful to 
 some insects and tend to check their ravages. Potash seems to 
 make plants better able to resist attacks of certain fungi, especial- 
 ly when soils are deficient in this constituent, by producing a 
 stronger and more vigorous growth. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS. 
 
 The fertilizer materials discussed in the previous chapters 
 are those products most commonly used and constitute the main 
 sources of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash. There are, 
 however, other substances that are occasionally utilized that have 
 some value. Some of these materials are used at times by fer- 
 tilizer manufacturers while others are employed directly by farm- 
 ers. Some of them furnish one or more of the essential ele- 
 ments in amounts sufficient to warrant their use, when they can 
 be obtained cheaply, while others are not applied for their fer- 
 tilizer value but to improve the condition or texture of the soil, 
 to increase the available plant food supply or to conserve mois- 
 ture. There are some products discussed in this chapter that 
 have no particular value as fertilizer but are taken up to set 
 'clear impressions that are prevalent among some who feel that 
 these products can be used to replace to a certain extent the more 
 important fertilizer materials. It should be remembered that 
 many of these materials we are about to discuss do not contain 
 sufficient amounts of the essential elements to produce paying 
 crops but they may be used to partially replace commercial 
 fertilizers. 
 
 Compost. — A compost is usually made up of layers of manure 
 and vegetable matter. Sometimes lime, acid phosphate, ground 
 raw rock phosphate, cotton-seed, gypsum, and similar fertilizer 
 materials are added to it. A compost can be made in the fol- 
 lowing manner. First select a shady place and provide a good 
 drainage. Then make a foundation with a layer of earth. On 
 top of this place a layer of leaves or manure then a layer of 
 earth, another layer of leaves, cotton-seed and manure, a layer of 
 earth, etc. The top of the compost should be covered with earth 
 and it should be shaped to shed water. The compost should be 
 kept moist to prevent the loss of nitrogen as ammonia. The 
 manure, leaves, cotton-seed, raw rock phosphate, etc., will de- 
 cay or undergo changes due to the action of organisms similar 
 
208 SOII^ FERTII,ITY AND FERTIUZERS 
 
 to what would take place in the soil, when the compost is kept 
 thoroughly moist. Before applying any of the compost to the 
 land it should be well mixed to make it uniform. The earth 
 is used in layers to absorb the ammonia that may be set free 
 in the process of decay of the organic materials. The amount 
 of fertilizing material obtained from a compost will be equal 
 to the amount of fertilizer material added to it, provided there 
 is no loss ; but the availability of these materials will be greater. 
 
 Seaweed. — In states bordering on the ocean seaweed is used 
 a great deal for fertilizer. Stormy weather throws considerable 
 quantities on the beach and the states of Rhode Island, New 
 Jersey, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts have used this fer- 
 tilizer for many years. Storer says: "Here in New England 
 there is abundant evidence of the great value of seaweed. 
 Abundant crops of hay and (in former times more than now) 
 of potatoes are there grown and sold year after year, while 
 the country remains fertile and fortunate. It is interesting 
 to see the fields in that region remain green throughout the 
 summer droughts, at times when the scantily manured fields 
 of the interior are brown and parched. It is not the showers 
 of summer alone, but the good tilth which comes with cultiva- 
 tion and careful tillage, as well as abundant supplies of plant 
 food, which enable crops to support intense heat. In the dis- 
 trict now in question, (behind Rye Beach in New Hampshire) 
 the use of the seaweed extends back some eight or ten miles 
 from the beach, and to a less extent, even to twelve and fourteen 
 miles."'' 
 
 The best way to apply seaweed is in the fresh state. The 
 dififerent varieties of seaweed contain from 70 to over 80 per 
 cent of moisture and when it is to be transported any consid- 
 erable distance it may be spread thin and sun-dried to avoid 
 carting so much water. Should it rain during the process of 
 sun-drying some of the nitrogen and potash might be washed 
 away. In some of the European countries the seaweed is thrown 
 in heaps to dry and rot. Such practice, because fermentations 
 set in, necessarily causes losses of nitrogen as ammonia, and of 
 potash by leaching. In some countries seaweed is composted 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 209 
 
 and the same precautions should be exercised as in composting 
 farm manure or else losses will occur. Preservatives as gypsum 
 may prevent the loss of considerable nitrogen. The experience 
 of the New England farmers shows that better results are se- 
 cured when the seaweed is not composted. In New England 
 fresh seaweed is used as a top dressing for grass or plowed in. 
 About 20 to 25 per cent, of the ash of seaweeds is chlorine. 
 Therefore it would be safer to use some other fertilizer for to- 
 bacco, potatoes, etc. Seaweed is rather quick acting and gives 
 up its fertilizer constituents during the first season. 
 
 Analyses of Different Varieties of Seaweed.'* 
 
 
 ■5< « 
 •6 1 g 
 
 ST3 3 
 
 u = 
 
 •31 3 
 
 ■5 ^ 
 
 S 
 
 II 
 
 IS 
 a* 
 
 V S 
 
 < 
 
 tu s <S 
 
 ill 
 
 it 
 
 
 3 UfL 
 Uw 
 
 OSS 
 
 77-26 
 
 E* 
 
 t 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 Water 
 
 76.55 
 
 66.18 
 
 71.17 
 
 5904 
 
 86.25 
 
 
 0.24 
 
 0.38 
 
 1.08 
 
 0-45 
 
 1-35 
 
 0-37 
 
 
 Phosphoric acid ■ ■ . 
 
 0.08 
 
 0.12 
 
 0.14 
 
 0.22 
 
 0.25 
 
 0.09 
 
 Potash 
 
 0.64 
 
 0.65 
 
 0.96 
 
 1.42 
 
 0-59 
 
 1.07 
 
 Lime 
 
 0.4S 
 
 0.45 
 
 5-1' 
 
 0.S7 
 
 0.98 
 
 0.46 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 o.;5 
 
 0.31 
 
 0.69 
 
 0.36 
 
 0.29 
 
 0.09 
 
 Insoluble matter . - 
 
 0.03 
 
 0.04 
 
 1-59 
 
 1-43 
 
 0.44 
 
 0.09 
 
 From the above table it is seen that seaweed is as valuable 
 as farm manure from a fertilizer standpoint although the benefit 
 derived from farm manure is more lasting. The percentages 
 Analyses of the Ash of Seaweed.'* — Forchammer. 
 
 Potash 
 
 Soda 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Lime 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Sulphuric acid ■ ■ 
 Ferric oxide- • ■ • 
 
 Silica 
 
 Sodium chloride 
 
 Fucus 
 digitatus 
 per cent. 
 
 20.66 
 
 7-65 
 6.86 
 
 10.98 
 2.36 
 
 12-33 
 0-S7 
 1-44 
 
 26.18 
 
 Fucus 
 
 ve.siculosus 
 
 per cent. 
 
 13-01 
 9-54 
 6.12 
 8.36 
 1.16 
 
 24.06 
 0.28 
 I-15 
 
 21-45 
 
 Fucus 
 serratus 
 per cent. 
 
 398 
 18.67 
 10.29 
 14.41 
 
 3-89 
 18.59 
 
 0.30 
 
 0.38 
 16.50 
 
210 
 
 soil, I'ERTILITY AND FEETII,IZERS 
 
 of nitrogen and potash are quite considerable and show this to 
 be a vahiable fertiHzer for farmers living near the coast. 
 
 When seaweed is burned the nitrogen and organic matter are 
 lost so that it is more economical to apply seaweed fresh than 
 when burned to ash. 
 
 Marl. — There are two principal classes of marls, namely shell 
 marls and green sand marls. The shell marls contain less phos- 
 phoric acid and potash and more lime than the other marls. 
 Analyses of Marls. 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Lime 
 
 Shell marl 
 
 0.31 fo 
 0-59 
 
 Green sand marl 
 
 2.20^ 
 
 4.70 
 
 2.90 
 
 The Maryland Experiment Station gives the following as an 
 average composition of 24 marls. ^' 
 
 
 Average 
 
 Range 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 0.38% 
 1-39 
 
 1.0 to 2% 
 
 2-5 to 3 
 
 The Kentucky Experiment Station gave the following as an 
 average of 22 marls (character not specified) :" 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric acid .' o.o47 
 
 Potash 2.200 
 
 Lime i.iio 
 
 The plant food in marls is not quickly available. 
 
 Voorhees says: "Marl, however, is an important amendment 
 to soils, not only because of its content of mineral constituents, 
 but because these constituents are associated with products that 
 exert a very favorable mechanical effect upon soils. Large 
 areas of land in the state of New Jersey, formerly unproductive, 
 chiefly because of physical imperfections, have been made very 
 productive mainly through the application of marl. 
 
 "The use of marl is now less general than when the fertiliz- 
 ing constituents from artificial sources were dearer, and when 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 211 
 
 the labor of the farm was more abundant and cheaper. The 
 quicker effect of more soluble fertilizer constituents has had an 
 influence in reducing the use of marl where quick returns are de- 
 sirable. Where farmers have deposits of marl upon their own 
 farms, or within short distances of them, and can secure it at a 
 low price per ton, its application is a desirable method of im- 
 proving land. 
 
 "The results from the use of marl are frequently due quite 
 as much to the improvement given to the physical condition of 
 soils as to the increase in fertility furnished by the essential 
 mineral constituents. Marl may be carted and spread upon the 
 land when other work of the farm is not pressing, thus making it 
 possible to get a considerable addition of fertility at a small 
 expense.""" 
 
 Peat and Muck. — In low wet places where vegetable matter 
 accumulates, decomposition sets in and the substance formed is 
 called peat or muck. This material does not run high in the 
 essential elements ; it averages about 0.7 per cent, of nitrogen 
 and about 75 per cent, of water. The phosphoric acid and potash 
 contents approximate what is contained in good soil. The value 
 of this substance depends upon its nitrogen content which in 
 turns depends upon the amount of organic matter. The nitro- 
 gen is not perhaps as available as that in cultivated soils and 
 unless it is easy to obtain it is dotibtful whether it pays to use It. 
 
 If the land could be drained its greatest value would be ob- 
 tained by growing crops on it. It is generally put in heaps and 
 allowed to sun-dry before using. As an absorbent, peat is used 
 in stables and it is also used in fertilizers as a dryer. 
 
 Average of Six Analyses of Muck and Peat From Various 
 Stations." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 69.20 
 
 Nitrogen 0.32 
 
 Phosphoric acid o.ii 
 
 Potash 0.08 
 
 15 
 
212 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Average of Ten Analyses of Partially Dry Muck From 
 Various Stations." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 27.78 
 
 Nitrogen i 02 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.23 
 
 Average of Seven Analyses of Muck From Various Stations." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 34.87 
 
 Nitrogen 1 .00 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.25 
 
 Potash 0.39 
 
 Liquid Fertilizers. — In the Eastern States liquid fertilizers are 
 sometimes sold for use on house plants. These fertilizers con- 
 tain the nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash in solution. They 
 are put up usually in pint or quart bottles and the liquid is often 
 colored. The price of these fertilizers is generally rather high 
 considering the fertility present. These fertilizers are sold under 
 attractive names. 
 
 Analyses of Liquid Fertilizers.' 
 
 Water 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Selling price per ton . . . 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 90.89 
 
 
 82.36 
 
 0.70 
 
 
 3.22 
 
 0.16 
 
 
 3-59 
 
 2.S9 
 
 
 3-30 
 
 — 
 
 *i 
 
 ,000.00 
 
 Flower Fertilizers. — Some of the seed dealers put out ferti- 
 lizers in packages of 15 pounds to a few ounces in weight to be 
 used for flowers or house plants. These fertilizers usually sell 
 for exorbitant prices, sometimes as high as $1,000 per ton, but 
 they cannot be compared to regular commercial fertilizers as they 
 are purchased in such small amounts. Fertilizers are also put 
 out in tablet and cartridge forms for use on house plants. The 
 tablet or cartridge is supposed to be sufficient for one house plant 
 of ordinary size. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 213 
 
 Analyses of Flower Fertilizers.* 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Total p h o s 
 
 phoric acid . . 
 Avrailable phos 
 
 phoric acid ■ • 
 
 Potash 
 
 Ton price 
 
 4-39 
 10.66 
 
 9.40 
 
 4.84 
 
 |8o.oo 
 
 16.18 
 
 4.00 
 
 4.00 
 
 4.82 
 
 f 1,000.00 
 
 3-29 
 6.62 
 
 4-54 
 
 5.80 
 
 fSo.oo 
 
 3-38 
 10.44 
 
 9-54 
 3-64 
 X 
 
 6.56 
 3.38 
 
 2.92 
 
 6.60 
 
 {298.00 
 
 13-33 
 
 23-54 
 
 23-54 
 
 26.57 
 
 I140.00 
 
 4.91 
 
 12.56 
 
 7.40 
 
 4.80 
 
 I249.90 
 
 X = 15 to 25 cents a package. 
 
 Pulverized Manures. — Pulverized sheep manure, poultry ma- 
 nure, and pigeon manure are found on the market in some sec- 
 tions. These manures usually carry a higher price than the 
 regular commercial fertilizers although they are not so valuable. 
 These products should be saved on the farm but it will hardly 
 pay to purchase them unless the price is much less than for com- 
 mercial fertilizers. The value of these manures is often ex- 
 aggerated because they are quick acting. They are to be found 
 for sale in seed stores and are purchased generally in small 
 amounts by those having small gardens or house plants. 
 Analysis of Pulverized Sheep Manure, Commercial Products."' 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Ton price 
 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 2.31 
 
 2.17 
 
 2.52 
 
 2.58 
 
 1-53 
 
 1-44 
 
 1-47 
 
 1-52 
 
 3-21 
 
 1.02 
 
 2.17 
 
 2.00 
 
 9.80 
 
 7.53 
 
 
 — 
 
 {40.00 
 
 I35-0O 
 
 
 
 — 
 
 2.50 
 
 1-54 
 1.41 
 
 Fresh Fish Scrap. — Farmers Hving near the sea coast use a 
 great deal of fresh fish scrap and whole fish. This material 
 contains nitrogen and phosphoric acid but an average composition 
 is impossible to give because the moisture content is so variable. 
 Fish scrap may have the following limits of composition : 
 
 VARIASrLITY of FISH SCRAP. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 25.0 to 75.0 
 
 Nitrogen 7-5 to 2.0 
 
 Phosphoric acid 6.0 to 1.5 
 
214 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Dry ground fish is in a better mechanical condition than fresh 
 fish scrap so that the latter material is not quickly decomposed 
 in the soil and therefore not so available as plant food. 
 
 Fresh fish are also often composted. The main value in fish 
 is derived from the nitrogen they contain. The farmer in pur- 
 chasing fresh fish, products should pay according to the amount 
 of moisture present. More nitrogen and phosphoric acid are 
 obtained when the product is dry than wet, hence the dry ma- 
 terial is more valuable. 
 
 Lobster shells may be utilized as fertilizer. The following 
 analysis shows its value. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 7-27 
 
 Nitrogen 4.60 
 
 Phosphoric acid 3.52 
 
 Lime 22.24 
 
 Magnesia 1.30 
 
 Insoluble matter 0.27 
 
 Fresh lobster shells would no doubt contain more water than 
 the above although the nitrogen, phosphoric acid and lime are 
 high enough to make this material worth while because it can 
 usually be purchased very cheap. 
 
 Mussels. — Along the coasts of some states there are large 
 quantities of mussels which may be obtained for nothing or at 
 a very low price. The New Jersey Experiment Station gives 
 the following analysis of mussels."^ 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 68.19 
 
 Nitrogen '. 0.90 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.12 
 
 Potash 0.13 
 
 Lime 15.84 
 
 Organic matter 7.92 
 
 Mineral matter 23.89 
 
 This bulletin states that hundreds of tons of mussels can be 
 had at a cost less than $2 per ton delivered on the farm and that 
 it is customary to compost this material with land plaster (gyp- 
 sum) and sand. Mussels decay quickly in the soil and furnish 
 organic matter which helps to build up soils. 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 2i; 
 
 Shrimp waste is sometimes available along the coast of some of 
 the Gulf States. 
 
 Analyses of Shrimp Waste. 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Potash 
 
 Water 
 
 9-95 
 2.87 
 
 8.09 
 
 9-15 
 3-03 
 0.68 
 
 IO-33 
 
 340 
 7.09 
 
 This is a good fertilizer and runs higher in the essential ele- 
 ments than when it carries more water, which is usually the case. 
 It is quite rich in phosphoric acid, and the nitrogen content al- 
 though not as high as in fish scrap is nevertheless high enough 
 to consider. Farmers living where shrimp waste is available 
 may often supply part of their fertilizer from this source. 
 
 King crab is not always dried and ground but is often em- 
 ployed in the fresh state. It is richer in nitrogen (containing 
 2 to 2.5 per cent, of this element) than many wet fish wastes, 
 and because of its rapid decomposition in the soil it is sometimes 
 an economical fertilizer for those living near the supply. It is 
 sometimes put in a compost and used in this way. 
 
 Sewage. — The average composition of human excreta and the 
 amount produced per year by the average individual is as fol- 
 lows :' 
 
 Composition of Human Excreta.^ 
 
 Water 
 
 Organic matter. 
 
 Ash 
 
 Nitrogen ■ 
 
 Phosphoric acid • 
 Potash 
 
 Pounds per 
 year 
 
 77.2 
 19.8 
 
 3-0 
 i.o 
 I.I 
 0.25 
 
 1.04 
 1.30 
 0.30 
 
 Urine 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Pound.s per 
 year 
 
 963 
 
 2.4 
 
 1-3 
 0.6 
 0.17 
 0.2 
 
 6.9 
 
 3-2 
 3-4 
 
 These figures are taken as an average for all ages. For adults 
 the amounts per year would be greater. Although the amounts 
 of fertilizer constituents is low for the individual the quantity 
 
2l6 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash amounts to a great deal 
 with a large population. It is customary in many of our cities 
 and towns to pipe this human excreta, as sewage, to the sea or 
 to rivers. So in the aggregate the loss of fertility from human 
 excreta is enormous. There have been many methods tried to 
 prevent this loss and save this material for fertilizer, but these 
 experiments have been found impracticable because they are 
 either unsanitary or else cost more than the same amount of fer- 
 tility does from other substances. It is of course possible to 
 save human excreta but it doesn't pay on account of the danger 
 to public health. Where earth closets are used the remains may 
 be composted and the paper etc., will decay through the action 
 of bacteria. 
 
 In most places the excreta is carried away with an excess of 
 water as sewage. In some sections this sewage is poured on 
 the land, which is regulated by ditches. Another method con- 
 sists of conducting the sewage through underground pipes, by 
 pressure. These pipes have couplings at convenient places and 
 the sewage is distributed with a hose. Another method some- 
 what similar to the last one is sometimes employed and consists 
 of distributing the sewage through porous pipes. 
 
 The continual distribution of sewage over land is injurious. 
 The soil becomes clogged or filled up with the slimy matter 
 in suspension. Where the irrigation of sewage is practiced the 
 soil should be allowed a rest so as to be kept thoroughly aerated 
 to allow the soil organisms a chance to carry on their necessary 
 functions. 
 
 It is estimated that the sewage from cities using the sanitary 
 closet contains about 2.2 parts of nitrogen per 100,000 parts of 
 sewage. 
 
 Composition of Sewage.*^ 
 
 Water Nitrogen Potash Phosphoric acid 
 
 78.07^ 0.40% 0.27% 0.85^ 
 
 Sewage Sludge. — By the use of certain chemicals (lime, sul- 
 phate of iron, alum, perchloride of iron, etc.) the suspended 
 matter in sewage is precipitated and separated from the result- 
 ing clear liquid portion with the organic matter. This remain- 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 217 
 
 ing portion is then put in a filter press and the excess of water 
 is squeezed out. The resulting, product is called sewage sludge, 
 which has some value as fertilizer. 
 
 Composition op Sewage Sludge.', '^ 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 
 
 Organic matter • ■ 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Potash 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Iron and aluminum oxides 
 Carbonic acid 
 
 10. 1 
 
 49-« 
 2.32 
 
 2.27 
 
 2-34 
 
 traces 
 
 23.27 
 
 31-2 
 24.8 
 0.94 
 0.80 
 24.6 
 traces 
 7.06 
 
 40.6 
 16.8 
 
 0-5S 
 1.42 
 
 2445 
 traces 
 
 5-57 
 
 3-55 
 
 38.22 
 
 1.65 
 
 1-25 
 
 8.40 
 
 traces 
 
 28.28 
 
 37-74 
 
 0.91 
 0.61 
 3.10 
 0.25 
 28.70 
 2.19 
 
 8.55 
 4.89 
 
 The above analyses show that sewage sludge is not a very 
 valuable fertilizer; that is, the farmer could not well afford to 
 purchase this material on the market. Sewage and sewage sludge 
 would benefit sandy soils more than heav)' soils because they 
 contain organic matter. In addition the sludges rich in lime 
 may sometimes prove beneficial. 
 
 Coal ashes sometimes helps to improve the condition of certain 
 soils. This material does not contain enough of the essential 
 elements to be valuable as fertilizer but its indirect action may 
 help to produce better physical properties in soils. This ma- 
 terial is perhaps more valuable for walks and roads than for 
 fertilizer. 
 
 Lime-kiln Ashes. — When lime and wood are burned together 
 in making quick-lime the resulting product is known as lime- 
 kiln ashes. 
 
 
 Composition of Lime-Kiln 
 
 Ashes. 
 
 
 
 Range 
 Per cent. 
 
 Average 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 
 0.50 to 4.50 
 
 0.25 to 1.50 
 
 38 to 45 
 
 2.00 
 
 0.75 
 40.00 
 
 
 
 
2t8 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 This product is richer in lime than wood ashes and it may be 
 used on soils requiring lime when the price is reasonable. 
 
 ANALYSES OF Lime- Kiln Ashes.* 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Insoluble matter 
 
 10 Mass. 
 analyses 
 Per cent. 
 
 Conn, 
 analyses 
 Per cent. 
 
 11-35 
 
 _ 
 
 2.04 
 0.78 
 
 I. II 
 0.89 
 
 41.49 
 
 35-32 
 
 1.30 
 6.78 
 
 8.00 
 
 Conn, 
 analyses 
 Per cent. 
 
 2-77 
 1.07 
 
 38-33 
 10.80 
 
 Tan bark ashes show the following composition. 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Lime 
 
 Range 
 Per cent. 
 
 0.6 to 2.9 
 0.15 to 2.8 
 
 Average 
 Per cent. 
 
 1-9 
 
 1.4 
 
 31.0 
 
 Tan bark ashes are not a valuable fertilizer but may be used 
 economically by farmers when they are cheap. They contain 
 about the same amount of lime as wood ashes but are much 
 lower in potash. 
 
 Eice Hull Ashes. — In the rice sections the rice hulls are often 
 used as fuel in the boilers of rice mills. This product has about 
 the following composition : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 1.2 
 
 Phosphoric acid 0.6 
 
 Silicious matter 80.0 
 
 It usually doesn't pay to use this by-product because in the 
 regions where it may be had the soils are rich in potash. This 
 material is rich in silicious matter (sand). 
 
 Corn Cob Ashes. — In certain sections of the country corn cobs 
 are sometimes used in place of wood for fuel. 
 
MISCEI.LANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 219 
 
 Analysis of Corn Cob Ashes."" 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Moisture " 1.20 
 
 Potash 7.08 
 
 Phosphoric acid 2.37 
 
 Lime 11.70 
 
 Magnesia i . 28 
 
 Insoluble matter 52.09 
 
 From this analysis it is evident that these ashes are valuable 
 for soils in need of potash. It also contains an appreciable amount 
 of phosphoric acid. Farmers burning corn cobs will do well 
 if they save these ashes and apply them to their land. 
 
 Leather Scrap Ashes. — Sometimes leather scrap is burned and 
 the ashes used for fertilizer. 
 
 Composition of Leather Scrap Ashes. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 3.00 
 
 Phosphoric acid 3-5-4 
 
 Lime 2.5 
 
 Farmers living near factories where these ashes accumulate 
 should utilize this material if they can obtain it for the hauling. 
 Brick kiln ashes are sometimes used for fertilizer. 
 Analyses of Brick Kiln Ashes." 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water soluble potash 2.10 
 
 Lime 41.98 
 
 Magnesia 3.65 
 
 Phosphoric acid 1.89 
 
 Sand and clay I9-9I 
 
 Charcoal , 0.67 
 
 The kind of wood burned in brick kilns will influence the value 
 of these ashes. They are worth purchasing by those living near 
 brick kilns who wish to apply lime, when they can be purchased 
 right. 
 
 Ivory Dust. — This is a valuable fertilizer but like bone it is 
 slow acting unless acidulated. 
 
 Composition of Ivory Dust.^" 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 6.64 
 
 Phosphoric acid 24.56 
 
 Ash 52-63 
 
220 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Spent Hops. — This material is high in water and furnishes a 
 little more than one-half the organic matter that is found in 
 manure. 
 
 Analysis of Spent Hops.'* 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Water 83.63 
 
 Organic and volatile matter 15.48 
 
 Mineral matter 0.89 
 
 Total 100.00 
 
 Nitrogen in organic matter o. 77 
 
 Phosphoric acid in mineral matter 0.18 
 
 Potash in mineral matter 0.88 
 
 Soot is the black deposit that collects in flues and chimneys when 
 coal or wood is burned and is used in England quite extensively 
 as fertilizer. Soot from coal averages about 3 per cent, of ni- 
 trogen in the form of ammonia. It is more valuable in improv- 
 ing the physical condition of soils than as a fertilizer. Its dark 
 color increases soil temperature by absorbing the rays of the 
 sun, thus helping plant growth and the action of the soil organ- 
 isms. It lightens heavy soils and is not relished by certain in- 
 sects that damage crops. 
 
 Analyses of Soot. 
 
 Soft coal'« 
 Per cent. 
 
 Hard wood 6* 
 Per cent. 
 
 Wood 
 Per cent. 
 
 Hard coal 
 Per cent. 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Nitrogen 
 
 0.84 
 0.75 
 
 1.78 
 0.96 
 
 2.40 
 o 40 
 1-30 
 
 O.OI 
 
 0.40 
 2.40 
 
 Analyses of Soot by the Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 Nitrogen as ammonia 
 Nitrogen, organic — 
 
 Total nitrogen 
 
 Water soluble potash 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Organic matter 
 
 Mineral matter 
 
MISCEI.I,ANEOUS FERTIUZER MATERIALS 221 
 
 Street sweepings are sometimes used by gardeners. When they 
 contain a large proportion of horse manure they may have a little 
 value. However, the liquid portions are not saved so that they 
 are not as valuable as farm manure. Street sweepings usually 
 contain other debris than horse manure which of course de- 
 creases their value. Generally speaking, street sweepings should 
 not be used unless the expense of hauling is very small. Most 
 people would not care to utilize this waste because of the un- 
 sanitary nature of it. Debris from houses, etc., are liable to 
 contaminate it in which case it would not be a safe fertilizer. 
 
 Potassium nitrate, or saltpeter, has been known for a long 
 time and is found as an efflorescence in soils in the neighborhood 
 of towns, especially in hot climates, where urine and organic 
 matter rich in nitrogen are present. It is formed by the action 
 of nitrifying bacteria. Up to the time of the Crimean War 
 (1852-5) the natural supply proved ample but during that war 
 this salt was for the first time made from sodium nitrate (Chile 
 saltpeter). 
 
 Composition of Potassjdm Nitrate. 
 
 Nitrogen ■ 
 Potash . . ■ 
 
 Pure 
 Per cent. 
 
 13.60 
 46.59 
 
 Commercial 
 Per cent. . 
 
 12 to 13 
 40 to 45 
 
 This is a good fertilizer but the market price prohibits its 
 general use. Sodium nitrate and potash salts (Stassfurt) are 
 cheaper sources of nitrogen and potash than potassium nitrate. 
 It is used to a limited extent in the manufacture of commercial 
 fertilizers. 
 
 Ammonium nitrate is a rich nitrogenous salt but it is too ex- 
 pensive to employ for fertilizing purposes. 
 
 Silicate of Potash. — Some minerals as feldspathic rock contain 
 considerable amounts (12 to 15 per cent, and more) of potash. 
 These potash feldspars have been ground to a powder and put 
 upon the market for fertilizer from time to time. The United 
 States Department of Agriculture"" has called attention to the 
 possible value of these minerals as a source of potash for fer- 
 
222 
 
 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 tilizer. The following table may prove of interest here in show- 
 ing the relative value of feldspar and potassium sulphate on the 
 growth of wheat and Japanese millet. 
 
 Vegetation Experiments with Wheat and Japanese Millet. 
 
 
 Wheat 
 
 'C 
 
 |g 
 
 So 
 
 2 
 < 
 
 Japanese 
 millet 
 
 
 Wt. of air dry 
 crop-grams 
 
 
 ■0 
 
 "IB 
 go 
 to 
 
 
 
 a. 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 Is a 
 Z mo 
 v'Z u 
 
 
 30-5 
 28.4 
 
 30.8 
 
 3I-I 
 
 32.2 
 31.8 
 
 30-5 
 31-4 
 
 37-6 
 37.8 
 
 41.8 
 42.6 
 
 42.6 
 44.0 
 
 13.2 
 
 13-6 
 
 14.0 
 14.8 
 
 14-3 
 14-3 
 
 14.1 
 14.4 
 
 17.8 
 i8.6 
 
 19.6 
 
 18.7 
 
 195 
 20.5 
 
 43-7 
 42.0 
 
 44.8 
 45-9 
 
 46.5 
 46.1 
 
 44.6 
 45-8 
 
 55-4 
 56-4 
 
 61.4 
 61.3 
 
 62.1 
 64-5 
 
 100 
 106 
 108 
 
 105 
 130 
 143 
 148 
 
 16.8 
 
 15-3 
 
 17.8 
 15-6 
 
 19-3 
 18.5 
 
 18.6 
 18.1 
 
 35 -o 
 33-2 
 
 32.3 
 33-8 
 
 42.0 
 37-5 
 
 
 2-75 grams ground feldspar 
 
 6.88 grams ground feldspar 
 
 1 1 grams ground feldspar 
 
 0.5 grams sulphate of potash 
 
 1.25 grams sulphate of potash 
 
 2 grams sulphate of potash 
 
 100 
 104 
 118 
 114 
 212 
 206 
 248 
 
 The maximum increase in relative weights for feldspar are 8 
 on wheat and 18 on millet, while sulphate of potash shows 48 
 for these crops, a decided difference indeed. The Rhode Island 
 Experiment Station says of these experiments : The finely ground 
 feldspathic rock, which was used in the experiments recorded in 
 this connection, was of such slight value as a source of readily 
 available potassium as to be practically useless, if the pot ex- 
 periments are to be considered as a criterion. 
 
 "The root systems of wheat and Japanese millet are sufficient- 
 ly well developed so that these plants should have been much 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
 
 223 
 
 more able to have obtained the potassium of feldspar than many 
 of the quick-growing market-garden crops. 
 
 "The farmer can not afford to experiment with finely-ground 
 feldspathic rock until there are better prospects of success than 
 are discernible at present.""" 
 
 The Massachusetts Experiment Station has conducted ex- 
 periments using different potash salts on several crops showing 
 that silicate of potash is quite inert. 
 
 Potash feldspars have been heated with salts of soda or lime 
 in order to render the potash more soluble' but the cost of such 
 procedure has prevented introducing it on account of the cheap- 
 ness of the Stassfurt salts. 
 
 Cushman concludes as a result of abstracts from experiments 
 and from tests that: "At the present stage of the 'investigation 
 it would be extremely unwise for anyone to attempt to use 
 ground feldsphatic rock except on an experimental scale that 
 would not entail great financial loss.""' He also warns against 
 exaggerated and sensational claims that may be made concern- 
 ing this material as a source of potash. 
 
 Production and Value of Feldspar, 1901-1905.*' 
 
 1901 
 1902 
 1903 
 1904 
 1905 
 
 Crude 
 
 Quantity Value 
 
 9,960 
 21,870 
 13.432 
 19.413 
 14.517 
 
 121,669 
 55.501 
 51.036 
 66,714 
 57.976 
 
 Ground 
 
 Quantity Value 
 
 24,781 
 23.417 
 28,459 
 25.775 
 20,902 
 
 1198,753 
 194,923 
 205,697 
 199,612 
 i68,i8i 
 
 Quantity Value 
 
 34.741 
 45,287 
 41.891 
 45.188 
 35.419 
 
 1220,422 
 250,424 
 256,733 
 266,326 
 226,157 
 
 Iron sulphate is produced quite extensively as a by-product in 
 the manufacture of steel. Although iron is necessary for plant 
 growth most plants do not use more than 15 pounds of iron oxide 
 per acre and average soils contain 15 tons of this material per 
 acre in the surface soil to a depth of 9 inches. So it is evident 
 that soils contain abundant amounts of iron for the needs of 
 
224 
 
 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 plants. Iron produces a green color in plants and is necessary 
 for chlorophyll formation. The bright color in fruits and 
 flowers has often been attributed to applications of iron salts 
 but experiments along this line have not shown this to be true. 
 It is said that a soil may contain plenty of insoluble iron but not 
 enough soluble iron for the formation of chlorophyll. Enough 
 iron is soluble in the weak soil acids to supply the needs of plants 
 so that this material need not be considered when applying fer- 
 tihzers. 
 
 Common salt, or sodium chloride, has been used for many 
 years in some of the older countries as a fertilizer. In this 
 country a product called agricultural salt has been on the market, 
 v.'hich is mainly common salt. Most of our soils are rich enough 
 in sodium so that applications of common salt are not necessary. 
 This material does not furnish any nitrogen, phosphoric acid or 
 potash as the following analyses show : 
 
 Analyses of Common Salt. 
 
 Chloride of sodium .... 
 Chloride of calcium . . . 
 
 Sulphate of lime 
 
 Chloride of magnesium 
 Chloride of aluminium 
 Sulphate of sodium . . . 
 
 Water 
 
 Insoluble matters 
 
 England38 
 
 Russia^ 
 
 Louis 
 
 Ptr 
 
 Per 
 
 Per 
 
 Per 
 
 Per 
 
 cent. 
 
 cent. 
 
 Qtlit. 
 
 cent. 
 
 cent. 
 
 96.86 
 
 96.70 
 
 91.49 
 
 74.84 
 
 99.10 
 
 0.49 
 
 0.68 
 
 l.IQ 
 
 5-21 
 
 — 
 
 0.74 
 
 0.25 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 0.56 
 
 — 
 
 trace 
 
 2.05 
 
 3-57 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 2.60 
 
 1. 17 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 2.76 
 
 15-21 
 
 — 
 
 0-33 
 
 0.63 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 O.IO 
 
 1.58 
 
 1-74 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 — 
 
 Per 
 cent. 
 
 96.53 
 3-21 
 
 Warington states : '"Salt supplies no essential ingredients of 
 plant food. The little value which salt possesses as a fertilizer 
 is probably due to its action in the soil, where it may help to set 
 free more important constituents." 
 
 The Rhode Island Experiment Station says: "The beneficial 
 action of common salt may be attributed to four reasons, viz. : 
 I. Sodium is a natural constituent of all our agricultural plants; 
 and some soils, so far inland that they get little of it in the rain 
 water, or in which it is naturally deficient, may contain such 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 225 
 
 small quantities that its application supplies the plant with a 
 direct manure which is lacking. It should be borne in mind, 
 however, that all of our commercial fertilizers contain consider- 
 able quantities of potash, usually in the form of muriate of pot- 
 ash or kainit, and that every hundred pounds of the former con- 
 tains about 15 pounds of common salt and of the latter about 
 35 pounds. In consequence of this fact the farm upon which 
 considerable quantities of commercial fertilizer are used is little 
 liable to lack soda. 2. Salt is considered by some as serviceable 
 in destroying fungi and freeing land from grubs. 3. It acts as 
 a solvent upon other elements in the soil, thus enabling the plant 
 to obtain them, serving thus as an indirect manure. To this 
 effect may be attributed, mainly, the beneficial action of salt, 
 though muriate of potash, would, doubtless, in most cases, have 
 the same effect and at the same time supply a more necessary 
 element. 4 It attracts moisture and might therefore be beneficial 
 in a dry season."^^ 
 
 When salt is applied in large amounts it injures vegetation. 
 In small quantities it acts on the phosphates of lime compounds 
 and renders the phosphates soluble. It also tends to decompose 
 organic matter. Its market value is usually about $4 to $6 a 
 ton and at this price the farmer cannot afford to use it since 
 it may be had for nothing when bought in kainit, muriate of 
 potash, and sylvinit, etc. 
 
 Powder waste is another product that is principally made up 
 of common salt. Some of this material may contain nitrates in 
 which case it is more valuable than common salt, although it 
 should not be considered unless it can be had for nothing, or 
 very cheap. It should be applied in small quantities because 
 of the deleterious action that large applications of sodium 
 chloride have on vegetation. 
 
 Sulphates of Magnesia and Soda. — According to M. Dejardin: 
 "Magnesia forms a very important constituent in all soils in 
 which the French vine (grape) resists the attacks of Phylloxera 
 vastatrix. We find, also, that the American vine flourishes best 
 in these soils containing a high percentage of magnesia. The 
 
226 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 amount of magnesia in the ash of the Styrian vine, according 
 to an old analysis, is 6.55 per cent. Therefore, from soils de- 
 ficient "in this ingredient, it is impossible to obtain full or healthy 
 crops. Probably the ravages of the Phylloxera may be traced 
 to the growth of sickly plants season after season, the unhealthy 
 nature being due to the want of small quantities of such mineral 
 ingredients in the soils cultivated as iron and magnesia.'"^' 
 Magnesia in the Ashes of Plants. "^ 
 
 Wheat, grain 
 
 Sugar-cane 
 
 Oats, grain 
 
 Clover 
 
 Rice 
 
 Potato 
 
 13-54 
 
 9.6 
 
 11.78 
 
 6.84 
 
 8.7 
 
 7-7 
 
 8.28 
 
 6.9 
 
 11.96 
 
 9-4 
 
 Sulphate of soda, (salt cake), is sometimes obtained as a 
 by-product in the manufacture of nitric acid from nitrate of 
 soda. When it contains nitrate of soda it has some fertilizing 
 value. Experiments at Rothamstead show the follow/ng yields 
 from some alkaline salts. 
 
 Effect of Alkaline Salts Upon Wheat.' 
 
 Alkaline salt added to ammo- 
 nium salts and superphos- 
 phate in manure. 
 
 1852-1861 
 
 1862-1871 
 
 1872-1881 
 
 1882-1891 
 
 1892-1901 
 
 Grain, bushels 
 
 None 
 
 Sulphate of soda 
 
 Sulphate of potash 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 
 Sulphates of soda, potash 
 and magnesia 
 
 None 
 
 Sulphate of soda 
 
 Sulphate of potash 
 
 Sulphate of magnesia 
 
 Sulphates of soda, potash 
 and magnesia 
 
 28.4 
 33-4 
 329 
 33-5 
 
 34-7 
 
 2,820 
 3.420 
 3.440 
 3.500 
 
 3.640 
 
 27.9 
 
 34- S 
 34-8 
 34-4 
 
 21.7 
 
 25-1 
 
 26.8 
 26.4 
 
 22.7 
 30.1 
 32-5 
 31-1 
 
 35-9 
 
 26.9 
 
 35 -o 
 
 Straw, pounds 
 
 2,450 
 3.050 
 3.340 
 3.070 
 
 2,130 
 2,500 
 2,760 
 2,630 
 
 2,080 
 2,730 
 3.190 
 2,860 
 
 3.430 
 
 2,870 
 
 3.410 
 
 19-5 
 26.7 
 29.6 
 25.0 
 
 31.8 
 
 1,880 
 2,400 
 2,860 
 2.340 
 
 3,110 
 
 The action of the sulphates of soda and magnesia is indirect. 
 These salts attack the store of potash in the soil and render it 
 soluble. The results in the above table show that for the period 
 
MISCELLANEOUS FERTILIZER MATERIALS 22/ 
 
 of 1852-61 the yields favor these salts more than sulphate of 
 potash, but for the period 1892-1901 the sulphate of potash 
 shows to advantage. Should the use of the sulphates of soda 
 and magnesia be continued the sulphate of potash will keep in- 
 creasing in better yields. The soils that these experiments were 
 conducted on were rich in potash or else the effect of the sul- 
 phate would be more noticeable. 
 
 The use of either sulphate of soda or magnesia is hardly to 
 be considered on American soils except when some special crop 
 is grown that depletes the soil of them, which is indeed very 
 rarely. When fertilizers are used there is enough of these con- 
 stituents supplied for the needs of the crop. Most of our soils 
 are well furnished with these constituents. Common salt is 
 cheaper than sulphates of soda or magnesia and when needed 
 will serve the same purpose, namely, to render potash available. 
 
 Carbonate of magnesia is sometimes found on the market but 
 carbonate of lime performs the same functions except that mag- 
 nesia is not supplied, so that we need not consider this material 
 in our fertilizer problems. 
 
 Ammonium chloride and ammonium carbonate are not good 
 fertilizers because they injure plants. Ammonium chloride is 
 sometimes called sal-ammoniac and in the pure state it is rather 
 expensive. 
 
 Manganese Salts. — Manganese is found in small amounts in 
 plants and it is said to stimulate their growth. Although this 
 element is not necessary to apply as soils contain enough of it 
 to satisfy the wants of the plant. 
 
 16 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 IIME, GYPSUM AND GEEEN MANUEES. 
 
 Lime has been used for agricultural purposes for many cen- 
 turies, but for how long we do not know. Records show that it 
 was used on land before the Christian Era. During the six- 
 teenth and seventeenth centuries the practice of liming the land 
 was common in Great Britain and at that time lime was one of 
 the principal fertilizers and large applications were often sup- 
 plied. 
 
 Forms of Lime. — Lime is obtained by burning limestone, chalk, 
 or shells. These are all substances rich in carbonate of lime 
 (CaCO.j). When they are burned the carbonic acid (CO,) 
 passes off, leaving the oxide of lime (CaO), which is called 
 quicklime, caustic lime, store lime and burned lime. The oxide 
 of lime is usually known as lime. When water is added to this 
 product it is readily absorbed and high heat develops forming 
 hydrate of lime (Ca(OH),) which crumbles to a powder. 
 This is known as slaked lime. Quicklime readily absorbs water 
 and therefore slakes when exposed to the air. This is known 
 as air slaked lime and is not as completely slaked as when 
 treated with water. Quicklime is apt to change to limestone 
 on standing as it absorbs carbonic acid from the atmosphere. 
 When quicklime is applied to the soil it changes to carbonate 
 of lime. 
 
 The forms of lime may be represented as follows : 
 
 ( Limestone 
 
 Calcium carbonate — CaCOj ] Chalk 
 
 ( Shells 
 
 f Lime 
 
 I Quicklime 
 
 Calcium oxide — CaO ■{ Stone lime 
 
 I Burned lime 
 
 I, Caustic lime 
 
 Calcium hydrate-Ca (OH) f Water slaked lime 
 
 •^ V /J j^ ^,j. slaked hme 
 
 One hundred pounds of limestone makes about 50 to 56 
 pounds of quicklime which produces about 75 to 85 pounds of 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 
 
 229 
 
 water slaked lime. The purer the limestone, the more quick- 
 lime and water slaked lime is obtained. 
 
 Sources of Carbonate of Lime. — The principal sources of car- 
 bonate of lime in the United States are marble lime, magnesian 
 limestone (Dolomite) and oyster shell lime. 
 
 Marble lime is one of the purest of limestones and when 
 burned produces a fine white quicklime. 
 
 The magnesian limestone is one of the most prevalent in the 
 Eastern part of the United States. It contains considerable 
 magnesium carbonate, which, though valuable, is not equal to 
 lime. 
 
 Oyster shells are pure carbonate of lime but are hardly ever 
 clean, and so the lime obtained by burning oyster shells is not 
 as valuable as that obtained from marble lime. 
 
 Lime should be purchased on its composition because lime 
 from one source may contain much more actual lime than from 
 another. 
 
 COMPOSITTON OF I/IMESTONE.™ 
 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 C 
 
 D 
 
 E 
 
 
 55-14 
 0.14 
 
 l.IO 
 O.II 
 
 43-51* 
 
 54-22 
 
 0-35 
 
 2.46 
 
 0.28 
 
 42.69* 
 
 54.46 
 0.60 
 1.80 
 
 0.15 
 42.99* 
 
 31.70 
 
 20.25 
 
 1.60 
 
 0.28 
 
 46.17* 
 
 30.46 
 21.48 
 
 
 
 Oxides of iron and aluminum - 
 
 0.25 
 47-73 
 
 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.00 
 
 100.00 
 
 
 F 
 
 G 
 
 H 
 
 1 
 
 J 
 
 K 
 
 
 31-31 
 
 21.01 
 0.48 1 
 0.20 j 
 
 47.00 
 
 52.09 
 
 0.47 
 
 4.11 
 
 t 
 
 27.78 
 16.63 
 
 4.21 
 
 t 
 
 36-03 
 
 17.76 
 
 4.00 
 t 
 
 28.96 
 
 18.54 
 
 9.98 
 
 t 
 
 56.02 
 
 
 
 
 Oxides of iron and aluminum 
 
 0.15 
 43-83 
 
 
 
 100.00 
 
 
 
 
 
 loo.oo 
 
 * By difference. f Undetermined. 
 
 A is selected lime.stone. B, bluish limestone, constituting the larger part of that at 
 present quarried. C. granular limestone, impossible to burn in the ordinary kilns be- 
 cause it falls to pieces half as large as a pea when heated. D, pearl-colored stone from a 
 small vein recognized by the eye as magnesian. E, analysis from U. S. Geol. Survey. 
 1898-9. pt. 6. p. 570. Analyses G to I, from Bulletin 6. Geol. and Hi.st. Survey Conn., p. 8.9. 
 K is a white crystallized limestone. Analyses A, B, C. D. F. J and K, made at this same 
 station. 
 
230 
 
 SOIL FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Analyses of Carbonate of Lime Compounds. 
 
 
 Pure 
 limestone 
 Per cent. 
 
 Pure magne- 
 
 sian limestone 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Coral 1 limes, Florida 
 Per cent, Per cent. 
 
 
 56.00 
 
 30-43 
 21.74 
 
 54.52 
 
 44-69 
 
 
 
 
 
 Marli 
 New York 
 Per cent. 
 
 Carbonate! 
 of lime 
 Per cent. 
 
 Ground* oyster 
 
 shells 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Shell' lime 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 49-93 
 
 35-69 
 
 25.24 
 
 41.99 
 
 
 
 
 1 Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 Analyses of Stone Lime or Quicklime.'" 
 
 Adams, Mass. 
 New process 
 
 Glen Falls, 
 N. Y. 
 
 Glen Falls, 
 N. Y. 
 
 Cheshire, 
 Mass. 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Other matters by differ- 
 ence 
 
 9S.13 
 0.42 
 
 1-45 
 
 90.99 
 1. 14 
 
 7-87 
 
 89.56 
 1.22 
 
 9.22 
 
 90.52 
 4.27 
 
 5-21 
 
 Hotisatonic 
 av. four 
 analyses 
 
 E. Canaan 
 
 Conn. 
 Lime Co. 
 
 Lee, Mass 
 
 W. Conn, 
 av. seven 
 analvses 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Other matters by diflfer 
 
 59-90 
 35.13 
 
 4-97 
 
 56.60 
 38.62 
 
 4-78 
 
 55-86 
 40.24 
 
 3-90 
 
 54-63 
 37-83 
 
 7-54 
 
 52-12 
 36.08 
 
 11.80 
 
 Analyses of Slaked Lime, " Hydrated Lime."™ 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Silica and insoluble 
 
 Oxides of iron and aluminum 
 
 Moisture 
 
 Combined water and other matters 
 by difference 
 
 56.00 
 
 3-94 
 
 10.80 1 
 
 1.20 I 
 
 8.70 ) 
 
 19-99 ) 
 
 38-27 
 25.84 
 
 35-89 
 
 71.16 
 
 28.84 
 
 46.15' 
 32.70 
 
 21.15 
 
 100.00 100.00 
 
 ' Not completely slaked, contains some quicklime. 
 
LIMEj GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 23 1 
 
 Analysis of Air Slaked Lime.™ 
 
 Silica and insoluble 4-42 
 
 Oxides of iron and aluminum i.ii 
 
 Lime 45-82 
 
 Magnesia 33-3° 
 
 Other matters 15-35 
 
 100.00 
 
 When Soils Need Lime. — A certain amount of calcium carbo- 
 nate should be present in soils as this compound helps to make 
 plant food available and keeps the soil in a condition favorable 
 for producing crops. When there is a deficiency of calcium 
 carbonate, the soil will most likely be acid or sour. Most farm 
 crops do not grow well on sour soils, but certain weeds seem 
 to thrive on them, and so it is important to keep soils sweet or 
 stocked with a sufficiency of carbonate of lime. The addition 
 of ordinary fertilizers will not benefit crops on sour soils be- 
 cause the nitrifying organisms cannot work to advantage in an 
 acid medium. There may be an ample supply of nitrogen, 
 phosphoric acid and potash in a sour soil and yet good crops can- 
 not be produced because of the need of lime. Soils that run 
 as low as 0.2 per cent, of calcium carbonate generally need 
 lime. 
 
 How to Find Out When Soils are Acid. — ^A simple method that 
 is often effective consists of testing the soil with blue litmus 
 paper. A few cents worth of this paper may be purchased at 
 a drug store. Test the soil as follows : Collect some earth 
 from those portions of the field where the plants are poor or 
 sickly. Mix the samples of earth together, take a small por- 
 tion and add water to form a paste. Place one end of the 
 litmus paper in this mixture and let it remain for about 45 
 minutes. If the soil is sufficiently acid the color of that part 
 of the litmus paper which was dipped in the paste will be 
 changed to red. This is not a delicate test and is only an -'ndi- 
 cation of a soil badly in need of lime. Another way to find out 
 whether your soil needs lime is to express about one-half a pound 
 of the suspicious soil to your State Experiment Station request- 
 ing them to find out if your soil needs lime. Or a plot of the 
 
232 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 suspicious land may be spread with a liberal application of lime 
 and the effect on the crop noted. This last method is perhaps 
 the best test. 
 
 How to Apply Lime. — Finely ground limestone, quick-lime, or 
 water slaked lime may be used to correct acidity in soils. If 
 water slaked lime is used it should be applied just as soon as it 
 becomes powdered. If quick-lime is prefeired, it may be 
 dumped into small heaps and kept covered with earth until the 
 lime slakes or crumbles. 
 
 Lime should be spread in a thin even layer and harrowed 
 in. If slaked lime is used it should be harrowed in immediately 
 as it changes to the carbonate form on exposure to the air. 
 Some farmers use a lime spreader which machine is very effect- 
 ive. Lime should be applied some time before planting as it 
 is liable to injure the seed. 
 
 The Form of Lime to Use. — Marble dust, ground limestone, 
 ground oyster shells, etc. (calcium carbonate), are preferable for 
 soils rich in organic matter, to prevent the loss of nitrogen. Should 
 you desire to correct the acidity of a soil and decompose the 
 organic matter quickly, caustic lime or slaked lime should be 
 used. 
 
 The Pennsylvania Experiment Station conducted experi- 
 ments using a four year rotation of corn, oats, wheat and hay 
 with applications of slaked lime at the rate of two tons per 
 acre every four years, and of ground limestone at the same rate 
 every two years. Four sets of plots were employed so that each 
 crop was grown every year. 
 
 Experiments with Slaked Lime and Limestone." Twenty 
 Years' Produce Per Acre. 
 
 Soil treatment 
 
 No lime 
 
 Slaked lime 
 
 Ground limestone 
 
 Corn 
 
 Oats 
 
 Wheat 
 
 Grain 
 Bus, 
 
 Stover 
 Tons 
 
 Grain 
 Bus. 
 
 straw 
 Tons 
 
 Grain 
 Bus, 
 
 straw 
 Tons 
 
 819 
 699 
 798 
 
 1S.8 
 16.5 
 18.6 
 
 678 
 617 
 733 
 
 17.8 
 20,4 
 
 279 
 3l8 
 331 
 
 13-2 
 14.6 
 16.6 
 
 1 
 
 Hav 
 Tons 
 
 (19 yr.) 
 
 24.9 
 23.6 
 
 29.2 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 
 
 233 
 
 The foregoing results show that the ground limestone pro- 
 duced the larger yields. A determination of the nitrogen con- 
 tent in the surface soil to a depth of 9 inches, at the end of six- 
 teen years, showed that the plots that received limestone con- 
 tained 2,979 pounds of nitrogen per acre and the slaked lime 
 plots, 2,604 pounds of nitrogen, or a difference of 375 pounds 
 of nitrogen in favor of the limestone. 
 
 The Maryland Experiment Station experiments, covering eleven 
 years, with carbonate of lime and caustic lime show that the 
 carbonate of lime gave the better results. A rotation of corn, 
 wheat, and mixed hay( clover and timothy) was grown on plots 
 that received 1,400 pounds of caustic lime and equivalent amounts 
 of shell marl and ground oyster shells at the beginning of the 
 experiment. 
 
 Maryland Experiments with Lime.'" 
 
 
 Produce in eleven years 
 
 Kinds of lime used 
 
 Corn 
 Bushels 
 4 crops 
 
 Wheat 
 Bushels 
 3 crops 
 
 Hay 
 
 Tons 
 
 4 crops 
 
 
 9^ 
 128 
 
 129 
 
 148 
 
 145 
 
 32 
 32 
 
 34 
 42 
 43 
 
 
 
 3-09 
 3-82 
 3-97 
 4.29 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^ Average of two plots. 
 
 Amount of lime to Apply. — The nature of the soil regulates to 
 a certain extent the amount of lime to apply. On soils that are 
 acid it should be understood that the rains have carried the 
 acidity to the subsoil. Therefore during dry periods the capillary 
 water will bring up acid from the subsoil. Enough lime should 
 be added to correct the acidity of the surface soil and allowance 
 should be made for that which may be brought up from the sub- 
 soil. A small application will not last as long as a large quantity 
 
234 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 but will in all probabilit}'' give greater profits per ton of lime. If 
 land must be improved quickly, large applications are the most 
 desirable. The nature of the crops grown should also determine 
 the amount of lime to use. On sandy soils 800 to 1,000 pounds 
 of slaked lime or 1,600 to 2,000 pounds of ground limestone per 
 acre should prove sufficient and for heavy clay soils, 1,600 to 
 2,000 pounds of slaked lime or 3,000 to 4,000 pounds of ground 
 limestone per acre will prove beneficial. Sometimes smaller or 
 larger amounts are used with good results. Some farmers use 
 light applications every four or five years while others apply 
 large quantities at eight, ten or fifteen year periods. The farmer 
 should be the best judge and he can find out after one trial the 
 amount of lime necessary to satisfy his conditions and when 
 to apply it. 
 
 Amount of Lime Removed by Crops. — The table on page 235 
 shows the amounts of lime removed by ordinary field crops. 
 
 The leguminous crops, peas and clover, remove more lime than 
 the grasses. Straw is richer in Hme than the grain and seeds. 
 The root crops contain considerable lime and the leaves or tops 
 remove more than the roots. The sugar beet is especially rich 
 in lime. Cabbages and tobacco contain a great deal of this con- 
 stituent. 
 
 legumes Require an Alkaline Soil. — It is a well known fact 
 that alfalfa, clovers, etc., require a soil well supplied with lime 
 for the best returns. One has only to visit an alfalfa field in a 
 limestone section to find out the benefit of an alkaline soil for 
 producing leguminous crops. On acid soils the legumes become 
 sickly and do not develop tubercles or nodules on their roots. 
 These helpful bacteria which gather nitrogen from the air are 
 not active in an acid soil and cannot perform their functions. 
 
 Amount of Lime in Soils. — The amount of lime in soils varies 
 with the region, nature of the crop grown, kind of soil, and gen- 
 eral use of the land. 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 
 
 235 
 
 Amounts of Lime and Weights of Ordinary Crops in Pounds 
 
 Per Acre.'*' 
 
 Meadow hay, 1% tons. 
 Timothy hay, ij^ tons 
 
 Clover hay, 2 tons 
 
 Wheat 
 
 Grain, 25 bus 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Rye 
 
 Grain, 30 bus. 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Oats 
 
 Grain, 50 bus. 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Barley 
 
 Grain, 50 bus. 
 
 Straw 
 
 Total 
 
 Corn 
 
 Kernel, 50 bus 
 
 Cobs 
 
 Stover 
 
 Total 
 
 Potatoes ■ 
 
 Tubers, 200 bus 
 
 Haulm, (stems). . .. 
 
 Total 
 
 Sogar-Beets 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Mangels 
 
 Roots, 25 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Turnips 
 
 Roots, 20 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Swedes 
 
 Roots, 16 tons 
 
 Tops 
 
 Total 
 
 Cabbages, 20 tons 
 
 Onions, 500 bus, 
 
 Tobacco, leaf 
 
 Wt, as harvested 
 
 Lime 
 
 3,000 
 3,000 
 4,000 
 
 30.4 
 14-3 
 81. 1 
 
 1,.'500 
 2.500 
 4,000 
 
 0.9 
 7.0 
 
 7.9 
 
 1.680 
 2.000 
 
 0.9 
 6.8 
 
 3.680 
 
 7.7 
 
 1,600 
 2,100 
 
 1.6 
 9-5 
 
 3.700 
 
 II. I 
 
 2,350 
 2,800 
 
 5,150 
 
 1.4 
 
 9-2 
 
 10.6 
 
 2,800 
 
 700 
 
 2,300 
 
 5,800 
 
 0.80 
 
 0.02 
 
 11. 50 
 
 12.32 
 
 14,000 
 
 4,500 
 
 18,500 
 
 30 
 28.1 
 
 31.1 
 
 40,000 
 20,000 
 60,000 
 
 12.6 
 
 99.2 
 
 III. 8 
 
 50,000 
 18,500 
 68,500 
 
 12.9 
 27.5 
 40.4 
 
 40,000 
 11,600 
 51,600 
 
 323 
 59-5 
 91.8 
 
 32,000 
 4,800 
 36,800 
 40,000 
 28,500 
 1,500 
 
 21-5 
 
 23.1 
 44.6 
 95-3 
 42.7 
 
 83.4 
 
236 SOIL, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Percentage of Lime in Various Soils.-'' 
 
 Kind of Soil Lime 
 
 1 . Prairie soil from North Dakota 0.85 to 3.9 
 
 2. Virgin soil from Walla Walla; fertile, sandy, from basal- 
 
 tic rock 1.34 to 2.1 
 
 3. Heavy prairie swamp, with clay subsoil; yields large 
 
 crops of hay, fair wheat, poor corn i .39 
 
 4. Muck, from Union Pier, Michigan 0.97 
 
 J. Subsoil corresponding to No. 3 1.28 
 
 6. Drift soil, with clay subsoil, Oswego, N. Y 0.35 to 1.87 
 
 7. Alluvial bottom soil, Louisiana u.41 to 2.06 
 
 5. Barren, pine hill land, Louisiana o.og 
 
 9. Sandy soil, Rio Grande, N. J 0.225 ^-O 0.505 
 
 10. Soils from Kansas and Nebraska, prairie 0.45 to 0.76 
 
 11. Sugar-cane soil, Demerara, cropped 15 years 0.08 
 
 12. Sugar-cane soil, Jamaica 0.99 
 
 13. Rhine alluvium, Zuider Zee, Holland, r surface 4.09 
 
 highly fertile .j 15 in. deep ■• 5.10 
 
 y 30 in. deep •■ 2.48 
 
 14. Fertile wheat soil. Mid Lothian, Scotland 1.23 
 
 15. Sterile soil, Upper Palatinate, Bavaria o.io 
 
 16. Ten sandy soils from Alabama, Florida and Georgia 0.045 'o 0.141 
 
 17. Ten clay soils from Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, 
 
 Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana 0.036 to 3.054 
 
 18. Average of 466 non-calcareous soils of humid region of the 
 
 United States (S. C.,N. C, Ark., Ky., and Gulf States), o.il 
 
 19. Average of 313 soils of and region of the United States 
 
 (Cal., Wash., Montana) 1.36 
 
 20. Alkali soils of California, Washington and Montana 0.03 to 4.5 
 
 21. Black tschernosem, Poltara, Russia (wheat soil) 1.21 
 
 22. Volcanic soil, gray, Sumatra (tobacco soil) 0.77 
 
 23. Granitic soil, Granville, N. C. (yellow tobacco soil) 0.07 
 
 24. Limestone soil, Donegal, Penna 0.61 
 
 25. Limestone soil, Rocky Spring, Penna., surface 0.41 
 
 26. Limestone soil. Rocky Spring, Penna., subsoil 0.25 
 
 The foregoing analyses do not show the great variation of 
 lime in soils, for chalky soils, coral soils, marly soils, etc., con- 
 tain sometimes as high as 25 per cent, of lime. The analyses 
 in the table show that the fertile soils contain 0.2 per cent, of 
 lime or more, and those containing less than this amount are 
 not very productive. 
 
 Mechanical Action of Lime. — On a heavy clay soil lime loosens 
 the soil and makes it lighter and more porous. It relieves some- 
 
LIMEj GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 
 
 237 
 
 what the tendency of these soils to puddle. It renders them 
 easier to work and lessens the stickiness or adhesiveness a great 
 deal. We learned that puddling is due to the fine state of divis- 
 ion of the particles in clay soils. Lime tends to cause a coagula- 
 tion or flocculation of these fine soil particles. This action is 
 easily demonstrated by placing some clay soil in a glass of water 
 and adding a pinch of lime. When the lime is added and the 
 contents of the glass well stirred, the soil particles precipitate 
 and settle to the bottom of the glass leaving a clear solution of 
 water. 
 
 Lime lessens the tendency of clay soils from cracking because 
 it does not shrink in dry weather. For this reason the addition 
 of lime to clay soils makes them easier to work. On sandy soils 
 lime has an entirely opposite effect than on clay soils. Instead 
 of making the soil lighter and more open it binds together the 
 soil particles. It increases the capillary power of light soils 
 and thus makes these soils better able to stand dry weather. 
 
 Lime Renders Plant Food Available. — We have already said 
 that lime acts on organic matter. On peaty land, old forest 
 land, and other places where considerable vegetable matter has 
 accumulated, lime is very beneficial as it helps to liberate the 
 
 nitrogen and form nitrates. 
 
 The following table shows the effect 
 
 of lime on a soil that was heavily supplied with organic matter. 
 Effect of Lime on Soils Rich in Organic Matter.' 
 
 Artificial fertilizers 
 
 The yield of the limed plot is taken at 100, and it is evident 
 that the liming of land heavily supplied with organic matter is 
 beneficial in crop production. 
 
 Most soils contain iron and alumina which are united with 
 more or less phosphoric acid. These phosphates are very slowly 
 
238 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 soluble in soil solutions and an addition of lime liberates some 
 of the phosphoric acid by combining with a part of the iron 
 and alumina phosphates. 
 
 The inert potash compounds in soils, as silicates which are 
 insoluble, are attacked by lime and the potash set free, because 
 lime changes place with the potash in these substances. 
 
 Boussingault shows the effect of lime on increasing the potash 
 content of clover.** 
 
 Kilos per hectare i 
 
 Unlimed 
 
 2d year 
 
 Limed 
 
 1st year 
 
 2d year 
 
 Lime 
 
 Potash 
 
 Phosphoric acid . 
 
 32.2 
 26.7 
 
 II.O 
 
 32.2 
 28.6 
 
 7-0 
 
 79-4 
 95-6 
 24.2 
 
 102.8 
 97.2 
 22.9 
 
 The limed plots show about three and one-half times more 
 potash than the unlimed and an average of about two and one- 
 half times more phosphoric acid. 
 
 Lime does not add any nitrogen, phosphoric acid or potash 
 to the soil but sets these constituents free. Therefore the con- 
 tinual use of lime will make a soil less productive, hence the 
 saying, "Liming makes the father rich and the son poor." 
 
 Lime Decreases Many Fungus Diseases. — Many fungi and moulds 
 that prosper in an acid soil are destroyed when lime is added and 
 the soil kept alkaline or sweet. Certain rusts, smuts, club root, 
 etc., are due to fungi that require a sour soil for their develop- 
 ment. Lime seems to favor the potato scab fungus and potatoes 
 grown on limed soils usually produce scabby tubers. This fun- 
 gus may be checked in alkaline soils by dipping the seed potatoes 
 in a solution of formalin or corrosive sublimate before planting. 
 
 Acidity of Upland Soils. — The Rhode Island Experiment Sta- 
 tion has conducted extensive and valuable experiments on the need 
 of lime for soils and the following is a summary of an article 
 "Acidity of Upland Soils" from one of this Station's reports. 
 
 1 Kilo = 2.20 pounds ; hectare = 2.47 acres. 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 239 
 
 The removal of plants from the soil and the use of certain 
 fertilizers doubtless exhaust the lime and other basic ingredients 
 of the soil more rapidly than would be the case were nature al- 
 lowed to take her course. 
 
 That an acid condition is liable to result in consequence of the 
 above-mentioned operations, particularly in the case of soils de- 
 rived from rocks deficient in basic ingredients, we believe to be 
 a reasonable assumption. 
 
 A strongly marked reddening of blue litmus paper seems to be 
 a simple and effective indication of the condition of a soil in the 
 above-mentioned particulars. 
 
 The value of a satisfactory method for determining the rela- 
 tive acidity of soils would seem to be great. 
 
 A dangeious degree of acidity or at least a fatal lack of car- 
 bonate of lime appears to exist in upland and naturally well- 
 drained soils, and is not confined to muck and peat swamps and 
 very wet lands as most American and many other writers seem 
 to assume, in view of which it appears that the test for acidity 
 should be more generally applied to such soils. 
 
 That this condition of upland soils has not been more fully 
 recognized heretofore is not surprising for the reason that the 
 failure or partial failure of certain crops has been attributed 
 to winter-killing, poor germination of seeds, drought, excessive 
 moisture, or attacks by insects or fungi. Upon soils where cer- 
 tain plants are injured only to a limited extent by acidity others 
 would be expected to thrive best of all, in consequence of which 
 it is not surprising that the cause for the partial failure of cer- 
 tain crops upon them has not been suspected. 
 
 The inefficiency of land plaster as compared to air slacked lime 
 in the culture of beets and in overcoming the ill effect of sulphate 
 of ammonia, as well as the highly beneficial results from the 
 use of caustic magnesia and carbonate of soda, all tend to further 
 strengthen the position that the fault of the soil in question is 
 a lack of basic ingredients, to which the presence of noxious 
 compounds which may partly or wholly give rise to the acid re- 
 action, is attributable. '^ 
 
240 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Observations on the Growth of Plants. — The Rhode Island Ex- 
 periment Station gives the following observations on the growth 
 of plants: 
 
 1. The experiments with grasses show that they vary almost 
 as widely as other plants, so far as concerns the effect of lime 
 upon them. 
 
 2. Of the grasses tested, Kentucky blue grass and timothy 
 seem to be most benefited by liming, and Rhode Island bent and 
 red top most indifferent to it. 
 
 3. Awnless brome grass, meadow oat grass, tall fescue and 
 orchard grass, which are among the most promising of the other 
 grasses tried, all show a decided benefit from liming. 
 
 4. These results serve to explain why, on many of our Rhode 
 Island soils, timothy 'runs out' quickly, and red top and Rhode 
 Island bent persist better. 
 
 5. Without doubt many failures of timothy attributable to 
 poor seed, or failure to 'catch' without definitely known cause, 
 could have been prevented had the land been adequately provided 
 with lime in the form of slacked lime or wood ashes. 
 
 6. One of the miscellaneous plants which has shown an in- 
 jury from lime applied shortly before it has been grown, and 
 which has failed to be benefited by it after it had lain in the soil 
 long enough to lose its caustic property, is the lupine, but this 
 plant has never been grown to any extent in Rhode Island. 
 
 7. The watermelon seems thus far to be about the only plant 
 which is frequently grown here which may not be benefited 
 eventually by liming. 
 
 8. Potatoes have sometimes produced a slightly greater total 
 yield from liming, and usually a much greater percentage of 
 merchantable tubers, but owing to the fact that wood ashes and 
 water — or air slacked lime (not gypsum or land plaster) increase 
 the virulence of the potato scab to a serious degree, lime in these 
 forms, if used at all on potato fields, should be applied in small 
 quantities, seldom exceeding half a ton per acre. The seed 
 tubers should also be as free as possible from the scab, and be 
 treated with corrosive sublimate solution, or with formalin. 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 24 1 
 
 9. Since potatoes, Indian corn, rye, Rhode Island bent grass 
 and red top are less in need of lime than timothy, clover, barley, 
 etc., certain fields could be set aside for rotations without lime 
 and others with it. 
 
 10. Beets have shown a wonderful benefit from liming, not 
 only on the Station farm but in many other sections of the State 
 where experiments with them have been tried. 
 
 11. Spinach has again shown great benefit from liming, it 
 being in this particular instance like lettuce. 
 
 12. Rye, dandelions (excepting the first crop in the spring), 
 carrots and crimson clover have shown a less marked benefit 
 from liming than beets and spinach. 
 
 13. Lupines which are grown so extensively for green manur- 
 ing in Germany, but which are unsafe as feed until a poisonous 
 substance has been extracted from them, are seriously injured 
 by liming. 
 
 14. In regard to small fruits, orchard fruits and forest trees, 
 little can be said at this time except that grapes (particularly 
 the Delaware), peach and elm and American linden trees and 
 quince bushes, seem to be benefited by liming. Possibly the 
 white birch and Norway spruce may be injured by liming, even 
 on a very acid soil. Blackberries were apparently very thrifty 
 on the unlimed sulphate of ammonia plot, where many plants 
 are wholly unable to endure the soil conditions.''^ 
 
 Effect of Lime in Conjunction with Nitrate of Soda and Sulphate of 
 
 Ammonia. 
 
 Strawberries appear to have been helped by lime on our very 
 acid soil, but it is possible that on a neutral or alkaline one 
 injury from its use might result. 
 
 Asparagus has been wonderfully helped by lime. The supe- 
 riority of nitrate of soda, as compared with sulphate of ammonia 
 for this plant, was also most striking, afifording a strong con- 
 trast, in this particular, with blackberries. 
 
 Rhubarb was apparently helped by lime, though in a small de- 
 gree as compared with asparagus. Nitrate of soda also proved 
 slightly more effective than sulphate of ammonia as a source 
 of nitrogen. 
 
242 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 White mustard showed moderate benefit from liming, and in- 
 dicated the superiority of nitrate of soda as a form of nitrogen. 
 
 Parsley showed little if any advantage from the use of lime 
 in connection with nitrate of soda, though on the unlimed sul- 
 phate of ammonia plot the results were extremely poor as com- 
 pared with those where lime was applied. Comparing the two 
 limed plots, but little difference in the two forms of nitrogen 
 was noticeable. 
 
 Swiss chard, like beets, to which it is closely related, was won- 
 derfully helped by lime, and gave far better results with nitrate 
 of soda than with sulphate of ammonia. 
 
 Chicory was not helped, but, on the contrary, apparently in- 
 jured by lime upon the nitrate of soda plots. Where sulphate of 
 ammonia has been used continuously lime was, however, useful. 
 Sulphate of ammonia gave better results than nitrate of soda on 
 the limed plots. 
 
 Leeks were helped by lime in a most striking degree, even 
 upon the nitrate of soda plots. For this crop the superiority of 
 nitrate of soda as compared with sulphate of ammonia, even 
 upon the limed plots, was also marked. 
 
 Endive plants were materially helped by lime, though in a less 
 degree than asparagus or Swiss chard. These plants showed 
 marked ability to withstand the conditions upon the unlimed 
 sulphate of ammonia plot where leeks and Swiss chard failed 
 utterly. Nitrate of soda gave better results than sulphate of 
 ammonia upon the limed plots, though the difference was less 
 striking than in the case of many other plants. 
 
 Carrots have indicated, usually, varying benefit from liming 
 upon our quite acid soil, but upon a neutral or alkaline one. 
 heavy applications might exert injury. 
 
 It would seem to be wise to introduce this crop into a rotation 
 two or three years after liming, an idea which is suggested by 
 occasional injury noticed soon after lime was applied. 
 
 Mangel-wurzels fully corroborated the experience of previous 
 years, showing striking benefit from the use of lime, and great 
 superiority of nitrate of soda over sulphate of ammonia when 
 nitrogen in these forms is employed in like amounts and under 
 identical conditions. 
 
hlMi,, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 243 
 
 Watermelons give indication that the great injury otherwise 
 resulting from liming can probably be avoided if tlie melons are 
 introduced into the rotation three or more years after the lime 
 is applied. 
 
 This season nitrate of soda proved, when used without lime, 
 but slightly better than sulphate of ammonia, though on the 
 limed plots the nitrate form of nitrogen was much superior. 
 
 Muskmelons have fully agreed with the tests of former years, 
 indicating great benefit from liming, and the superiority of 
 nitrogen in the form of nitrate of soda. 
 
 Dwarf broom-corn was helped moderately by liming, and on the 
 limed plots the results were identical in the case of both forms of 
 nitrogen. 
 
 Comet aster ("The Bride"), though it was helped by Hme, 
 even in connection with nitrate of soda, showed, nevertheless, 
 wonderful ability to withstand the acid condition existing on 
 the unlimed sulphate of ammonia plot where so many other 
 kinds of plants entirely failed. But little difference was noticed 
 between the action of the two forms of nitrogen. 
 
 Sweet peas showed marked advantage from the employment 
 of lime, as shown by the increased weight of vines, and especial- 
 ly by the great increase of blossoms. Many more blossoms and 
 heavier vines were produced by nitrate of soda than by sulphate 
 of ammonia upon the limed plots. 
 
 Poppies seemed to be wonderfully helped by lime, as indicated 
 by the number of blossoms and by the total weight of the 
 plants. Nitrate of soda proved far superior to sulphate of 
 ammonia as a source of nitrogen for this plant.'' 
 
 Gas lime is the refuse lime from the manufacture of coal gas. 
 Coal gas is passed over fresh slaked lime which absorbs the 
 impurities, principally sulphur compounds and gases, from the 
 coal gas. The presence of sulphur compounds in this product 
 makes it unsafe to use because it has a poisonous effect on young 
 plant growth. It may be applied to the soil provided it is 
 allowed to thoroughly oxidize (by exposing it to the air for 
 a long time in heaps mixed with earth) in which case the in- 
 jurious compounds are changed so that they are not harmful. 
 17 
 
244 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Sometimes it is put on the land before being oxidized to get rid 
 of insects and if so it should be applied a long time before 
 planting. 
 
 Analyses of Gas I<imk.' 
 
 Water 
 
 Calcium hydrate (slaked lime) 
 
 Calcium carbonate 
 
 Calcium sulphide 
 
 Calcium thio-sulphide 
 
 Calcium oxy-sulphide 
 
 Calcium sulphite 
 
 Calcium sulphate 
 
 Sulphur 
 
 Silica, etc 
 
 19.2 
 
 15-1 
 24.2 
 6.9 
 11.8 
 3-2 
 1-5 
 0.25 
 
 4-3 
 3-55 
 
 Slightly 
 oxidized 
 
 32-3 
 17.7 
 
 44-5 
 
 12.3 ■ 
 
 14-57 
 2.80 
 
 5-14 
 0.71 
 
 Oxidized 
 
 30.1 
 32.6 
 
 17-5 
 trace 
 
 Gypsum. — This product is sometimes called land plaster, 
 lime is as sulphate in this compound. 
 
 Analyses of Gypsum.^ 
 
 The 
 
 Source 
 
 Water 
 
 Lime 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 Sulphuric 
 aeid 
 
 Carbonic 
 acid 
 
 Insoluble 
 matter, etc. 
 
 Nova Scotia 
 
 New York 
 
 6.45 
 13-27 
 
 33-74 
 30.00 
 
 0-75 
 4.66 
 
 44.87 
 32-50 
 
 8.20 
 
 5-79 
 9-83 
 
 Gypsum does not contain as much lime as good limestone. 
 It is a good fertilizer for leguminous crops as clover, alfalfa, etc. 
 When applied to the soil the calcium sulphate attacks the in- 
 soluble potash and renders it available to plants. Boussingault 
 shows this as follows : 
 
 Composition of Clover Ash.' 
 
 Potash 
 
 Soda 
 
 Magnesia 
 
 I/ime 
 
 Oxides of iron and manganese 
 
 Chlorine 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 
 Sulphuric acid 
 
 Silica 
 
 without gypsum With gypsum 
 
 23.6 
 
 35-4 
 
 1.2 
 
 0.9 
 
 7-6 
 
 6.7 
 
 28.5 
 
 29.4 
 
 1.2 
 
 I.O 
 
 4-1 
 
 3-8 
 
 9-7 
 
 9.0 
 
 3-9 
 
 3-4 
 
 20.0 
 
 10.4 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 245 
 
 The potash in the ash of clover when gypsum was used is 
 much higher than without. The sulphuric acid and lime are 
 practically the same. 
 
 The use of gypsum instead of lime (CaO) is not to be 
 recommended as the real value of gypsum is in liberating locked- 
 up potash. Superphosphates contain gypsum and when they are 
 used it would not be necessary to apply gypsum. Gypsum seems 
 to keep the soil moist in dry weather by absorbing moisture 
 from the air or conserving it in the soil. On soils low in potash, 
 gypsum does not seem to be beneficial and when soils fail to 
 respond to gypsum an application of potash may be needed. 
 
 Snyder states: "The indirect action of land plaster (gypsum) 
 on western and central prairie soils in liberating plant food, par- 
 ticularly potash and phosphoric acid, is unusually marked. Ex- 
 periments conducted in the laboratory have shown that small 
 amounts of gypsum are quite active in rendering potash, phos- 
 phoric acid, and even nitrogen, soluble in the soil water. It is 
 not the land plaster itself that furnishes the food, but it is the 
 power that it possesses in making the mineral matters available 
 that are already in the soil. Land plaster acts more as a stimu- 
 lant and not as a direct fertilizer, and if not used to excess it 
 will be a profitable fertilizer to use on these soils, especially to 
 bring in grass and clover."'" 
 
 Green Manures. — ^Any crop that is grown and plowed under 
 in order to benefit the soil is called a green manure. A green 
 manure may help the soil in any of the following ways : 
 
 1. By keeping up the humus supply by furnishing organic 
 matter. 
 
 2. By improving the texture of soils, by making heavy soils 
 lighter and sandy soils more retentive. 
 
 3. By utilizing the soluble plant food that would otherwise be 
 lost if the land was left bare. 
 
 4. By ridding the land of many weeds and thus serve as a 
 cleaning crop. 
 
 5. By bringing up plant food from the subsoil to the surface 
 soil. 
 
246 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 6. By using a leguminous crop the nitrogen content of the 
 soil may be increased, by utilizing the nitrogen from the air. 
 
 7. By preventing the washing of soils, or erosion. 
 
 Classes of Green Manures. — There are many crops used as green 
 manures and the section of the country determines to a great ex- 
 tent what crops to select. Green manure crops may be classi- 
 fied as leguminous and non-leguminous. 
 
 1. The leguminous green manure crops are those that have 
 the power of securing nitrogen from the air and are represented 
 in the clovers, cowpea, soy bean, alfalfa, vetches, velvet bean, 
 Canada field pea, etc. 
 
 2. The non-leguminous green manure crops are those that 
 draw on the soil entirely for their supply of food, and rape, rye, 
 oats, buckwheat and mustard are examples of this class. 
 
 Of the leguminous crops the red clover is the most popular 
 in the North and the cowpea and clovers in the South. Crim- 
 son clover and alfalfa are also popular. The vetches and soy 
 beans are not used so much as the other mentioned legumes. 
 
 Rye is the most common non-leguminous crop and is often 
 pastured in the fall or early winter. 
 
 leguminous Crops are to be Preferred. — The leguminous crops 
 are better than the non-leguminous because they can secure ni- 
 trogen from the air and increase the soil supply of this constitu- 
 ent. They also return more nitrogen to the soil when plowed under. 
 The non-leguminous plants simply draw on the soil for food 
 and when plowed under only add non-nitrogenous matter. The 
 principal benefit derived from the non-leguminous plants is to 
 save the loss of soluble plant food when a legume cannot be 
 selected. The non-leguminous plants are more expensive to 
 grow because they require a supply of nitrogen and generally 
 of phosphoric acid and potash to insure good growth. The 
 legumes only require potash and phosphoric acid and sometimes 
 only phosphoric acid. So it is evident that rye, oats, rape, 
 mustard, etc., cannot take the place of the legumes in supplying 
 green manure as they cost too much to grow and do not return 
 as much fertility to the soil. 
 
•LIMg, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 
 
 247 
 
 Fertility Restored by Some Plants. — ^The following table shows 
 the composition of some plants used as green manures and also 
 gives an indication of the fertility added to the soil when they 
 are plowed under. 
 
 Composition of Plants (Tops and Roots)". Delaware Experiment 
 Station : Crops Seeded July 22. 
 
 Crop and 
 date of 
 harvest. 
 
 Parts of plant 
 
 Pounds per acre and per cent, in roots. 
 
 Air-dry 
 matter 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phospho- 
 rus 
 
 Cowpeas 
 Nov. 7 . 
 
 Soy beans 
 Nov. II. . 
 
 Vetch 
 Nov. 19. 
 
 Crimson 
 clover, 
 
 Nov. 20. . 
 
 Alfalfa 
 Nov. 20. . 
 
 Red clover 
 Nov. 22 . . 
 
 Rape 
 
 Nov. 16.. 
 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots- 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots . 
 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots . 
 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots . 
 Tops. 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots . 
 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 Roots, 8 to 12 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots. 
 
 Tops 
 
 Roots, o to 8 inches 
 
 Per cent, in roots . 
 
 3,718 
 
 301 
 
 9 
 
 65.2 
 4.2 
 0.1 
 
 7.2 
 i.o 
 o.i 
 
 39-2 
 1-9 
 o.i 
 
 8.0 
 
 6,790 
 
 717 
 
 39 
 
 6.0 
 
 130-9 
 8.8 
 
 0-5 
 
 13.0 
 
 16.5 
 l.o 
 0.0 
 
 8.0 
 
 38.3 
 1.4 
 
 O.I 
 
 3.064 
 
 584 
 
 16 
 
 6.5 
 
 108.0 
 
 12.8 
 
 0.4 
 
 5-5 
 9.8 
 2.0 
 
 O.I 
 
 4.0 
 
 65.1 
 
 5-7 
 
 0.2 
 
 17.0 
 
 5>372 
 
 381 
 
 32 
 
 II. o 
 
 128.2 
 5-7 
 0.5 
 
 18.0 
 
 25-9 
 0.8 
 
 O.I 
 
 8.0 
 69.7 
 
 3-2 
 
 7.0 
 2,267 
 1.972 
 
 8 
 
 6.0 
 
 54-8 
 
 40.2 
 
 0.2 
 
 3-5 
 5-7 
 3-7 • 
 0.0 
 
 5-0 
 
 26.7 
 
 7-9 
 0.0 
 
 47.0 
 
 2,819 
 
 1. 185 
 
 27 
 
 42.0 
 
 69.8 
 
 32.5 
 0.7 
 
 39-0 
 
 8.3 
 4-3 
 
 O.I 
 
 23.0 
 
 38.6 
 8.0 
 0.2 
 
 30.0 
 
 5,533 
 864 
 
 32.0 
 
 116.2 
 
 13.2 
 
 35-0 
 
 18.3 
 
 2.2 
 
 18.0 
 
 123.0 
 
 10.9 
 
 13-5 
 
 lo.o 
 
 8.0 
 
 There is a great difference in the proportion of nitrogen, 
 phosphoric acid and potash in the tops and roots of the above 
 plants. The cowpea, soy bean, vetch, crimson clover, and rape 
 especially contain a large proportion of nitrogen in the tops. 
 
248 
 
 SOIt FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Although alfalfa contains more nitrogen in the tops, the amount 
 in the roots is quite considerable and in a larger proportion than 
 in the other legumes. 
 
 Crimson clover is higher in phosphorus and potassium than 
 the other legumes. 
 
 Alfalfa contains less potassium than the other crops, and 
 next to cowpeas, the smallest amount of phosphorus. 
 
 Rape uses a great deal of potash, especially in the tops. 
 
 Amount of Nitrogen Obtained from the Air. — The importance 
 of using legumes when possible is emphasized by the amount of 
 nitrogen that is fixed by bacteria from the air. 
 
 Fixation of Nitrogen by Ai,fai,fa in Field Culture." 
 
 Treatment applied 
 
 Dry matter in 
 
 crops 
 
 (Pounds) 
 
 Nitrogen in 
 dry matter 
 (Percent.) 
 
 Nitrogen in 
 
 crops 
 
 (Pounds) 
 
 None 
 
 Bacteria 
 
 Lime 
 
 Lime, bacteria 
 
 Lime, phosphorus ■ 
 Lime, phosphorus, 
 bacteria 
 
 i,i8o 
 2,300 
 1,300 
 2,570 
 1,740 
 
 3.290 
 
 1.85 
 2.70 
 2.02 
 2.65 
 2.03 
 
 2.71 
 
 21.81 
 62.04 
 26.20 
 68.02 
 35-40 
 
 89.05 
 
 Nitrogen fixed 
 
 by Bacteria 
 
 (Pounds) 
 
 40.23 
 41.82 
 
 53-65 
 
 It should be known that the legumes do not necessarily draw 
 all of their nitrogen from the air when soils are well supplied 
 with nitrogen. On such soils the legumes may use the nitrogen 
 in the soil instead of fixing the nitrogen from the air. Green 
 manures are generally grown to increase the nitrogen supply 
 in the soil so that on most farms where green manuring is 
 practiced the nitrogen will be derived mostly from the atmos- 
 phere by the leguminous plants. Should organic matter be 
 needed on a soil containing sufficient nitrogen, a non-leguminous 
 crop may be grown. 
 
 The Best Time to Plow Under a Green Manure. — Crops used 
 for green manuring should be plowed under before they become 
 dry. When they are plowed under while green and fresh 
 they are more readily decayed and prevent the loss of 
 water somewhat from Hght soils. Dry crops plowed under 
 interfere with the use of water from the subsoil and on light 
 
LIME, GYPSUM AND GREEN MANURES 249 
 
 sandy soils may lower the yield of the crop that follows. If 
 possible the green manure should be plowed under some two or 
 three weeks before planting time to give it a chance to partially 
 decay so as not to injure the planted crop and to furnish some 
 food for the young seedlings. 
 
 The Best Time to Grow a Green Manure. — If the soil is poor 
 and run down it is sometimes advisable to keep it in a green 
 manure for a season or two. Generally, however, green manures 
 fit well into rotations and may often be grown when the land is 
 ordinarily idle or between money crops. In the South, crops 
 like rye, crimson clover, red clover, vetch, etc. may be grown in 
 the winter and turned under in time for the summer crop. In 
 the North, rye and vetch may be used as winter crops. Some- 
 times it is advisable to sow a green manure at the time another 
 crop is laid by. Then when the crop is harvested the green 
 manure crop will have grown sufficiently to turn under and the 
 land may be sowed to some small grain crop; or the green 
 manure crop may be planted after harvest and remain on the 
 land all winter and plowed under in the spring. 
 
 In fruit orchards green manure crops (cover crops) as rye, 
 oats, clover, etc., are often sown about mid-summer to absorb 
 moisture and available plant food from the soil and to cause the 
 buds to mature and cease growth of the wood and leaves. This 
 crop is allowed to remain on the soil all winter and in the spring 
 it is plowed under. By keeping the land covered during the 
 winter leaching of plant food and washing away of soil is 
 lessened. 
 
 Deep Rooted Plants Valuable. — ^Alfalfa, clover, etc., have very 
 long tap roots which penetrate the subsoil, thus securing a great 
 deal of plant food that would not be within reach of many culti- 
 vated plants. These leguminous plants also bring a great deal 
 of plant food from the subsoil to the surface soil and leave it there 
 for succeeding crops. When these deep roots decay they leave 
 openings in the soil which help to increase drainage and aera- 
 tion and thus improve the physical condition of soils. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS. 
 
 Since i860, when fertilizers were used on a comparatively 
 small scale, the fertilizer industry has increased until to-day it 
 is of great importance. In i860 the wholesale cost of the out- 
 put of the fertilizer factories was $891,344; in 1890, $39,180,844; 
 in 1900, $40,445,661 ; and in 1905, $50,506,294 or a difference 
 of $49,614,950 between the years i860 and 1905. These figures 
 do not represent what the consumer paid for fertilizer during 
 these years as these amounts cover practically the wholesale 
 cost. The above tigure.s are only approximate at the best and in 
 all probability they should be larger for the years 1900 and 1905, 
 but they will serve to impress one with the magnitude of the 
 fertilizer industry in the United States to-day. 
 Statistics on Fertilizers." 
 
 1890 
 
 Establishments ■ . 
 Hands employed 
 
 Capital 
 
 Wages 
 
 Materials 
 
 Products 
 
 47 
 
 390 
 
 308 
 
 10,158 
 
 $466,000 
 
 $40,594, iCS 
 
 95,016 
 
 4,671,831 
 
 590.816 
 
 25,113,874 
 
 891.344 
 
 39,180,844 
 
 Statistics on Fertilizers, 1900-1905.'' 
 
 
 1900 
 
 1905 
 
 
 $60,685,753 
 
 5.451. 153 
 10,247,759 
 
 28,958,473 
 
 40,445,661 
 
 2,887,004 
 
 $69,023,264 
 6,490,727 
 10,798,212 
 
 39.343.914 
 50,506,294 
 
 3.591.771 
 
 
 
 Cost of materials 
 
 Total cost of products (fertilizers) • . - 
 
 
 From this last table it will be seen that 3,591,771 tons of 
 fertilizers were manufactured during 1905. If the consumer 
 paid on the average $25 a ton for his fertilizer, the total cost 
 would be $89,794,275 or an amount equal to the annual sugar 
 crop (beet and cane in the United States) ; or to the barley crop; 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 25 1 
 
 or to the rice, rye and flaxseed crops combined. As the con- 
 sumption of manufactured fertilizers is increasing and consider- 
 ing that the tonnage for 1905 was greater by 704,767 tons than 
 for 1900, and that the estimates are only approximate and prob- 
 ably too low, we may safely conclude that for the year 19 10 
 over $100,000,000 was spent for fertilizers in the United States, 
 or an amount equal to the oat crop for 1909. 
 
 Distribution of Fertilizer. — The following table shows the dis- 
 tribution of manufactured fertilizers used in some of the states 
 for the year 1907. 
 
 Consumption of Fertilizers by States." 
 
 Alabama 301,657 
 
 Arkansas 21,400 
 
 California 21,647 
 
 Connecticut 45,000 
 
 Delaware 15,000 
 
 Florida 107,226 
 
 Georgia 786,736 
 
 ♦Illinois 15,000 
 
 Indiana 118,000 
 
 *Kansas 5,000 
 
 Kentucky 48,000 
 
 Louisiana 102,454 
 
 *Maine 75,ooo 
 
 Maryland 180,000 
 
 ♦Massachusetts 85,000 
 
 Michigan 20,000 
 
 Mississippi 138,668 
 
 Missouri 15,000 
 
 *New Hampshire 42,000 
 
 New Jersey 130,000 
 
 *New York 300,000 
 
 North Carolina 459,181 
 
 Ohio 140,000 
 
 ♦Pennsylvania 300,000 
 
 ♦Rhode Island 12,000 
 
 South Carolina 631,033 
 
 Tennessee 37,798 
 
 Texas 21,600 
 
 Vermont 17,000 
 
 Virginia 237,018 
 
 West Virginia 22,105 
 
 Wisconsin i ,000 
 
 Total of 4,451.523 
 
 * Estimated. 
 
 1 .'Vmerican Fertilizer Handbook, 1909. 
 
252 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 It should be understood that there is considerable fertilizer 
 used by other states not included in the above table but it is 
 practically impossible to get complete data along this line. How- 
 ever it shows that most of the fertilizer is used by those states 
 bordering on the Atlantic Ocean or near to it. 
 
 It is estimated that the consumption of fertilizers for 1908 
 was about 3 per cent, over 1907, and that the consumption for 
 1909 was about 15 per cent, more than for 1908.^ 
 
 In the season of 1874- 1875, Georgia used 48,648 tons of com- 
 mercial fertilizer and for 1908-1909, 884,295 tons, or an increase 
 of 835,647 tons. It is estimated that Georgia consumed about 
 1,000,000 tons for the year 19 10. Should the other states and 
 territories in the Union increase in the same proportion as 
 Georgia, think of the enormous amount of money that will be 
 expended for plant food in the future. Statistics show that the 
 older states in the East and Southeast did not formerly use much 
 fertilizer but the consumption in these states has been increasing 
 every year until to-day it is very large. If our newer lands are 
 treated in the same way as those in the East and Southeast, think 
 of the large amount of fertilizer that will be necessary to pro- 
 duce profitable crops in the future. 
 
 Causes for the Large Consumption of Fertilizers. — The causes 
 for the large and increasing use of commercial fertilizers are 
 many. Single crop farming has caused many farms to run 
 down in fertility. Money crops have been principally raised. 
 Legumes have been grown occasionally or not at all. Green 
 manuring has not been practiced enough. Poor drainage has 
 caused losses of fertility. Some farms have lost much of their 
 fertile soil by erosion. Farm manure has not always been saved 
 and when saved it has not been preserved properly. According 
 to Bulletin 140 by the Kentucky Experiment Station, it is esti- 
 mated that the annual production of farm manure in the United 
 States is equal in value to the corn crop at $1.05 per bushel, or 
 nearly two and one-half billions of dollars. The most con- 
 servative estimate would put the waste of farm manure at one- 
 third, an annual loss of about $800,000,000.00. This is about eight 
 
 I Ware Bros. Co., American Fertilizer. 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 253 
 
 times the amount spent annually in this country for commercial 
 fertilizers. There is little wonder that so much of our soil is 
 becoming unproductive. The crops have also been sold away 
 from the farm instead of being fed to live-stock. Cover and 
 catch crops have i.ot always been grown. To sum up, we may 
 say that the fertility of the soil has not been maintained, and 
 farms that formerly yielded profitable crops with applications of 
 200 pounds of commercial fertilizer per acre, now require 400 to 
 600 pounds and sometimes 800 to 1,200 pounds to produce the 
 same results. 
 
 With the market gardner and trucker conditions are different. 
 The demand for vegetables in our large cities has caused the 
 market gardner in the north and the trucker in the south to 
 use heavy applications of fertilizers to produce profitable crops. 
 Many of these crops are heavy feeders and require to be mar- 
 keted or shipped as early as possible, as a few days often 
 means a great difference in the prices received, and so high 
 priced quick acting fertilizers are generally used. The truckers 
 are often located on sandy soils of low fertility that must have 
 plenty of fertilizer to produce money crops. The market gard- 
 ner, who usually lives near or in a city or town, produces crops 
 on lands that would bring a, high price for building and other 
 purposes, and can hardly ever afford to allow his land to be idle 
 or to be sowed to some soil improving crop, but must have a 
 money crop growing continually. The market gardner cannot 
 afford to raise live-stock on such high priced land. So with the 
 market gardner and trucker the consumption of fertilizer will 
 increase with the demand for their products, and as the popula- 
 tion of this country is increasing every year we may expect 
 more artificial fertilizers to be used in producing market garden 
 and truck crops. With these farmers, and especially the market 
 gardner, the use of large quantities of commercial fertilizers 
 is a necessity. 
 
 How the General Farmer May Lessen the Use of Commercial 
 Fertilizers. — The consumption of commercial fertilizers may be 
 reduced a great deal by many farmers. A better system of 
 
254 soil, FERTIIvITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 farming should be adopted. A rational rotation system in- 
 cluding money crops and soil improving crops should be prac- 
 ticed. Legumes should be included whenever possible in rota- 
 tions to add to the supply of nitrogen and organic matter in the 
 soil. Live-stock should be kept and the farm crops marketed 
 through them. In this way a two-fold or full value will be 
 obtained, namely, the feeding and fertilizer values. Farm 
 manure should be saved and preserved. It should be saved to 
 supply humus and fertility to the soil and it should be preserved 
 to prevent losses of the essential elements by fermentation and 
 leaching. The land should be well drained and tilled. Crops 
 should occupy the land continually. Erosion must be prevented. 
 Li^se commercial fertilizers only to supplement the organic mat- 
 ter and those constituents which should be contained in the soil. 
 Fertilizers are not expected to produce crops alone, unless in- 
 creased amounts are used every year. This is well illustrated 
 by an experiment conducted at the Louisiana Experiment Sta- 
 tion on corn. For four years commercial fertilizer only was 
 applied to one plot and legumes and farm manure were used on 
 another plot. The yield on the plot receiving commercial fer- 
 tilizer alone, showed 12 bushels pei: acre and that on the plot 
 receiving organic matter, 52 bushels, at the end of four years. 
 
 Fertilizing Materials Used by Manufacturers. — The fertilizing 
 materials described in the previous chapters are those that the 
 manufacturers draw on for making their mixtures. The farmer 
 generally purchases his fertilizer in the mixed state under some 
 brand name, as Corn Fertilizer, B. C. Brand, etc., which does 
 not indicate the materials of which it is composed. The fer- 
 tilizer materials usually predominate in one constituent while the 
 manufactured fertilizers show usually two or three of the con- 
 stituents, as nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash. The manu- 
 facturers may employ materials that furnish large amounts of a 
 particular constituent, as nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, 
 dried blood, sulphate of potash, muriate of potash, kainit, and 
 Tennessee or Florida rock phosphate. He may choose some 
 high grade materials as those just mentioned and some low 
 grade materials as beet refuse, leather preparations, low grade 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 
 
 255 
 
 cotton-seed meal, soluble hair and wool waste, low grade bone- 
 meal, etc. So when a mixed fertilizer reaches the farmer the 
 identity of the materials of which it is composed is not known. 
 Approximate Output of the Fertilizer Factories. — To give an 
 idea of the raw materials used by manufacturers in making up 
 their brands, and the amounts, the following table is given. 
 The data does not include all the fertilizer used in the United 
 States but represents the output of the regular manufacturing 
 plants as near as can be ascertained.^- 
 
 
 1900 
 
 1905 
 
 Materials 
 
 Tons 
 
 Cost 
 
 Tons 
 
 Cost 
 
 Bones, ammoniates, etc 
 
 168,510 
 354,075 
 
 28,977 
 
 146,488 
 
 4,120 
 
 17.203 
 
 884 
 
 958.802 
 
 54,700 
 109,407 
 
 l3,30t,iii 
 
 7,495,768 
 
 183,542 
 
 167,410 
 
 186,609 
 
 625,501 
 
 32,156 
 
 4,228,317 
 
 520,833 
 
 3,098,400 
 
 236,906 
 
 439,206 
 
 58,437 
 
 183,368 
 
 10,540 
 
 40,234 
 
 1,160 
 
 1,063,195 
 
 190,493 
 
 183,161 
 
 342 
 
 2,407,042 
 922,853 
 261,876 
 
 3,591,771 
 
 $2,807,336 
 5,687,718 
 
 880,412 
 2,376,448 
 
 600,856 
 1,677,761 
 
 39,039 
 
 5,092,694 
 
 1,891,073 
 
 3,606,701 
 
 2,050 
 
 
 Cotton-seed products . . 
 Ammonium sulphate • ■ . 
 
 Sodium nitrate 
 
 Potassium nitrate 
 
 Phosphate rock 
 
 Kajnit 
 
 Other potash salts 
 
 
 Tnfnl 
 
 1,5^43,838 
 832,240 
 210,926 
 
 2,887,004 
 
 $19,839,647 
 4,868,806 
 4,250,020 
 
 $24,661,818 
 
 5,057,234 
 9,624,862 
 
 Sulphuric acid (soBe) • 
 Dryers, sacks, etc. 
 
 Grand total 
 
 $28,958,473 
 
 139,343,914 
 
 The following prices represent the actual average cost per 
 pound for the ammonia, phosphoric acid and potash used in 1900 
 and 1905 in the raw materials employed in manufacturing fer- 
 tilizers.^^ 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 Organic ammonia 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 
 Organic phosphoric acid . 
 
 Actual potash 
 
 Organic potash 
 
 1900 
 
 Cents 
 
 Cents 
 
 10.06 
 
 10.34 
 
 12.60 
 
 1500 
 
 2.14 
 
 2.05 
 
 4.50 
 
 5-00 
 
 4.94 
 
 4 39 
 
 4-50 
 
 4.50 
 
 1905 
 
256 
 
 SOIL FERTILITV AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 It should be noted that the prices used for the organic materi- 
 als, practically all of which are credited at market prices, are 
 somewhat higher than the average fertilizer raw material on 
 factory account. 
 
 From these prices the actual cost for ammonia, available phos- 
 ,phoric acid and potash were calculated to be: 
 
 1900 
 
 Ammonia 
 
 Available phosphoric acid • 
 Actual potash 
 
 Total 
 
 19.150,838 
 
 11.954,492 
 3,647,673 
 
 $24,753,003 
 
 111,594,232 
 
 12,464,062 
 
 5,660,758 
 
 129,719,052 
 
 From the foregoing data we have : 
 
 Per ton of fertilizer 
 
 1900 
 
 1905 
 
 
 $3-17 
 4.14 
 J. 26 
 1.46 
 
 f3-'3 
 3-44 
 1-54 
 2.74 
 
 Average cost of available phosphoric acid- - 
 
 Average cost of dryers, sacks, etc 
 
 Xotal 
 
 fio.03 
 
 f 1 0.95 
 
 
 According to these figures the wholesale cost of a ton of fer- 
 tilizer was $10.95 for the year 1905. This figure of course does 
 not include anything but the cost of materials. The salaries of 
 the executive force, the wages of the hands employed, the cost 
 of running the machinery, insurance, travelling expenses, adver- 
 tising expenses, office expenses, taxes, rent of land, interest on in- 
 vestment, and the many other considerations too numerous to 
 mention, are not included in the above estimates. 
 
 Classification of Commercial Fertilizers. — We have learned that 
 the manufacturers use the different fertilizer materials in mak- 
 ing up their formulas. When these materials are mixed and put 
 on the market, nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, nitrogen 
 and phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid and potash, or any single 
 one of the constituents may be present. Again, the manu- 
 facturers or other fertilizer dealers may sell some of the fertilizer 
 
COMMKRCIAI, FERTILIZERS 257 
 
 materials unmixed. As the manufactured mixtures are sold un- 
 der many different brand names, and the unmixed fertilizer 
 materials predominate in one or two of the essential elements, 
 the chemist classifies them according to the constituents present. 
 
 Classification of Commercial Fertilizers. 
 
 1. Fertilizers furnishing nitrogen as the chief constituent. 
 Nitrate of soda. 
 
 Ammonium sulphate. 
 
 Lime nitrate. 
 
 Calcium cyanamid. 
 
 Dried blood. 
 
 Azotin. 
 
 Concentrated tankage. 
 
 Steamed horn and hoof meal. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal. 
 
 Linseed meal. 
 
 Castor pomace. 
 
 Nitrogenous guano. 
 
 2. Fertilizers furnishing phosphoric acid as the chief con 
 stituent. 
 
 Double superphosphate. 
 
 Superphosphate. 
 
 Ground raw rock phosphate (floats). 
 
 Bone ash. 
 
 Bone-black. 
 
 Basic slag. 
 
 Phosphatic guano. 
 
 3. Fertilizers furnishing potash as the chief constituent. 
 Sulphate of potash. 
 
 Muriate of potash. 
 
 Double sulphate of potash and magnesia. 
 
 Potash manure salt. 
 
 Kainit. 
 
 Sylvinit. 
 
 Potash-magnesia carbonate. 
 
 Carbonate of potash. 
 
258 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 4. Fertilizers furnishing nitrogen and phosphoric acid. 
 
 Tankage (bone and nitrogenous). 
 
 Fish fertilizers ) , -j , 4. j 
 
 T, r 4.M- t raw and acidulated 
 
 Bone fertilizers J 
 
 Bat guano. 
 Peruvian guano. 
 
 5. Mixed fertilizers. 
 
 Nitrogenous superphosphates ) ^^ mixtures 
 
 Special fertilizers ) ■' 
 
 Home mixtures. 
 
 6. Miscellaneous fertilizers. 
 Potassium nitrate. 
 Tobacco stems and stalks. 
 Wood ashes. 
 
 Cotton hull ashes. 
 
 Lime kiln ashes. 
 
 Brick kiln ashes. 
 
 Corn cob ashes. 
 
 Pulverized manures (sheep, poultry, pigeon, etc.). 
 
 Leather preparations. 
 
 Wool and hair waste (treated and untreated). 
 
 Fertilizers from beet molasses. 
 
 Fertilizers from wine lees. 
 
 Dried peat. 
 
 Marl. 
 
 Liquid fertilizers. 
 
 Flower fertilizers. 
 
 Shoddy (treated and untreated). 
 
 Soot. 
 
 Seaweed. 
 
 Sewage. 
 
 Ground feldsphatic rock (silicate of potash). 
 
 Manufacturing wastes, etc. 
 
COMMERCIAI, FERTIWZERS 259 
 
 7. Indirect fertilizers — amendments. 
 
 Ground limestone. 
 
 Lime. 
 
 Gypsum. 
 
 Common salt (agricultural salt). 
 
 Silicate of soda. 
 
 Sulphate and carbonate of magnesia. 
 
 Manganese salts. 
 
 Iron sulphate. 
 The factory fertilizers coming under the class, "mixed fer- 
 tilizers," are not sold under the names, nitrogenous superphos- 
 phates and special fertilizers. The manufacturers use attrac- 
 tive names for these fertilizers and these names are no indica- 
 tion of the composition and source of these mixtures. For ex- 
 ample a nitrogenous superphosphate or a special mixture may 
 be sold as Complete Potato Manure, Cotton King, Wheat Har- 
 vester, Golden Dust, Best Ever, Non Pariel, or any other name 
 that suits the fancy of the manufacturer. This classification, 
 as nitrogenous superphosphate and special fertilizer, is made 
 by the chemist to cover all the factory mixed fertilizers whether 
 they furnish nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash, nitrogen and 
 potash, or nitrogen and phosphoric acid. 
 
 Basis of Purchase of Fertilizers. — There are two systems used 
 in purchasing fertilizers, namely, the unit system and the ton 
 system. 
 
 I. The Unit System. — A unit is 20 pounds or one per cent, of a 
 ton. Manufacturers and dealers in fertilizer materials use the 
 unit system almost entirely. Tankage, bone products, blood, 
 azotin, steamed horn and hoof meal, potash salts, nitrogenous 
 salts, superphosphates, dry ground fish, raw rock phosphates, 
 cotton-seed meal, castor pomace, etc., are all purchased on the 
 unit basis. For example, muriate of potash will be quoted at 
 80 cents a unit. This means that the actual potash in muriate of 
 potash will cost 80 cents for 20 pounds, or 4 cents for one pound. 
 Dried blood perhaps will be quoted at $3.30 per unit of nitrogen. 
 This means that 20 pounds of nitrogen in dried blood will 
 cost $3.30, or 16^ cents for one pound. 
 
26o soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 In the unit system of purchasing and selling, the buyer and 
 seller usually employ a competent neutral chemist to draw a re- 
 presentive sample of the material and settlement is made on the 
 chemist's findings. This is indeed an excellent system because 
 the buyer pays for just what is present in the material and the 
 seller receives compensation for what his product contains. It 
 may be said that this system is very satisfactory to the fertilizer 
 trade. 
 
 2. The ton basis of purchase is the one commonly used by the 
 manufacturer, dealer, etc., in selling to the consumer. The prod- 
 ucts, both mixed and unmixed, are sold to the consumer at a 
 fixed price per ton of 2,000 pounds. This system is not as 
 satisfactory as the unit system because the purchaser does not 
 always receive a stipulated amount of the constituents contracted 
 for. To be sure, the manufacturers guarantee their products to 
 contain given amounts of fertilizer constituents and aim to 
 meet or even to exceed their guarantees, but sometimes the fer- 
 tilizers do not reach them in every particular. The prices of the 
 fertilizers sold on the ton basis to the consumer do not usually 
 fluctuate with the market, as the manufacturer tries to fix a 
 price that will guard against loss, although many of them sell 
 their fertilizers at times with very small and sometimes no profit 
 when they have a large stock which they do not wish to carry 
 over for another season. 
 
 Fertilizer Laws. — In order to protect the consumer and the 
 
 >-^ 
 
 100 LBS 
 
 CORN FERTILIZER. 
 
 MANUF/ICTU/t£0 BY 
 
 JOHN BHOVJN 
 
 MEMPHIS, TENN. 
 
 /iVArLABLB PHOSPHORIC ACID 11.00 % 
 
 NiTftOOEN 1.65 
 
 AMMONIA 2.00 
 
 POTASH 2.00 
 
 Fig. 22.— A fertilizer tag with guarantee. 
 
 honest manufacturer, several states have passed laws regulating 
 
COMMERCIAI, FERTIUZERS 261 
 
 the sale of fertilizers. The enforcement of these laws is gen- 
 erally controlled by the Experiment Stations or the State Boards 
 of Agriculture, through a staff of chemists and inspectors. The 
 inspectors, who may or may not be chemists, draw samples of 
 the various fertilizers, forward them to the laboratory, and the 
 chemist analyzes them to find out if they are as represented. 
 The results of the chemists' findings are published in bulletins 
 or reports which are sent to the consumers, manufacturers, deal- 
 ers, and other interested parties. 
 
 These laws require the manufacturers and dealers in fertili- 
 zers "to state what they sell and sell what they state." In other 
 words they are compelled to guarantee their products. For ex- 
 ample. The Smith Fertilizing Company are putting out a com- 
 plete fertilizer, one that furnishes nitrogen, phosphoric acid and 
 potash. Before The Smith Fertilizer Comipany can ship any of this 
 fertilizer they must have printed on the bags, or on tags attached 
 to the bags, the composition of the fertilizer, expressed by the 
 minimum percentages of nitrogen, available phosphoric acid and 
 potash, the weight of the package, the name, brand, or trade 
 mark, and the manufacturer's or dealer's or jobber's name and 
 address. 
 
 Let us suppose The Smith Fertilizer Company has the fol- 
 lowing statement printed on their sacks or on tags attached 
 thereto. 
 
 THE SMITH FERTILIZER COMPANY 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. 
 
 CORN FERTILIZER. 
 Weight 100 lbs. 
 Guaranteed Analysis. 
 
 Nitrogen 1.65 per cent. 
 
 Ammonia 2.00 per cent. 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 8.00 per cent. 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid 2.00 per cent. 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 2.00 per cent. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 12.00 per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.00 per cent. 
 
 Potash 4.00 per cent. 
 
262 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The name of the manufacturer, address, name^of brand, weight 
 of the package, and the amounts of the essential elements nitro- 
 gen, phosphoric acid and potash are given; therefore such a 
 statement is the guarantee. 
 
 The weight of the package is a good requirement in fertilizer 
 laws because the purchaser is able to tell just the amount con- 
 tained in the package. The composition of the fertilizer enables 
 the consumer to tell the amounts of fertilizer constituents he 
 is buying. The guarantee then protects the consumer and pro- 
 hibits the unscrupulous manufacturer from selling fertilizer not 
 as represented in those states where fertilizer laws are enforced. 
 
 Comparison of Some of the Requirements of Fertilizer Xaws. — 
 The fertilizer laws in the several states are not all the same. 
 They all agree on requiring, 
 
 1. The name of the manufacturer, dealer, jobber, or agent. 
 
 2. The address of the manufacturer, dealer, jobber, or agent 
 
 3. The name, brand or trade mark. 
 
 4. The weight of the package. 
 
 In the guaranteed chemical analysis there is not much uni- 
 formity in the requirements of different states. For example, 
 one state will require the percentage of nitrogen and its equiva- 
 lent in ammonia, another the nitrogen only, and still another will 
 require the percentage of available nitrogen. Some require in- 
 soluble phosphoric acid; others do not. Some require a state- 
 ment of available phosphoric acid; others state that the avail- 
 able phosphoric acid is not sufficient, but the soluble and reverted 
 phosphoric acid must be given. Some require soluble potash; 
 others require potash. Kansas and Illinois require the plant 
 food to be guaranteed as elements (nitrogen, phosphorus and 
 potassium) instead of as phosphoric acid and potash. 
 
 Some states require the sources of nitrogen, phosphoric acid 
 and potash; others do not. Georgia does not allow fertilizers 
 that are very wet or in a bad mechanical condition to be sold; 
 some of the other states 'do not make this provision. Indiana 
 requires that the names of the towns where the fertilizer is to be 
 sold must be furnished the State Chemist. Some states require 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 263 
 
 that a stipulated weight of sample be drawn; others do not. 
 Some states require that a duplicate sample be left with the 
 party or parties where the sample is drawn. Some states do not 
 allow the total amount of plant food to be lowered during the 
 season in a given brand. They allow changing of the amounts 
 of the constituents but the total plant food must not be lowered 
 on any brand. 
 
 There is a great difference in other requirements of these laws. 
 For example, some states exempt wood ashes, manures and marl 
 from being licensed or tagged; others do not. Some states 
 will not allow leather to be used ; others do not stipulate that it 
 cannot be used. Pennsylvania will not allow leather, hair, 
 ground hoof or horn, wool waste, raw, steamed or in any form 
 to be used in commercial fertilizer. Some states require that 
 no fertilizer shall be sold that contains less than 12 per cent, 
 of total plant food, when nitrogen is calculated as ammonia. 
 Some states require all mixed fertilizers and acid phosphates to 
 be sold with the names High Grade or Standard Grade printed 
 on the sacks or tags, and that High Grade mixed fertilizers and 
 acid phosphates shall contain at least 14 per cent, of total plant 
 food, calculating nitrogen as ammonia, and Standard Grade 
 shall contain, in all mixed fertilizers and acid phosphates, at least 
 12 per cent, of total plant food when nitrogen is calculated as 
 ammonia ; and less than 0.82 per cent, of nitrogen and i per cent, 
 of potash cannot be sold in any High Grade or Standard Grade 
 fertilizer. Massachusetts states that the retail prices per ton and 
 the comparative commercial values may be published. Some states 
 fine the manufacturer, jobber, or dealer when fertilizers fail to 
 reach their guarantee and the fines vary with the laws. Some 
 states sieze shipments when they are not guaranteed. Some 
 states require a license tax, i.e., a stipulated amount per brand per 
 year. Indiana requires a license tax and a tonnage tax ; that is, 
 a brand tax and a tax on every ton or part of a ton sold. 
 Many states require a tonnage tax. Georgia requires 10 cents 
 a ton tax, while Louisiana stipulates 25 cents a ton. Louisiana 
 has 12 to 15 inspectors on the road all the time who draw the 
 samples. Many other states send out inspectors at certain times 
 
264 SOII< FEKTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 of the year who draw the samples wherever they can get them. 
 In Louisiana the manufacturer, dealer, or jobber must notify the 
 chief inspector when and where he ships his fertilizers. There 
 are many other variations in the state fertilizer laws, almost too 
 numerous to mention in this discussion. 
 
 Model Fertilizer Law. — On account of the variations in the re- 
 quirements of the several state fertilizer laws, the following law 
 was adopted by the Association of American Agricultural Col- 
 leges and Experiment Stations. 
 
 This law requires the plant food to be stated as elements 
 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium instead of phosphoric acid 
 and potash. 
 
 An ACT to prevent fraud in the manufacture and sale of com- 
 mercial fertilizers. 
 
 Section i. Be it enacted by the people of the State of 
 
 represented in the General Assembly: That any person or com- 
 pany who shall offer, sell, or expose for sale, in this State any 
 commercial fertilizer, the price of which exceeds five dollars a 
 ton, shall affix to every package in a conspicuous place on the 
 outside thereof, or furnish to the purchasers of goods sold in 
 bulk, a plainly printed certificate, naming the materials, includ- 
 ing the filler (if any), of which the fertilizer is made, stating 
 the name or trade mark under which the article is sold, the name 
 of the manufacturer and the place of manufacture, and a chemical 
 analysis, stating only the minimum percentages of nitrogen in 
 available form, of potassium soluble in water, of phosphorus in 
 available form (soluble or reverted), and of insoluble phosphorus, 
 the analyses to be made in accordance with the methods adopted 
 by the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists of the United 
 States. 
 
 Section 2. Before any commercial fertilizer is sold, or offered 
 for sale, the manufacturer, importer, or party who causes it to 
 
 be sold, or offered for sale, within the State of shall file in 
 
 the office of the State Board of Agriculture, a certified 
 
 copy of the certificate referred to in Section i of this ACT, and 
 shall deposit with the secretary of the said Board of Agriculture 
 
COMMERCIAI, FERTILIZERS 265 
 
 a sealed glass jar, containing not less than one pound of the fer- 
 tilizer, accompanied with an affidavit that it is a fair average sam- 
 ple. 
 
 Section 3. The manufacturer, importer, or agent of any com- 
 mercial fertilizer exceeding five dollars per ton in price, shall 
 pay, annually, a license fee of twenty-five dollars for each one 
 thousand tons (or fraction thereof) of said fertilizer, for the 
 privilege of selling or offering for sale, within the State, during 
 
 the calendar year, said fee to be paid to the treasurer of 
 
 State Board of Agriculture : Provided, that whenever the manu- 
 facturer or importer shall have paid the license fee herein re- 
 quired, any person previously certified to the Office of the State 
 Board of Agriculture to be an authorized agent for such manu- 
 facturer or importer shall not be required to pay the fee named 
 in this section. 
 
 Section 4. All analyses of commercial fertilizers sold within 
 the State, shall be under the direction of the State Board of 
 Agriculture, and paid for out of funds arising from license fees, 
 as provided for in Section 3. At least one analysis of each fer- 
 tilizer shall be made annually, from a sample collected in open 
 market. 
 
 Section 5. Any person or party who shall offer or expose for 
 sale any commercial fertilizer without complying with the pro- 
 visions of Sections i, 2, and 3 of this ACT; or shall permit an 
 analysis of such fertilizer to be furnished, stating that it contains 
 a larger percentage of any one or more of the constituents named 
 in Section i of this ACT, than it really does contain, shall be 
 fined not less than two hundred dollars for the first offense, and 
 not less than five hundred dollars for every subsequent offense; 
 and the offender, in all cases, shall also be liable for damages 
 sustained by the purchaser of such fertilizer: Provided, how- 
 ever, that a deficiency of one-half per cent, of the nitrogen, po- 
 tassium, or phosphorus claimed to be contained, shall not be con- 
 sidered as evidence of fraudulent intent. 
 
 Section 6. Suit may be brought for the recovery of fines or 
 damages under the provisions of this ACT, in the county where 
 
266 soil, FERTXI,ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 the fertilizer was offered for sale, or where it was manufactured ; 
 and all fines so recovered, shall be paid into the treasury of the 
 State Board of Agriculture by the court collecting the same. 
 The treasurer of the State Board of Agriculture, after payment 
 of expenses for collecting and analysis, and the publication of 
 the annual report relating to the analysis, use, and results ob- 
 tained from fertilizers, shall on or before the first day of July 
 pay into the treasury of the State any surplus remaining in his 
 hands, on account of license fees and fines, received during the 
 previous calendar year through the provisions of this ACT. 
 
 Section 7. The State Board of Agriculture shall pub- 
 lish, annually, a correct report of all analyses made and certifi- 
 cates filed, together with a statement of moneys received on ac- 
 count of license fees and fines, and expended for analyses and 
 publication of the report relating to fertilizers. 
 
 Section 8. The officers and members of the State Board 
 
 of Agriculture or any person authorized by said board is here- 
 by empowered to select from any lot or package of commercial 
 
 fertilizers exposed for sale in any county of , a quantity 
 
 not exceeding two pounds, which quantity shall be for analysis 
 to compare with the sample deposited with the secretary of said 
 Board of Agriculture, as provided for in Section 2 of this ACT, 
 and with the printed certificate described in Section i. 
 
 Section 9. All suits for the recovery of fines, under provi- 
 sions of this ACT, shall be brought by the Attorney-general of 
 the State in the name of the people of the State of .^° 
 
 Comments on this Law. — The committee on fertilizer legislation, 
 of the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists, make the 
 following statements, in Bui. 116, Bureau of Chemistry: 
 
 It is evident, however, that there would be many points of 
 dispute, not only between the officials of the various States re- 
 specting the proper method of tagging and of expressing analyti- 
 cal results, but also a still wider disagreement between the State 
 Officials and the manufacturers. It seems, therefore, unwise 
 to press the subject of national legislation in regard to fertiH- 
 zers further until the officials of this association, representing as 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 267 
 
 they do the majority of States exercising fertilizer control, can 
 come to an agreement respecting a uniform system of labels and 
 of methods of expressing analysis. This subject, as is well 
 known, has been under discussion by our association for several 
 years, and satisfactory and encouraging progress has been made. 
 This leads to the hope that in a few years more the representa- 
 tives of each State in this association may come to an agreement 
 on this important subject. 
 
 The committee does not deem it wise to favor any form of 
 national legislation which would in any way interfere with the 
 State system of control of fertilizers. That is a matter with 
 which, in our opinion, the National Government has nothing 
 whatever to do. The systems of control, as is well known, are not 
 uniform. In some States a tax is laid upon the gross tonnage of 
 fertilizers sold. In other States a tax is laid upon the labels 
 which are attached to the various packages, and other forms of 
 control are exercised. It is believed that the wisest control of 
 this kind is that which seems best to the State officials who have 
 charge of such matters, and the State legislatures which estab- 
 lish the legal status of such control. This committee, therefore, 
 is opposed to any national legislation which would attempt to 
 influence the States in any way respecting the method of control 
 of fertilizer sales within the States. 
 
 After repeated attempts to secure suggestions from manu- 
 facturers, your committee is of the opinion that upon the whole 
 the manufacturers themselves would rather not have national 
 legislation and prefer to submit to the disadvantages of the pres- 
 ent system rather than to see incorporated in a national law any 
 system of stating analyses or the character of the materials used 
 in the compounding of fertilizers which would be objectionable 
 to them. This, however, does not seem a sufficient ground upon 
 which to advise that no national action be taken, and it seems ad- 
 visable to endeavor to secure from the manufacturers a full ex- 
 pression of their views in order that the matter may be widely 
 discussed. If it were possible to extend the agreement among 
 the State officials already referred to relating to methods of tag- 
 
268 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 ging and of stating the results of analytical work, so as to ob- 
 tain the approval of the manufacturers, the difficulties in the way 
 of a national law would be practically eliminated. In this case 
 the enactment of such a law would prove beneficial to all parties 
 by aiding in securing the agreement among the various States. 
 
 Your committee therefore recommends that for the present 
 no attempt be made to bring a national fertilizer law to the at- 
 tention of the Congress with the object of controlling commerce 
 in fertilizers in the District of Columbia and the Territories of 
 the United States and in interstate commerce, but that, on the 
 other hand, an effort be made to secure an agreement among all 
 the State officials respecting the fundamental definitions of the 
 misbranding and adulteration of a fertilizer, and a common 
 understanding respecting the proper method of tagging or brand- 
 ing, and the proper method of stating the results of analysis; 
 that an attempt be made to secure an agreement between the 
 officials of the States and the fertilizer manufacturers respecting 
 the proper method of referring to the crude sources of the plant 
 food which may be present in any given fertilizer. This com- 
 mittee believes that all these points should be settled before any 
 concerted effort is made to bring the matter of national fertilizer 
 control to the attention of Congress. Further than this, your 
 committee is of the opinion that when such an effort is made it 
 should relate solely to the fundamental conditions above men- 
 tioned, and should be so conducted as not in any way to affect 
 the States in respect to the proper methods of raising revenue 
 from fertilizers sold under the State control. 
 
 Tentative Sefinitions of Fertilizers and of Misbranding and 
 Adulteration. — (i) A fertilizer shall be defined as any simple, 
 compound, or mixed material, prepared for the purpose of sell- 
 ing, or sold, or offered for sale, to be applied to the soil as 
 nourishment for plants, or as a modifier of the soil in any re- 
 spect in its relation to the growth of plants. The term "fertilizer 
 material" (or ingredients) shall include every plant- food 
 materia] which is utiHzed, or intended to be utilized, in the manu- 
 facture, preparation, or mixing of the fertilizers defined above. 
 
COMMERCIAI, FERTIUZERS 2^ 
 
 (2) A fertilizer, or fertilizer material (or ingredient), shall 
 be deemed to be adulterated: 
 
 (a) If the percentage of any of its ingredients fall materially 
 below the professed standard under which it is sold, whether this 
 standard appear as a label upon the package or as a guaranty in 
 any other way by the vendor thereof. 
 
 (b) If any of the ingredients thereof have an origin other 
 than that indicated upon the package, or guaranteed in any other 
 way by the vendor thereof. 
 
 (c) If any of the ingredients of the fertilizer, or fertilizer 
 material, be in a state of combination different from that indi- 
 cated by the label or guaranteed by the vendor thereof. 
 
 (3) A fertilizer, or fertilizer material, shall be deemed as mis- 
 branded : 
 
 (a) If any false name or misleading statement or design or 
 device be affixed to any package thereof or used in any way as 
 a representation of the materials thereof by the vendor. 
 
 (b) If any false or misleading statement respecting the origin 
 of the material be made upon the label, or any statement or 
 guaranty of the vendor. 
 
 (c) If any false or misleading statement be made upon the 
 label, or by the vendor, respecting the country or origin of the 
 materials of which the fertilizer is composed. 
 
 (d) If any false or misleading statement be made on the 
 label, or by the vendor, respecting the virtues or qualities of the 
 fertilizer or the materials composing it. 
 
 (e) If sold under any false name or appellation, whether such 
 name appear upon the package or label or be given to the article 
 by the vendor thereof. 
 
 (f) If it be an imitation of or offered for sale under the 
 name of another fertilizer or fertilizer material. 
 
270 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The Meaning of the Guarantee. — It has been said that the manu- 
 facturer, dealer, or jobber must have printed on the bags or tags 
 attached to the bags, his name and address, the weight of the 
 package, the name, brand or trade mark, and the chemical com- 
 position of the fertilizer. This guarantee does not mean that 
 each particular shipment, or lot, or bag, that the consumer may 
 purchase has been analyzed by the state chemist and that he 
 found the stipulated amounts of nitrogen, soluble phosphoric 
 acid, reverted phosphoric acid and potash, as the case may be, 
 that are printed as the guaranteed chemical analysis on the bags 
 or tags. It does mean that the manufacturer says he has fur- 
 nished at least those amounts of plant food as stated. 
 
 The Interpretation of the Guarantee. — Some manufacturers do 
 not make a simple statement of the guaranteed chemical com- 
 position of their brands of fertilizers, but use other terms which 
 are equivalent, to be sure, but are misleading to the ordinary per- 
 son not familiar with fertilizer parlance. A few examples may 
 serve to illustrate this point. 
 
 Guaranteed Chemical Analysis No. i. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen i.oo 
 
 Ammonia 1.22 
 
 Equal to nitrate of soda 6.06 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 12.00 
 
 Equivalent to bone phosphate 26.00 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.00 
 
 To simplify this guarantee we would state it as: 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen as nitrate i 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 12 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 All the other statements omitted in the simplified chemical 
 guarantee are correct but unnecessary and misleading. The 
 percentage given under "equal to nitrate of soda," and "equivalent 
 to bone phosphate" are simply restatements. 
 
 Conversion Factors. — The following may be of help in obtain- 
 ing equivalents of fertilizer ingredients: 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 27I 
 
 I per cent, nitrogen = 1,2154 per cent, ammonia. 
 
 I per cent, ammonia = 0.823 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 I per cent, nitrogen = 6.06 per cent, nitrate of soda. 
 
 I per cent, nitrate of soda = 0.165 P^"^ cent, nitrogen. 
 
 I per cent, nitrogen = 7. 207 per cent, nitrate of potash. 
 
 I per cent, nitrate of potash = o. 139 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 I per cent, nitrogen — 4.791 per cent, sulphate of am- 
 monia. 
 
 1 per cent, sulphate of ammonia . . .= 0.209 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 1 per cent, potash = 1.5S2 per cent, muriate of potash. 
 
 I per cent, muriate of potash = 0.632 per cent, potash. 
 
 I per cent, potash = 1.849 per cent, sulphate of potash. 
 
 1 per cent, sulphate of potash = 0.541 per cent, potash. 
 
 I per cent, potash = 1.467 per cent, carbonate of potash. 
 
 1 per cent, carbonate of potash = 0.682 per cent, potash. 
 
 1 per cent, nitrate of potash = 0.466 per cent, potash. 
 
 I per cent, potash = 2.146 per cent, nitrate of potash. 
 
 I per cent, phosphoric acid ^ 2. 185 per cent, bone phosphate of 
 
 lime. 
 
 1 per cent, bone phosphate of lime. -^ 0.458 per cent, phosphoric acid. 
 
 Example : Muriate of potash guaranteed 80 per cent, contains 
 80 X 0.632 or 50.56 per cent, potash. Nitrate of soda guaran- 
 teed 95 per cent, contains 95 X 0.165 or 15.68 per cent, nitrogen. 
 15.68 per cent, nitrogen is equivalent to 15.68 X 1-2154 or 19.06 
 per cent, ammonia. 
 
 Guaranteed Chemicai, Analysis No. 2. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 11-14 
 
 Equivalent to total bone phosphate 24-30 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10-12 
 
 Equivalent to available bone phosphate 22-26 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 8-10 
 
 Equivalent to soluble bone phosphate 17.5-22 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 1-2 
 
 Equivalent to insoluble bone phosphate 2-4.25 
 
 Potash 4-5 
 
 Equivalent of sulphate of potash 7-4-9 
 
 Total nitrogen 2-3 
 
 Equivalent to total ammonia 2.4-3.6 
 
 This is not an exaggerated guarantee but one that is often 
 found in the fertilizer trade. 
 Simplified the above reads : 
 
272 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTIUZERS 
 
 Percent. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 11 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 8 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid i 
 
 Potash 4 
 
 Nitrogen 2 
 
 Or we may further simplify this to read : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Potash 4 
 
 Nitrogen 2 
 
 It will be noticed that the simplified statements contain the 
 minimum percentages; for example, available phosphoric acid is 
 guaranteed as 10 to 12 per cent, and in the simplified state- 
 ment it is given as being 10 per cent. This latter figure, 10 
 per cent., is all the manufacturer guarantees and the maximum 
 guarantee of 12 per cent, is misleading and does not mean 
 anything. It seems to be common practice with the manu- 
 facturers to use both the minimum and maximum guarantees. 
 Guaranteed Chemical Analysis No. 3. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid lo.o to 12.0 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 9.0 to lo.o 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid i .0 to 2.0 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 6.0 to 8.0 
 
 Equal to available bone phosphate 19.7 to 22.0 
 
 Potash 3.5 to 5.0 
 
 Nitrogen 0.82 to 1.65 
 
 Ammonia i.o to 2.0 
 
 Simplified this guarantee would read: 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 9.0 
 
 Potash 3.5 
 
 Nitrogen 0.82 
 
 Guaranteed Chemicai, Analysis No. 4. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Total bone phosphate 32. 7 to 43.7 
 
 Yielding total phosphoric acid 15.0 to 20.0 
 
 Soluble bone phosphate 22.0 to 28.0 
 
 Yielding soluble phosphoric acid lo.o to 13.0 
 
 Reverted bone phosphate 8.7 to 10.9 
 
 Yielding reverted phosphoric acid 4.0 to 5.0 
 
 Insoluble bone phosphate 2.2 to 4.4 
 
 Yielding insoluble phosphoric acid i.o to 2.0 
 
COMMERCIAL FERTILIZERS 
 
 273 
 
 Simplified this would read: 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid- • • • lo-o 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid 4° 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid i-o 
 
 Or we could state it as follows : 
 
 Per cent. 
 Available phosphoric acid i4-o 
 
 There are many manufacturers who put guarantees on their 
 brands that are not misleading and may be easily interpreted 
 by the ordinary person. A few brands from a large fertiliz- 
 er factory are tabulated. 
 
 Name of brand 
 
 Total 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 High grade acid phosphate 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Kainit 
 
 Sulphate of potash 
 
 Muriate of potash 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Blood, bone and meat 
 
 Farmers' choice 
 
 Ground bone and potash 
 
 High grade truck grower 
 
 Ammoniated raw bone superphos- 
 phate and potash 
 
 Vegetable fertilizer 
 
 Sugar-cane grower 
 
 Raw bone rice 
 
 Special formula 
 
 Bone meal 
 
 Acid phosphate and potash 
 
 Guarantee 
 
 Available 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 Per cent. 
 
 17 
 15 
 
 10.50 
 10.50 
 15.00 
 10.00 
 
 10.50 
 7.00 
 1 1. 00 
 1050 
 8.50 
 18.50 
 11.00 
 
 16 
 
 14 
 
 9-50 
 950 
 
 8.00 
 
 9-5° 
 6.00 
 10.00 
 9-5° 
 7-50 
 
 10.00 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Per cent. 
 
 6.58 
 1.65 
 1.65 
 2.75 
 3-5° 
 
 1.65 
 2.50 
 2.50 
 1.65 
 4.12 
 2.50 
 
 Potash 
 Per cent. 
 
 12 
 50 
 50 
 
 I-50 
 1. 00 
 3.00 
 7.00 
 
 1.50 
 5.00 
 2.00 
 1-5° 
 
 Raw Materials are Sometimes Sold on Purity. — Raw materials 
 like nitrate of soda, raw rock phosphate and the potash salts 
 are often sold to the manufacturers and jobbers according to the 
 per cent, of purity as illustrated. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 95 
 
 Raw rock phosphate 78 
 
 Sulphate of potash 96 
 
 Muriate of potash 80 
 
274 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 This means that: 
 
 95 per cent, nitrate of soda contains 95 per cent, nitrates. 
 
 78 per cent, raw rock phosphate contains 78 per cent, phosphate of lime. 
 
 96 per cent, sulphate of potash contains 96 per cent, sulphate. 
 80 per cent, muriate of potash contains 80 per cent, muriate. 
 
 Using our conversion factors we find that the above corre- 
 spond to : 
 
 15.68 per cent, nitrogen from 95 per cent.Jnitrate of soda. 
 
 35.72 per cent, phosphoric acid from 78 per cent, raw rock phosphate. 
 
 51.94 per cent, potash from 96 per cent, sulphate of potash. 
 
 50.56 per cent, potash from 80 per cent, muriate of potash. 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
 
 VALUATION OF FERTHIZERS. 
 
 Interpretation of Chemical Analyses. — A chemical analysis of 
 a fertilizer may indicate to a great extent the value or suitability 
 of it. The following two analyses illustrate this point. 
 Chemical Analysis No. i. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen as nitrate .- i 
 
 Nitrogen as ammonia i 
 
 Organic nitrogen 2 
 
 Total nitrogen 4 
 
 Water soluble phosphoric acid 8 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid 2 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 2 
 
 Available phosphoric acid lo 
 
 Total potash 9 
 
 Potash as chloride 2 
 
 Potash as sulphate 7 
 
 Chemical Analysls No. 2. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen as nitrate — 
 
 Nitrogen as ammonia — 
 
 Organic nitrogen 4 
 
 Total nitrogen 4 
 
 Water soluble phosphoric acid 2 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid 8 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 2 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Total potash 9 
 
 Potash as chloride 8 
 
 Potash as sulphate i 
 
 Both of the above fertilizers contain equal amounts of nitro- 
 gen, phosphoric acid and potash and could be stated as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 4 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Potash 9 
 
 Fertilizer No. i contains nitrogen as nitrates and as ammonia 
 while No. 2 does not. Both brands contain organic nitrogen; 
 No. I containing 2 per cent, and No. 2 carries all of its nitro- 
 19 
 
276 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 gen in this form. The chemist cannot always tell the source 
 of the organic nitrogen. When the organic nitrogen is derived 
 from dried blood, azotin, cotton-seed meal, steamed horn and 
 hoof meal, and similar nitrogenous organic materials it is valu- 
 able but when derived from leather preparations, dissolved 
 wool and shoddy wastes, etc., it is not so desirable. Therefore 
 the purchaser would perhaps select Brand No. i for its nitro- 
 gen content as it is to be supposed that the manufacturer using 
 high grade materials as nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia 
 would furnish organic nitrogen from high grade materials. 
 
 A glance at the phosphoric acid constituents shows that both 
 run 10 per cent, available phosphoric acid but No. I contains 
 6 per cent, more phosphoric acid in the soluble form. As solu- 
 ble phosphoric acid distributes more readily in the soil than 
 reverted phosphoric acid and is more available as plant food, 
 we would naturally prefer Analysis No. i from the phosphoric 
 acid standpoint. Glancing at the potash we find that No. i 
 carries 2 per cent, as chloride and 7 per cent, as sulphate, while 
 No. 2 shows 8 per cent, as chloride and i per cent, as sulphate. 
 For crops like tobacco, potatoes, sugar beets, oranges, etc.. No. 
 I would be the most suitable, since these crops do better with 
 sulphate of potash than with muriate of potash. The potash in 
 No. T was in all probability derived mostly from sulphate of 
 potash while that in No. 2 came mostly from muriate of potash. 
 
 Here is another statement that is used by some chemists in 
 reporting analyses. 
 
 Chemical Analysis No. 3. 
 
 Per cent. 
 Nitrogen 2 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 7 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid 3 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 2 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Potash Q 
 
 This statement is not so valuable as Nos. i and 2 because the 
 forms of nitrogen and potash are not given. The nitrogen may 
 all be from nitrate of soda, or sulphate of ammonia, or organic 
 sources, or from any two or perhaps be furnished from ill of 
 
VALUATION OP FERTILIZERS 2/7 
 
 these sources. The potash may be as sulphate, or as chloride, 
 or as carbonate, or as a mixture of any two or three of these 
 forms in any pi'oportion. 
 
 Here is still another statement. 
 
 Chemical Analysis No. 4. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 4 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10 
 
 Potash 9 
 
 This analysis besides not furnishing the amounts of the forms 
 of nitrogen and potash does not give the forms of phosphoric 
 acid. Of this lo per cent, available phosphoric acid all of it 
 may be as soluble, or as reverted. It may contain both soluble 
 and reverted phosphoric acid but in just what amounts we do 
 not know. 
 
 The chemical analysis, when the different forms of plant food 
 are reported, may often prove of value to those farmers who can 
 interpret them and who understand the influence of the plant 
 food forms on profitable crop production. 
 
 Agricultural Values. — The agricultural value of a fertilizer 
 is represented by the crop produced. The price that is paid 
 for a fertilizer has no bearing on its agricultural value. The 
 agricultural value will vary with the season, the amount of 
 fertilizer used, the nature of the soil, kind of crop, care of the 
 crop, locality, insect damage, plant diseases, and many other 
 conditions. It cannot be estimated and is often beyond the con- 
 trol of man. However, the nature of the materials that make 
 up a fertilizer may influence its agricultural value. Market 
 garden crops will no doubt do better with fertiHzers containing 
 plant food in available and soluble forms. For example, avail- 
 able phosphoric acid will give quicker returns than insoluble 
 phosphoric acid. Nitrogen in a soluble form will be taken up 
 more readily than nitrogen in an organic form and some organic 
 forms of nitrogen will be more quickly available than others. In 
 other words fertilizers that give up their plant food slowly will 
 not have a high agricultural value for quick growing crops. 
 
 Again, the crop to be raised may have a long growing season. 
 
278 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 If such is the case it would not pay to use fertilizer whose 
 plant food is all in soluble forms. If the nitrogen is all soluble, 
 as in nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, it may be used 
 up or lost before the crop has finished growing and some slower 
 acting form of nitrogen, as is contained in dried blood, cotton- 
 seed meal, tankage, etc., would no doubt give greater crop re- 
 turns. 
 
 The value of the crop must also be considered, for crops of 
 low market value cannot always be expected to give profitable 
 returns with high priced fertilizers. The cost of a fertilizer of 
 low agricultural value may be greater than one that has a high 
 value in producing crops. Farm manures, wood ashes, land 
 plaster, etc., may be comparatively high in price for the amount 
 of plant food they contain or the good they do. 
 
 Commercial Values. — The commercial value of a fertilizer is 
 entirely different from the agricultural value. It represents the 
 retail cost of raw materials of standard quality in the market, 
 from which the commercial or trade value of plant food may be 
 calculated. For example, nitrate of soda may be quoted at 
 $50 a ton. This represents its commercial value. As nitrate 
 of soda contains 15.5 per cent, of nitrogen or 310 pounds of 
 nitrogen in a ton, its nitrogen has a commercial or trade value 
 of a little over 16 cents a pound. An acid phosphate containing 
 14 per cent, of available phosphoric acid may carry a retail 
 price of $14 a ton, which is its commercial value. The com- 
 mercial or trade value of the available phosphoric acid would be 5 
 cents a pound, since 14 per cent, of available phosphoric acid is 
 equal to 280 pounds of available phosphoric acid in a ton. Or an 
 acid phosphate may be quoted at $1 per unit. This is its com- 
 mercial value. This means that the retail cost of 20 pounds of 
 available phosphoric acid is $1. The commercial or trade value 
 is then 5 cents a pound. The commercial or trade value does 
 not mean that nitrogen at 16 cents a pound will produce 16 
 cents worth of crops, or available phosphoric acid at 5 cents 
 a pound will produce crops that will bring 5 cents. These 
 constituents may produce crops valued at more or less than 16 
 
VAI^UATION OF FERTILIZERS 279 
 
 and 5 cents respectively, depending upon many conditions as 
 season, locality, kind of crop, condition of the soil, tillage, etc. 
 The commercial or trade value only serves as a comparison of 
 the relative values of the different forms of plant food in the 
 raw materials. This valuation does not represent the cost of 
 the mixed goods. In the manufacture of fertilizers the cost of 
 mixing, sacking, dryers, manufacturers' profit, long credits, 
 freight, insurance, agents' profits, etc. are all added to this com- 
 mercial or trade value, so that the farmer pays much more for 
 plant food than is represented in the commercial or trade valua- 
 tion. But the farmer may purchase the plant food contained 
 in the rawr materials (unmixed), for the prices as represented 
 by the commercial or trade values, at thoSe points where the 
 retail prices are quoted. To get the fertilizer to his farm he 
 will of course have to pay freight. 
 
 Trade Values. — The Experiment Stations of Connecticut, New 
 York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont 
 make out trade values every year for those materials that are 
 most commonly used in the manufacture of mixed fertilizers. 
 These values are arrived at by calculating the prices of fer- 
 tilizer materials for the six months preceding March 1st, and 
 are obtained from the leading markets of southern New England 
 and the middle northern states. 
 
 The following give the wholesale prices in New York City for 
 fertilizer materials on January i, 1910. 
 
 New York Wholesale Prices, Current January i, 1910— 
 Fertilizer Materials." 
 
 Ammoniates. 
 
 Ammonia, sulphate, foreign, prompt, per 100 pounds.. $ 2.65 @ — 
 
 futures 2.65 @ — 
 
 sulphate, domestic, spot 2.67^@ — 
 
 futures 2.651^® — 
 
 Fish scrap, dried, 11 per cent, ammonia and 14 per cent. 
 
 bone phosphate, f. o. b. fish works, per unit 2.85 & 10 
 
 wet, acidulated, 6 per cent, ammonia, 3 per 
 
 cent, phosphoric acid, f. o. b. fish works. 2.35 & 35 
 
28o soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Ground fish guano, imported, lo and 1 1 per cent, am- 
 monia, and 15-17 per cent, bone phosphate, c. i. f. N. 
 
 Y., Baltimore or Philadelphia 3.00 & 10 
 
 Tankage, 11 per cent, and 15 percent., f. u. b. Chicago 2.75 (ri) 2.80 & 10 
 concentrated, f. o. b. Chicago, 14-15 per 
 
 cent., b. Chicago 2.75 (w, — 
 
 Garbage, tankage, f. o. b. Chicago 8.00 @ — 
 
 Sheep manure, concentrated, f. o. b. Chicago, per ton 9.50 @ — 
 
 Hoofmeal, f. o. b. Chicago, per unit 2.55 @ — 
 
 Dried blood, 12-13 per cent, ammonia, f. o. b. New 
 
 York 2.95 @ — 
 
 Chicago 2.90 @ — 
 
 Nitrate of soda, 95 per cent, spot., per 100 pounds — @ 2.10 
 
 futures, 95 per cent — @ 2.10 
 
 Fhosp/iaies. 
 
 Acid phosphate, per unit 0.55 @ 0.60 
 
 Bones, rough, hard, per ton 20.50 @ 21.50 
 
 soft steamed, unground 18.50 @ 21.00 
 
 ground, steamed, l^ per ceut. ammonia and 
 
 60 per cent, bone phosphate 19.00 @ 19.50 
 
 ditto, 3 and 50 per cent 22.50 @ 22.50 
 
 raw, ground, 4 per cent, ammonia and 50 
 
 per cent, bone phosphate 26.00 @ 27.00 
 
 South Carolina phosphate rock, undried, per ^,400 lbs. 
 
 f. o. b. Ashley River 5.50 @ 5.75 
 
 South Carolina phosphate rock, hot air dried, f. o. b. 
 
 Ashley River 7.00 @ 7.25 
 
 Florida land pebble phosphate rock, 68 per cent., f. o. 
 
 b. Port Tampa, Fla 3.75 @ 4.00 
 
 Florida high grade phosphate hard rock, 77 per cent., 
 
 f. o. b. Florida or Georgia ports 7.00 @ 7.50 
 
 Tennessee phosphate rock, f. o. b. Mt. Pleasant, do- 
 mestic, per ton, 78 @ 80 per cent 5.00 @ 5.50 
 
 75 per cent., guaranteed 4.75 @ 5.00 
 
 68 @ 72 per cent 4.00 @ 4.25 
 
 PoiasAes. 
 
 Muriate potash, basis 80 per cent., per 100 pounds 1.90 @ — 
 
 Manure salt, 20 per cent., actual potash 14-75 @ — 
 
 double manure salt. 48 per cent i.i6^@ — 
 
 Sulphate potash (basis 90 per cent.) 2.i8j^@ — 
 
 Kainit in bulk, 2,240 pounds 8.50 @ — 
 
 To give an idea of how these trade values are obtained we 
 may presume that the wholesale price of sulphate of ammonia 
 
VALUATION OF FERTILIZERS 281 
 
 for the six months preceding March 1st averaged $56.80 per 
 ton, or 14.2 cents a pound for the nitrogen. A certain amount, 
 usually 20 per cent., is added to this wholesale price to cover 
 the cost of handling, insurance, etc., which would raise the price 
 to $68 per ton, which would be the retail or commercial value 
 of ammonium sulphate. The nitrogen then would be represented 
 as carrying a commercial or trade value of 17 cents a pound. 
 The trade values on all other fertilizer materials are calculated 
 in the same way as described for sulphate of ammonia. 
 
 TRADE VALUES OF FERTILIZER ELEMENTS FOR 1909.'° 
 
 The average trade-values or retail costs in market, per pound, 
 of the ordinarily occurring forms of nitrogen, phosphoric acid 
 and potash in raw materials and chemicals, as found in New Eng- 
 land, New York and New Jersey markets during 1908 were as 
 follows : 
 
 Cents per pound 
 
 Nitrogen in nitrates i6)4 
 
 ammonia salts 17 
 
 Organic nitrogen in dry and fine ground fish, meat and blood, 
 
 and in mixed fertilizers 19 
 
 in fine'' bone and tankage 19 
 
 in coarse^ bone and tankage 14 
 
 Phosphoric acid, water-soluble 4 
 
 citrate-soluble' 3>^ 
 
 of fine ground bone and tankage 3>^ 
 
 of coarse bone and tankage 3 
 
 of cotton-seed meal, castor pomace and ashes 3 
 of mixed fertilizers, if insoluble in ammon- 
 ium citrate' 2 
 
 Potash as high-grade sulphate in forms free from muriate (or 
 
 chlorides) 5 
 
 as muriate 4X 
 
 1 Adopted at a conference of representatives of the Maine, Massachusetts, New Jer- 
 sey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Connecticut stations held in March, 1909. 
 
 2 In this report "fine," as applied to bone and tankage, signifies smaller than 1/r^o 
 inch; and "coarse,'' larger than l/joinch. 
 
 3 Dissolved from 2 grams of the fertilizer, previously extracted with pure water, by 
 100 cc. neutral solution of ammonium citrate, sp.gr. 1.09, in thirty minutes, at 65° C., 
 with agitation once in five minutes. Commonly called "reverted" or "backgone" phos- 
 phoric acid. 
 
282 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 The foregoing are, as nearly as can be estimated, the prices at 
 which, during the six months preceding March last, the respec- 
 tive ingredients were retailed for cash, in our large markets, 
 in those raw materials which are the regular source of supply. 
 The valuations obtained by use of the above figures will be found 
 to correspond fairly with the average retail prices, at the large 
 markets, of standard raw materials. 
 
 A study of the above table is interesting. It shows that valua- 
 tions are given for nitrogen as nitrate, as ammonia and as or- 
 ganic nitrogen. The trade values for organic nitrogen are also 
 different depending upon the source. Soluble phosphoric acid is 
 valued higher than reverted phosphoric acid and there is also 
 a trade value for insoluble phosphoric acid. In some states there 
 is no distinction made between soluble and reverted phosphoric 
 acid in trade valuation and the insoluble phosphoric is often not 
 considered at all in mixed fertilizers. The bone products in the 
 foregoing table are valued on their degree of fineness ; ■ the finer 
 bone-meals command higher market prices than those that are 
 coarse as is shown in the trade valuations of nitrogen and phos- 
 phoric acid. The potash as sulphate carries a higher trade value 
 than potash as chloride, but this is to be expected because sulphate 
 of potash costs more to manufacture than muriate of potash. 
 There are many fertilizer materials not included in the above 
 table. Those included in the table are high class products com- 
 monly used in New England and New Jersey. 
 
 How to Calculate the Commercial Value of a Fertilizer. — Let us 
 suppose a chemist analyzes a mixed fertilizer and finds its com- 
 position to be as follows: 
 
 Chemical Analysis. 
 
 Per cent 
 
 Nitrogen as nitrates 0.50 
 
 Nitrogen as ammonia i . 30 
 
 Nitrogen as organic 2.00 
 
 Water soluble phosphoric acid 6,00 
 
 Phosphoric acid soluble in ammonium citrate (reverted) . . i.So 
 Phosphoric acid insoluble (in water and ammonium 
 
 citrate) 1.50 
 
 Potash as sulphate 0.40 
 
 Potash as chloride 3.60 
 
VALUATION OF FERTILIZERS 283 
 
 The commercial valuation of the above fertilizer would be ob- 
 tained by multiplying each ingredient by 20 to change to a ton 
 basis, and multiplying this product by the trade value of each. 
 The sum of these values would be the total commercial value 
 as derived from the raw products. 
 
 CoMMERCiAi, Valuation. 
 
 Lbs. per 
 
 100 or 
 per cent. 
 
 Nitrate nitrogen o 50 X 20 ^ 
 
 Ammonia nitrogen i .30 X 20 = 
 
 Organic nitrogen 2.00 X 20 ^ 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid 6.00 X 20 = 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid i.So X 20 = 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid i .50 X 20 := 
 
 Potash as sulphate 0.40 X 20 ^ 
 
 Potash as chloride 3.60 X 20 = 
 
 Trade Commercial 
 
 I,bs. value 
 
 value 
 
 per per lb. 
 
 per 
 
 ton cents 
 
 ton 
 
 10 X 16.5 = 
 
 fl.65 
 
 26 X 17 = 
 
 4.42 
 
 40 X 19 = 
 
 7.60 
 
 120 X 4 = 
 
 4.80 
 
 36 X 3-5 = 
 
 1.26 
 
 30X 2 = 
 
 0.60 
 
 8X5=- 
 
 0.40 
 
 72 X 4-25= 
 
 3.06 
 
 Total commercial value =)f23.79 
 
 Should we wish to determine the commercial value of a bone 
 or tankage that contains fine and coarse bone the following ex- 
 ample may illustrate the method employed. Let us suppose that 
 on sifting the sample (which in this case is tankage), 60 per cent, 
 of the tankage is finer than 1/50 of an inch and is therefore fine, 
 and the remaining 40 per cent, is coarser than 1/50 of an inch 
 and is therefore coarse. The nitrogen and phosphoric acid in 
 the fine and coarse tankage are found to be the same and the 
 tankage contains 6 per cent, of nitrogen and 10 per cent, of 
 phosphoric acid. Then : 
 
 Lbs. per 100 Per cent. Per cent, or 
 per cent, of fineness lbs. per 100 
 
 Nitro.'en / 6 X 60 = 3.6 in fine tankage. 
 
 iNitro^en \ 6 X 4o = 2.4 in coarse tankage. 
 
 _,, . . .J ( 10 >' 60 = 6 in fine tankacfe. 
 Phosphoric acid ^ jo ^ 40 == 4 i„ coarse tankage. 
 
 Referring to the table of trade values we arrive at the follow- 
 ins: commercial valuation of this tankage. 
 
284 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Lbs. Trade value Commercial 
 Lbs. per 100 per per lb. value per 
 
 per cent. ton cents ton 
 
 Nitrogen in fine tankage 3.6 X 20 = 72 X 19 = |i3-68 
 
 Nitrogen in coarse tankage- • 2.4 X 20 ^ 48 X I4 ^ ^-72 
 
 Phosphoric acid in fine tank- 
 age 6 X 20 = 120 X 3-5 = 4-20 
 
 Phosphoric acid in coarse 
 
 tankage 4 X 20 = 80 X 3 = 2.40 
 
 Total commercial value • ^ J27.00 
 
 The same methods as illustrated in the foregoing examples 
 are used for obtaining the valuations on all fertilizers. 
 
 Comments Begarding Valuations. — The Vermont Experiment 
 Station has the following to say regarding valuations. 
 
 Year after year the meaning of the valuation system is un- 
 folded in the station bulletins, both in connection with the sched- 
 ule and as a footnote to every table of analyses. Black faced 
 type and italics are used to emphasize this matter and to point 
 out more particularly what these valuations are not. Yet not- 
 withstanding this extreme care they doubtless are often misun- 
 derstood and misused. Indeed this condition is met to such an 
 extent that the application of money valuations to fertilizers is 
 forbidden by law in one New England state and is omitted in one 
 or two others. The writer, however, believes that they serve a 
 good purpose when properly used, and that it is better for the 
 present at least to employ them than to abandon them, laying, 
 however, all possible stress on their true meaning, repeating, re- 
 iterating, stating and then restating in another form, the more 
 surely to accompHsh the desired end. 
 
 The "valuations" simply show the retail cash value of raw 
 unmixed plant food of good quality in Boston and New York. 
 Thus for example we will assume that the system is applied in 
 due course to an analysis of Smith's Sugar Cane Grower and 
 that the nitrogen in a ton "valued" at $7.94, the phosphoric acid 
 "valued" at $8.68 and the potash "valued" at $6.81. These 
 statements, which are just such as are made in the tables of 
 analyses under the headings of "Valuation of nitrogen in one 
 ton" (and similarly for the other two ingredients), do not mean 
 that a ton of Smith's Sugar Cane Grower is worth $7.94 -|- 
 
VALUATION Of FERTILIZERS 285 
 
 $8.68 + $6.81 or $23.43. They do not mean that $23.43 is a 
 proper price to pay the local agent for this brand. They do not 
 mean that this is the agent's buying price. They do not mean 
 that this is the probable service a ton of this brand will give the 
 farmer expressed in terms of money. They do not mean that 
 this sum is the commercial value of the brand ; much less do they 
 mean that it is any measure of its agricultural worth. What 
 they do mean and all they mean is simply this; that the same 
 amounts of the very best forms of plant food as are found in 
 a ton of Smith's Sugar Cane Grower could have been bought at 
 retail in an unmixed condition in Boston or New York for $23.43. 
 They do not mean that the plant food the manufacturer used of 
 necessity had this commercial value during this time. It may 
 have had a less one, but it can hardly have had a greater (except 
 in cases of marked fluctuations during the fall and winter in the 
 prices of the crude fertilizing materials, or unless the manufac- 
 turer deliberately elected to use a commercially expensive form 
 of phosphoric acid). The station does not pretend dogmatically 
 to state the commercial worth or valuation of any given fertilizer. 
 And as for its agricultural value, its crop producing power, no 
 man can say. Adverse weather conditions, insect depredations, 
 blight injuries, poor tillage, the use of insufficient amounts, or a 
 dozen other contingencies may make the best of plant food of 
 little service. 
 
 Valuations Show Cost of Plant Food. — It will be seen by this 
 that valuations simply show the cost of ready-made plant food. 
 The cost of this plant food, however, is but one of the many 
 charges which determine the retail cost of commercial fertilizers. 
 It is the main item, but there are others. The sundry forms of 
 plant food when ready for use in making commercial fertilizers 
 have to be mixed, stored, reground, bagged, loaded, and freighted. 
 Then, too, commissions to agents and dealers, the expense of sell- 
 ing on long credit, the item of bad debts, the interest on in- 
 vestments, the depreciation of the manufacturing plant, profits, 
 etc., are also proper and fixed charges. All these cost money 
 and must, in the end, be paid for by the consumer of mixed 
 fertilizers. Not one of them contributes in the least to plant 
 
286 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 growth, Commercial fertilizers are usually applied in the mixed 
 form, but this is simply a matter of convenience. The mixing 
 adds no virtue to them (except the mixing of sulphuric acid with 
 raw phosphate) and as good results may be obtained by the 
 separate application of the crude ingredients. 
 
 An illustration may serve to make these statements more clear. 
 A farmer buys in Boston or New York 50 pounds of nitrate of 
 soda, 350 pounds of dried blood, 1,475 pounds of acid phosphate, 
 and 125 pounds of muriate of potash and mixes these ingredients 
 together at home on his barn floor as thousands have done be- 
 fore him. He will then have a complete fertilizer analyzing 
 much the same as the average goods sold in Vermont and not 
 essentially different chemically from many standard brands now 
 in the market. 
 
 The cost of the ton after mixing — if the farmer prefers to 
 mix the ingredients himself — will be made up as follows : 
 
 (o) Cost of material in the market. 
 
 (b) Cost of transportation. 
 
 (c) Cost of mixing. 
 
 The first item (a) entering into the total cost is the only one 
 included in the "valuation." If there is added to this one item 
 not only the charges of transportation and mixing, but also the 
 expenses of selling through agents and dealers, long credits, 
 bad debts, etc., we have the factors involved in the cost of our 
 ordinary complete fertilizers when delivered. It is clear, there- 
 fore, that the selling price must of necessity exceed the "valua- 
 tion," the excess representing the manufacturer's charges for 
 converting raw materials into finished products, for freighting 
 and for selling them. 
 
 Since the cost of mixing and selling vary somewhat with differ- 
 ent companies, and since freight rates to the different sections 
 of the state are quite unlike, it is unsafe to assign any arbitrary 
 sum to cover these charges. These can be estimated best by 
 the consumer to fit his local conditions. 
 
 Some Object to Valuations. — There are other arguments both 
 for and against the use of valuations. The opponents of the 
 system say : 
 
VAI<UATION OF FERTII<IZERS 287 
 
 1. The prices of raw materials vary from time to time. Logi- 
 cally valuations should shift similarly. 
 
 2. They are misleading, misunderstood, misapplied and, there- 
 fore, mischievous. 
 
 3. Chemical analysis does not disclose the sources of the var- 
 ious forms of plant food in the mixtures and hence it is difficult, 
 if not impracticable, to apply true commercial values. 
 
 4. The use of certain forms of plant food is encouraged while 
 that of other forms is discouraged. 
 
 Its advocates say in rebuttal : 
 
 1. Prices of raw materials do vary; but that fact has but little 
 bearing in this matter Comparative and not absolute values are 
 shown by the valuation system. It is emphatically and dis- 
 tinctly disclaimed that any attempt is made to show the com- 
 mercial valuation of a given brand. 
 
 2. The uninformed or the careless may be misled; but the 
 system is so simple and its meaning made so clear that it ought not 
 to be misunderstood by anyone of fair intelligence. It may be 
 misapplied by those who are misled or who misunderstand it. 
 Many good things may be perverted through misuse; but this is 
 not a valid argument against them. The farmer who thinks that 
 money values are an index of crop producing merit has no con- 
 ception of the meaning or use of the system. The kinds and 
 amounts of plant food rather than its money value determine the 
 agricultural worth of a fertilizer. 
 
 3. A full chemical analysis of a commercial fertilizer, such as 
 the station has printed in its bulletins for years, gives every clue 
 needed as to source and kinds of phosphatic and potassic plant 
 food. It shows too the proportions of soluble nitrogen. As for 
 organic nitrogen, however, it must be said that, while chemical 
 analysis can tell how much is present, it cannot surely tell how 
 good it is. In other words, nitrogenous materials of an organic 
 origin, when mixed with the other ingredients of fertilizers, lose 
 their indentity to such an extent that it is difficult and often im- 
 possible to say what is what. Low grade materials, however, 
 if in considerable quantities can be detected with a fair degree 
 of assurance. 
 
288 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 It should be noted that here again the objectors to the vaUia- 
 tion system miss the point. The nitrogen valuations show the 
 retail cash cost of equivalent amounts of high grade nitrogen. 
 They do not show the retail cash cost of the nitrogen used in the 
 brand in question which may or may not have been of good 
 quality. 
 
 4. The valuation system does seem to favor the use of rock 
 phosphates rather than of bone phosphates. Commercial con- 
 ditions, however, have for years been such that the former has 
 been the cheaper. A pound of soluble phosphoric acid from 
 one is, so far as is known, of equal agricultural value to a pound 
 of the other. The reverted phosphoric acid from each source 
 is probably of nearly equivalent agricultural values, with the bone 
 phosphate, perhaps, a bit the better. The insoluble phosphoric 
 acid derived from bone phosphate is agriculturally better and 
 commercially more costly than its competitor. The trade values 
 for soluble and available phosphoric acids are based more on 
 rock than on bone prices, while that for insoluble phosphoric 
 acid is a sort of compromise. Since the available (soluble and 
 reverted) phosphoric acid in the rock goods is almost if not 
 quite as serviceable agriculturally as that from bone and since 
 it is much cheaper it is generally to be preferred. This con- 
 dition is reflected in the trade values for this ingredient. 
 
 Some Favor Valuations. — Those who have fathered the system 
 say for it that, while it is open to misuse, it is particularly ser- 
 viceable in two ways : 
 
 1. To show whether a given fertilizer is worth its cost from 
 the commercial standpoint. 
 
 2. As a common basis on which to compare the commercial 
 values of different brands, enabling buyers to note whether prices 
 asked are warranted by values contained. 
 
 It expresses these highly variable percentages in concrete shape. 
 Many farmers are not as well acquainted with nitrogen, phos- 
 phoric acid and potash as they should be ; but they know dollars 
 and cents. And if they realize that these dollars and cents are 
 a purely commercial measure and not an agricultural one, the 
 system should be of service to them. 
 
VAI^UATION OF FERTII^IZERS 289 
 
 It has been suggested that it were better to express the valua- 
 tions in the analyses tables all as one figure instead of splitting 
 them between the three ingredients. This is the common pro- 
 cedure in other states but it has not approved itself to us. By 
 dividing the figures thus it emphasizes the fact that these values 
 spring from the sundry forms of plant food. It calls attention 
 to nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash instead of leading one 
 away from their consideration. It prepares the way for a better 
 understanding of the whole matter and, indeed, it is to be hoped, 
 for the ultimate abandonment of the valuation system.'' 
 
 Valuations in Other States. — In some states the valuations are 
 obtained from the ruling prices of the raw materials at the large 
 fertilizer market or markets in the state, or nearby. Louisiana 
 for example makes out values according to the prices quoted in 
 New Orleans ; South Carolina on prices at Charleston ; Georgia 
 on prices at Savannah, etc. 
 
 To make this clear let us examine the Georgia valuations for 
 the season of 1908-1909. 
 
 Commercial Values of Fertilizers and Fertilizer Materials for the 
 
 Season of 1908-1909, as Fixed by State Chemist, January 
 
 1, 1909. 
 
 About the first of January, 1909, quotations at Savannah on 
 principal ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial 
 fertilizers were as below : 
 
 Acid phosphate 13-14 per cent, at $9.00 per ton 2,000 pounds. 
 
 Phosphate rock 68 per cent, bone phosphate $5-59 per ton f. o. 
 b. cars Savannah, Ga. 
 
 German kainit $10.00 per ton 2,000 pounds f. o. b. cars Savan- 
 nah, in sacks. 
 
 Muriate of potash $39.00 per ton 2,000 pounds f. 0. b. cars. 
 
 Nitrate of soda $50.00 per ton 2,000 pounds f. o. b. cars in 
 sacks. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal $25.00 per ton 2,000 pounds f. o. b. cars. 
 
 Sulphate of ammonia $62.00 per ton 2,000 pounds f. o. b. cars. 
 
 Pyrites per unit of sulphur ex-ship Savannah $6.50 per ton for 
 50 per cent. ore. 
 
290 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Brimstone $24.00 per ton ex-ship Savannah. 
 Western dried blood $2.85 per unit of ammonia. 
 Bone tankage $2.85 per unit of ammonia. 
 Raw bone-meal $23.00 per ton 2,000 pounds. 
 Steam bone-meal $22.25 P^"" ton 2,000 pounds. 
 Tennessee phosphate rock 75 per cent, bone phosphate of lime 
 $6.45 per ton at Atlanta. 
 
 Valuations. 
 
 The above prices are quotations at wholesale figures for lots 
 of 500 tons and over, spot cash ex-ship, cars or warehouse. 
 Savannah, Charleston and Atlanta. 
 
 The nitrogen of bone-meal which passes through a sieve with 
 perforations 1-50 of an inch in diameter is valued at $3-55 a unit. 
 
 The nitrogen of bone-meal coarser than that is valued at $2.30 
 a unit. 
 
 The phosphoric acid of bone-meal finer than 1-50 of an inch 
 is valued at 70 cents per unit. Coarser than 1-50 inch is valued 
 at 55 cents a unit. 
 
 Cotton-seed meals are valued as heretofore by multiplying their 
 nitrogen percentage by the value of nitrogen ruling for the sea- 
 son, viz : $3.55 per unit, and adding to this result, $3.33 to cover 
 the value of the 1.8 per cent, potash and 2.7 per cent, phosphoric 
 acid which is the average content of these meals. 
 
 In the case of Sea Island meals $2.53 is added to cover the 1.5 
 per cent, potash and 1.9 per cent, phosphoric acid which is the 
 average content of these meals. 
 
 On the basis of the above quotations the following commercial 
 values have been calculated, and have been used in calculating the 
 values of all the goods offered for sale in the State during the 
 season of 1908- 1909, as exhibited in the table of analyses: 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5}4 cents a pound 
 
 Nitrogen 17^ cents a pound 
 
 Potash 4 cents a pound 
 
 It is usual, however, in the fertilizer trade, and very con- 
 venient in calculation, to use the system of units. A unit means, 
 in technical talk, one per cent, of a ton, or twenty pounds; so 
 
VAIvUATION OF FERTILIZERS 29I 
 
 that converting the above prices per pound into prices per unit, 
 by simply multiplying by 20, we have : 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 70 cents a unit 
 
 Nitrogen 13-55 a unit 
 
 Potash 80 a unit 
 
 For example, suppose we have a fertilizer with 8 per cent, 
 available phosphoric acid, 3.45 per cent, nitrogen, and 2.75 per 
 cent, of potash, we calculate its value thus: 
 
 8 per cent. X 7° cents a unit = $ 5.60 
 3.45 per cent. X f3-55 cents a unit = 12.25 
 2.75 per cent. X 80 cents a unit = 2.20 
 
 I20.05 
 Inspection, sacks, mixing and handling 2.60 
 
 I22.65 
 
 Therefore, the relative commercial value of the above goods 
 is twenty-two dollars and sixty-five cents per ton. 
 
 The above figures represent, as nearly as we can arrive at it, 
 the wholesale cash cost of the goods at central points of distribu- 
 tion and production. If it is desired to learn the retail cost it 
 would be necessary to add to the above total the freight to the 
 particular point interested, and also storage, insurance, interest, 
 taxes and the dealer's or manufacturer's profit. The figures I 
 have given above can not, from the nature of the case, be exact, 
 as prices fluctuate from day to day and month to month, but 
 they approach with reasonable accuracy the wholesale cost of 
 the goods.'' 
 
 The form of nitrogen and potash, and the insoluble phosphoric 
 acid are not considered in mixed fertilizers in the Georgia valua- 
 tions. That is, nitrogen as nitrates, as ammonia and organic 
 nitrogen are giveh equal value, and potash as sulphate and as 
 chloride are rated the same in mixed fertilizers. Georgia al- 
 lows $2.60 per ton for the cost of inspection, sacks, mixing and 
 handling. Florida fixes an allowance of $1.50 per ton for mix- 
 ing and bagging. Louisiana, South Carolina and Mississippi 
 use practically the same system of valuation as Georgia. 
 20 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW GEADE FEETinZEKS. 
 
 Fillers. — The low grade fertilizers and sometimes the medium 
 grades carry materials that furnish only small amounts of nitro- 
 gen, phosphoric acid and potash or none at all. In order to 
 fully understand the discussion which follows, let us find out if 
 possible the way this extra material that does not furnish plant 
 food happens to be in low grade and occasionally in medium 
 grade fertilizers. 
 
 A filler is any substance in a fertilizer besides the nitrogen, 
 phosphoric acid, or potash. In the general meaning of the term, 
 a filler is spoken of as something added to a fertilizer to make 
 weight. 
 
 The principal substances used for fillers are gypsum, sand, 
 marl, pyrites cinders, powdered cinders, dried peat, etc. The 
 following example will illustrate an instance where the manu- 
 facturer would use a filler. 
 
 Suppose a manufacturer wants to make a fertilizer guar- 
 anteed to contain 8 per cent, available phosphoric acid, 1.65 per 
 cent, nitrogen, which is equivalent to 2 per cent, ammonia, and 2 
 per cent, potash. He has on hand acid phosphate containing 14 
 per cent, available phosphoric acid, Jiitrate of soda containing 
 15.50 per cent, nitrogen, and muriate of potash containing 50 
 per cent, potash. Since 8 per cent, available phosphoric acid is 
 equal to 8 pounds of phosphoric acid to every 100 pounds of fer- 
 tilizer, in 2,000 pounds he has 8 X 20 or (160) pounds of avail- 
 able phosphoric acid. In the same way he finds that he must 
 have 33 pounds of nitrogen and 40 pounds of potash. By the 
 following proportion the manufacturer finds the number of 
 pounds of acid phosphate, nitrate of soda, and muriate of potash 
 he will have to use to make 8-2-2 fertilizer : 
 
 14: 100:: 160: number of pounds of acid phosphate required. 
 15 1-2:100: :33:number of pounds of nitrate of soda required. 
 
 So:ioo::40:number of pounds of muriate of potash required. 
 That is. 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND I,OW FERTILIZERS 
 
 293 
 
 1,143 pounds of acid phosphate containing 14 per cent, 
 available phosphoric acid. 
 213 pounds of nitrate of soda containing 15.5 per 
 
 cent, nitrogen. 
 80 pounds of muriate of potash containing 50 per 
 cent, potash. 
 
 Total. . . 1,436 pounds. 
 
 The manufacturer must add 564 pounds of filler, in the 
 form of cinders or whatev2r he has on hand, to make 2,000 
 pounds and meet the guarantee of 8-2-2. The manufacturer 
 generally adds a slight excess of each of these fertilizing in- 
 gredients in making his goods, to make sure that his goods will 
 reach the guarantee. 
 
 How to Avoid Paying the Freight on Fillers. — Now suppose the 
 purchaser would buy this fertilizer without the addition of 564 
 pounds of filler, let us see the amount of plant food he would get. 
 
 1,143 X 14 = 6,1002 -i- 1,436 = 11.14% available phosphoric acid. 
 213 X iS-5 = 3>30i-5 -^ 1.416 = 2.30% nitrogen. 
 80 X 50 = 4,000 -;- 1.436 = 2.79% potash. 
 
 The analysis with and without the filler is : — 
 
 
 With 564 lbs. 
 filler 
 
 Without 
 filler 
 
 
 2.000 lbs. 
 
 1,436 lbs. 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 8 
 
 1.65 
 
 2 
 
 11. 14 
 2.30 
 2.79 
 
 
 Potash 
 
 From this it is readily seen that 1,436 pounds of the higher 
 grade fertilizer is better than 2,000 pounds of the lower grade. 
 The purchaser would do well to buy the above fertilizer without 
 the filler for he would receive more for his money. But the 
 purchaser must have 8-2-2 fertilizer and so the manufacturer, to 
 oblige him, must add some 564 pounds of worthless material to 
 make the ton. The fertilizer is shipped and the purchaser has 
 
294 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 got more bulk in the 2,000 pounds than in 1,436 pounds. But he 
 pays freight and has the trouble of handling 564 pounds of use- 
 less filler. Or he pays freight on 10 (200 pound) sacks when 
 a little over 7 of such weight packages would contain the same 
 amount of plant food. It would indeed be a better proposition, 
 should the fertilizer be too concentrated, to add soil to it when 
 ready to use on the farm. 
 
 Cheap Fertilizers Often Demanded. — It is the writer's belief, 
 from conversations with many fertilizer manufacturers, that 
 these gentlemen would much prefer selling only high grade fer- 
 tilizers. These manufacturers argue that high grade fertili- 
 zers are cheaper for the consumer to purchase and give better 
 crop returns than low grade fertilizers; hence the use of high 
 grade fertilizers would mean an increase in business as nobody 
 is well pleased unless successful. Many farmers want the 
 cheapest fertilizers they can get per ton price regardless of the 
 plant food furnished, and many unscrupulous merchants desire 
 the lowest price per ton fertilizers because they claim they can 
 sell them for almost as much as high grade fertilizers bring; 
 thus they make greater profits. The manufacturer rather than 
 lose a customer, by showing the folly of such practice, ships 
 the fertilizer with 100 to 1,000 pounds of worthless material as 
 filler. 
 
 Cost of the Different Grades of Fertilizers. — The Vermont Ex- 
 periment Station discusses the values of the different grades of 
 fertilizers as follows :'° 
 
 I. From the Standpoint of Cost. — The brands of fertilizers 
 analyzed for the season of 1909 may be classified as to selling 
 price as follows : 
 
 Low priced, selling at $28 or below 
 Medium priced, selling from $28.50 
 
 to $32.50 
 
 High priced, selling for I33 or more- 
 
 Number of 
 brands 
 
 39 
 
 54 
 38' 
 
 Percent, of 
 total 
 
 41 
 29 
 
 Average sell- 
 ing price 
 
 $26.29 
 
 29-93 
 37.84 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW FERTILIZERS 
 
 295 
 
 The average, largest and smallest values of plant food offered 
 in the groups of brands appear below. The figures show the 
 values of plant food bought for a dollar in the average goods of 
 each grade, including the greatest as well as the least value ob- 
 tained in any brand in each class. 
 
 Value of Plant Food Bought for a Dollar. 
 
 Average 
 
 Smallest 
 
 Largest 
 
 Low priced 
 
 Medium priced- 
 High priced 
 
 Jo-53 
 0.58 
 0.65 
 
 fo.40 
 0.40 
 0.49 
 
 I0.70 
 0.74 
 0.74 
 
 a highly nitrogenous and relatively costly oats and top dressing and a high priced 
 tobacco goods are omitted from the comparison. 
 
 It is interesting to note the number of brands in each group 
 which furnish less than 55 cents' worth of plant food^ for a dol- 
 lar, as well as the number which afforded more than 65 cents' 
 worth for the same sum : 
 
 Low priced: Less than 55c. worth, 22; more than 65c. worth, i. 
 
 Medium priced: Less than 55c. worth, 13; more than 65c. worth, 7. 
 High priced: Less than 55c. worth, 2; more than 65c. worth, 20. 
 
 The comparisons can be shown graphically. The relative 
 length of the following lines show the average money value in 
 plant food at retail seaboard prices bought for a dollar at Ver- 
 mont delivery points in brands selling for $28 or less (low 
 priced), from $28.50 to $32.50 (medium priced), and for $33 
 and above (high priced) : 
 
 Low priced ■■^^^—^.^■^^^^^—^^i^^^ii,^^^ 
 
 53 cents for a dollar spent 
 
 Medium priced ^^^,i__^^^^^__^^_^^^^,„___^_ 
 
 58 cents for a dollar spent 
 High priced ,^^^___ 
 
 65 cents for a dollar spent 
 
 The following lines show the proportion of the total number 
 of brands in each group containing 55 cents or less worth of 
 plant food for each dollar invested: 
 
 1 The phrase " 55 cents' worth of plant food " should be construed to mean an amount 
 of plant food which, if bought for cash at retail at the seaboard, would have cost 55 cents 
 in standard, unmixed, raw materials. 
 
296 soil.. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Low priced ,^^™^^^^.^™,«.^™^»«^.«.^«^..^i^i».5^^ 
 
 Medium priced ^^,_i___^.^^24% 
 High priced ■;% 
 
 The final set of lines show the proportion of the total number 
 of brands in each group containing 65 cents or more worth of 
 plant food for each dollar invested of the purchase price : 
 
 Low priced t '& 
 
 Medium priced ^^„^^_I3% 
 
 High priced ':2% 
 
 If lines and figures are put into words, it will be seen that: 
 
 1. The same amounts of plant food which cost a dollar in 
 the average low priced brands ($28 and below) might have been 
 bought in the unmixed state at retail' and at the seaboard for 53 
 cents; in the average medium priced goods ($28.50 to $32.50) 
 for 58 cents ; and in the average high priced goods ($33 and up- 
 wards) for 65 cents. Extremes of values were 74 and 40 
 cents. In more than a quarter of the brands the sums charged 
 for manufacture, transportation, sale, etc., comprised 45 per cent, 
 or more of the retail cost, thus leaving only 55 per cent, or even 
 less to pay for the plant food; while in an eighth of the entire 
 number these charges exceeded the seaboard value of the un- 
 mixed plant food. 
 
 2. In nearly three-fifths of the total number of low priced 
 brands the charges for mixing, sale, etc., aggregate at least 45 
 per cent, of the selling price, while in only one in four of the 
 number of medium priced brands and in but two out of thirty- 
 eight of the h-gh cost goods were the charges thus large. 
 
 3. Half of the total number of high class goods contained 
 an equivalent of 65 cents or more worth of plant food at retail 
 seaboard prices. But one in eight of the medium and one in 
 forty of the low grade goods contain so high an equivalent. 
 
 These things are naturally so, inevitably so. There are good 
 and sufficient reasons for this showing, which may be condensed 
 in a nutshell as follows: It costs as much to mix, to store, to 
 regrind, to bag, to ship, to freight, to sell, to collect for sales, 
 etc., a ton carrying 1,200 pounds of genuine fertilizer and 800 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW FERTILIZERS 
 
 297 
 
 pounds of mere filler (diluent) as one that contains 2,000 pounds 
 of undiluted fertilizer ingredients. Therefore the 'buyer of low 
 grade goods must pay for all this useless handling of the nearly 
 or quite worthless filler. It is an old story, reiterated year after 
 year, but it is one which needs to be told as long as material 
 usage of low grade brands obtains. 
 
 2. From the Standpoint of Value. — Let us now turn the matter 
 about and study it from the standpoint of worth. The figures 
 and proportions naturally differ from those just presented. The 
 brands may be classified as to valuation as follows : 
 
 Number of 
 brands 
 
 Low grade, valuing at f 15.50 or less 
 
 Medium grade, valuing at $15.51 to J22 
 
 High grade, valuing at $22.01 and upwards . . 
 
 42 
 59 
 29' 
 
 Per cent, 
 of total 
 
 32 
 45 
 23 
 
 Average 
 valuation 
 
 l'3-52 
 18.22 
 26.30 
 
 1 Exclusive of three brands, a highly nitrogenous and relatively costly oats and top 
 dressing, and a high priced tobacco goods, valuations of which are relatively very high, 
 and a lawn dressing milled extra fine and sold on that account at an advance in price. 
 
 The composition, selling price and valuation of the average 
 brand of each group appears below : 
 
 Low grade . . . . 
 Medium grade- 
 High grade 
 
 0.99 
 2.34 
 319 
 
 9 00 
 8-55 
 
 7-52 
 
 2.53 
 430 
 9.06 
 
 1 = 
 ao 
 
 _ 0. 
 
 12.5 
 
 15-2 
 
 19.8 
 
 $27.10 
 
 30.00 
 
 38-93 
 
 l'3-52 
 18.22 
 26.30 
 
 HO 
 
 l'3-58 
 11.78 
 12.63 
 
 A survey of this table indicates that: 
 
 1. The proportion of nitrogen increases in regular gradua- 
 tions from group to group ; that of phosphoric acid drops one- 
 half per cent, from the lower to the medium and one and one-half 
 per cent, in the high grade goods; while the potash increases 
 nearly two per cent, in the medium and over six and one-half per 
 cent, in the high grade brands, as compared with the lower ones. 
 
 2. The low grade goods carry nine times as much phosphoric 
 
298 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 acid as they do of nitrogen and nearly four times as much phos- 
 phoric acid as they do of potash. These proportions become, 
 roughly, four and two in the medium grade. In the high grade 
 fertilizers there are but two and one-third times as much phos- 
 phoric acid as nitrogen, and one and one-half per cent, more 
 potP^-. than phosphoric acid. The latter grade more closely 
 restf'ibles the proportions commonly present in the crops ordina- 
 rily grown than do either of the other grades. 
 
 A study of the main tables and of the data in hand further 
 shows that nine out of ten high grade goods and three out of 
 four medium grade brands contained either nitrate or ammonia 
 salts (water-soluble nitrogen). Only one brand in five or nine 
 in the entire forty-two of the low grades contained this valuable 
 form of plant food; and five of these nine contained each less 
 than 5 pounds to a ton and but one more than 10 pounds peir 
 ton. Moreover, the organic nitrogen availability of the low 
 grade goods tended to run somewhat lower than that of the bet- 
 ter classes. 
 
 3. The medium grade goods for one-ninth advance in price 
 over the cost of the low grade brands offer an eighth more plant 
 food and three-eighths more commercial value. 
 
 4. The high grade fertilizers for three-sevenths advance in 
 price over the cost of the low class goods furnish four-sevenths 
 more plant food and almost double the commercial value. 
 
 5. The higher the grade the less the margin between cost and 
 worth, both actually and relatively. In buying the average 
 low grade brand one paid this year $13.58 for service of one sort 
 or another (factory and office charges, freight, selling expenses, 
 etc.) incurred in the delivery of $13.52 worth of plant food; 
 when medium grade goods were bought, $11.78 service charges 
 placed $18.22 worth of plant food in the buyer's hands; and 
 when high grade goods are bought $12.63 service charges placed 
 $26.30 worth of plant food in the buyer's hands. Or, phrasing 
 the matter another way. 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW FERTILIZERS 
 
 299 
 
 The Cost of Placing A Doi,lar's Worth of Plant Food in the 
 Farmer's Hands Was: 
 
 In low grade goods one dollar 
 
 In medium grade goods 65 cents 
 
 In high grade goods 48 cents 
 
 It may be worth while now to scan the prices paid for a ;iound 
 of nitrogen, of available phosphoric acid and of potash the 
 several grades. The next table shows this, including the aver- 
 age, lowest and highest costs as well as the retail cash cost 
 of these ingredients in Boston or New York, or, in other words, 
 their "valuations." 
 Cost of a Pound of Plant Food in Fertilizers of Various Grades. 
 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Available phosphoric 
 acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 
 V 
 
 < 
 
 X 
 
 1 
 
 <u 
 
 1 
 
 (A 
 V 
 
 -c 
 u 
 
 X 
 
 1 
 
 s 
 
 V 
 
 in 
 
 V 
 
 "Si 
 IB 
 
 1 
 
 
 Cents 
 
 Low grade 
 
 Medium grade- 
 
 High grade 
 
 Retail cost, Bos- 
 ton or New 
 York 
 
 38.0 
 
 31-3 
 28.3 
 
 19.0 
 
 47 -o 
 25.6 
 30.6 
 
 323 
 38.9 
 25.6 
 
 7.6 
 6-3 
 
 5-7 
 3-82 
 
 9-4 
 51 
 6.2 
 
 6.5 
 7-8 
 5 I 
 
 8.5 
 
 7.0 
 
 63 
 
 4-25 
 
 10.5 
 
 5-7 
 6.8 
 
 7.2 
 8.7 
 
 5-7 
 
 The same lesson enforced in a different way, that cheap fer- 
 tilizers are the most costly. Some Vermont buyers paid 47 cents 
 for a pound of nitrogen which they might have bought for 25J4 
 cents laid down at their doors in mixed fertilizers. They paid 
 under similar circumstances 9^ cents a pound instead of 5 cents 
 for phosphoric acid and 10J/2 cents for potash instead of 5)^ 
 cents. They paid almost double prices because they did not give 
 the matter attention, or, perhaps, because they did not believe in 
 "book farming." The thoughtful buyer of high class goods, 
 sold at not overhigh prices, bought plant food at figures not 
 much in advance of valuations plus freight rates. 
 
 This situation can perhaps be put more clearly and forcibly 
 as follows. It should be clearly understood, however, that the 
 
3O0 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 remarks have reference solely to commercial considerations ; that 
 is to say to the buying of plant food. 
 
 The best purchase of low grade goods made on the Vermont 
 market this year, that is to say the one wherein the buyer received 
 the most plant food for his money, was a poorer trade than was 
 the average buying of medium grade goods or than was the worst 
 trade made in high grade goods. 
 
 The worst trade made in medium grade goods was almost 
 as good a piu'chase as was the average trade in low grade 
 brands. 
 
 The worst trade in high grade goods was a better trade than 
 the average purchase made of medium grade goods and it was a 
 better trade than was the best made in low grade brands. 
 
 It ought to be said in this connection that the same brands 
 similarly named, in different localities, as well as the same goods 
 variously named in one locality or, indeed, in one dealer's hands, 
 are sometimes found to sell at very different prices, and, appar- 
 ently, without good reason. A few very exorbitant charges have 
 been noted. Moreover, purchasers often fail to exercise good 
 judgment in their choices and pay overhigh charges owing to 
 lack of information as to what to buy and how to buy it. That 
 this situation is largely their own fault can justly be claimed, 
 since the State has thrown about this trade safeguards which are 
 lacking with almost every other class of traffic. The yearly fer- 
 tilizer inspection, the publication of the results of the work, the 
 free distribution of the bulletins, the clear and concise state- 
 ments as to the brands on sale, the simplicity and directness of 
 the few fundamental facts which are the main guides as to choice 
 and to purchase; all these are ample justification of the statement 
 that, speaking in general terms, he who is dissatisfied with the 
 results attained with fertilizers has himself to thank for it. This 
 dissatisfaction may be due to unwise choice, that is to say the 
 purchase of a goods ill-adapted to a specific purpose; or, it may 
 arise from the realization that one has paid an unreasonably high 
 price in view of the grade of the goods. In either case a re- 
 jietition of the experience may be avoided by the exercise of a 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND LOW FERTILIZERS 3OI 
 
 little care as to choice. Particularly in the matter of purchase 
 there often appears to be but little relation between price and 
 plant food content. Thus, for example, goods guaranteed to 
 carry uniform available phosphoric acid contents, but the highly 
 variable nitrogen and potash contents noted below were found 
 selling at a uniform price at points where freight rates were not 
 materially unlike: 
 
 Nitrogen, 33 lbs.; potash, 40 lbs.; nitrogen and potash, 73 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen, 41 lbs.; potash, 30 lbs.; nitrogen and potash, 71 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen, i5 lbs.; potash, 80 lbs.; nitrogen and potash, 96 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen, 41 lbs.; potash, 60 lbs.; nitrogen and potash, loi lbs. 
 
 Occasionally two brands of the same make with identical 
 nitrogen and phosphoric acid guaranties but with different pot- 
 ash guaranties (1.5 and 3 per cents.) were found sold at a flat 
 price. That is to say a local agent will offer a corn fertilizer at 
 $30 and a potato phosphate at $30, each containing equal amounts 
 of nitrogen and phosphoric acid, but the latter twice as much 
 potash as the former. This is no sin; neither is it against the 
 law. But what well-informed buyer would choose the corn 
 goods in preference to the potato brand? 
 
 Identical but differently named goods were sometimes sold 
 by one and the same agent at different prices. Again, two 
 brands with similar nitrogen and phosphoric acid guaranties but 
 different potash figures were sold by the same agent at different 
 prices, the higher price being asked for the lower guarantied 
 goods. 
 
 The non-nitrogenous brands, nine of which are licensed, being 
 relatively cheap are quite popular and somewhat widely sold. 
 As a class they carry costly plant food. As sold this year in this 
 State excluding one brand they average to offer only 46 cents' 
 worth of plant food for a dollar. The excepted brand, however, 
 offered 70 cents' worth. When one has ample home supplies of 
 nitrogen, non-nitrogenous goods may prove advisable purchases ; 
 but commercially they are usually expensive plant food. 
 
 3. As Between Manufacturers. — One company averaged to 
 charge 48 cents for placing a dollar's worth of plant food in the 
 
■S02 
 
 SOIL KERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 buyer's hands. Yet another asked twice as much or 96 cents for 
 the same service. In the one case a dollar bought 67 cents' worth 
 of plant food, in the other 51 cents' worth. For more than half 
 of the brands offered by each of two companies was asked a dollar 
 or more for the laying down of a dollar's worth of plant food at 
 the buyer's depot; or stating it another way, the buyer of their 
 low priced brands paid from $1.96 to $2.49 and received therefor 
 a dollar's worth of plant food. His aeighbors paid in some cases 
 as low as $1.33 for a dollar's worth. Which made the wiser pur- 
 chase? It is not difficult for anyone to apply this test before 
 purchase. Thus, for example: Selling price, $30; guaranty, 
 nitrogen 2 per cent. ; soluble, reverted and insoluble phosphoric 
 acids, 6, 3 and i per cent.; potash, 3 per cent.; 2 X20 X 0.19 
 = 7.60. 6 X 20 X 0.04 = 4-8o. 3 X 20 X 0.035 = 2.10. 
 I X 20 X 0.02 = 0.40. 3 X 20 X 0.0425 = 2.55. $7.60 + 
 $4.80 + $2.10 + $0.40 + $2.55 = $i7.45- 17-45 ^ 30 = 58; 
 or 30 -H 17.45 = 1.72. Seventy-two cents' service charge for 
 a dollar's worth of plant food. Fifty-eight cents' worth of plant 
 food for a dollar spent.'" 
 
 Comparisons of Grades of Complete Fertilizers. — The Kentucky 
 Kxperiment Station^" has arranged the complete fertilizers (those 
 containing nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash) analyzed dur- 
 ing the season of 1908 into several grades, the grade being de- 
 termined by the value of the unmixed materials. 
 
 
 
 Average Guaranteed Com- 
 
 
 Average 
 
 selling p 
 pound 
 
 rice per 
 
 
 
 position 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Value of 
 
 
 
 
 Average 
 selling 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 v 
 
 materials 
 
 Available 
 
 
 
 price 
 
 Available 
 
 
 
 
 phosphoric 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Potash 
 
 per ton 
 
 phosphoric 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Potash 
 
 
 
 
 acid. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 acid 
 
 Cents 
 
 Cents 
 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 
 
 
 Cents. 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 I14.28 
 
 7-95 
 
 0.82 
 
 1.08 
 
 f24.6o 
 
 10.33 
 
 36.15 
 
 10.33 
 
 2 
 
 15-34 
 
 8.92 
 
 0.41 
 
 2.42 
 
 24.85 
 
 9-72 
 
 34.02 
 
 9-72 
 
 ^ 
 
 17-05 
 
 8.00 
 
 1. 10 
 
 2.36 
 
 25.86 
 
 9.10 
 
 31-85 
 
 9.10 
 
 4 
 
 18.24 
 
 8.75 
 
 0.82 
 
 3-5» 
 
 27.21 
 
 8.95 
 
 31-33 
 
 8.95 
 
 ,S 
 
 19-43 
 
 8.41 
 
 1.65 
 
 2.00 
 
 26.81 
 
 8.28 
 
 28.98 
 
 8.28 
 
 6 
 
 22.38 
 
 8.00 
 
 2.06 
 
 3-44 
 
 3155 
 
 8.45 
 
 29-57 
 
 8.45 
 
 7 
 
 22.93 
 
 7-53 
 
 1.65 
 
 5.ao 
 
 31-50 
 
 8.24 
 
 28.84 
 
 8.24 
 
 8 
 
 29-65 
 
 8.80 
 
 2.86 
 
 5-90 
 
 36.00 
 
 7.28 
 
 25.48 
 
 7.28 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND I,OW FERTILIZERS 3O3 
 
 The prices per pound of available phosphoric acid, nitrogen 
 and potash decrease as the percentages of these constituents 
 increase, grade 6 being an exception. Roberts states: "The 
 goods represented by this class are all manufactured by one 
 combination of companies that use many of their formulas in 
 common. This fact was not observed until it was seen that the 
 decrease in prices in this case did not follow the increase in grade 
 of goods." The table comprises some 245 brands of complete 
 fertilizers which were distributed as follows: 
 
 Grade i 44 brands 
 
 Grade 2 12 brands 
 
 Grade 3 16 brands 
 
 Grade 4 42 brands 
 
 Grade 5 55 brands 
 
 Grade 6 10 brands 
 
 Grade 7 40 brands 
 
 Grade 8 26 brands 
 
 In the lower grades there were more brands than in the higher 
 grades. No. 5, which is a medium grade, had the largest num- 
 ber of brands. "Only 10.6 per cent, belong to the highest grade 
 and 31 per cent, belong to the medium high and high grades." 
 
 "A low grade fertilizer can be sold at an exorbitant price per 
 pound for the plant food contained, and yet be sold at a less 
 price per ton than a high grade fertilizer which is sold at a 
 low price per pound for the plant food contained. Yet this low 
 price per ton catches the eye of some farmers. It would be 
 just as sensible to go to the grocer and have him make vinegar 
 one-half water and then pay for the mixture three-fourths the 
 price of strong vinegar, as to buy the average low grade fertilizer. 
 The economical thing to do is to buy the higher grade fertilizer 
 and use less of it per acre. Consider what 850 pounds of filler 
 or dead weight in low grade materials means in the freight bill 
 when the fertilizer has to be hauled long distances by wagon, 
 as is the case in some sections of the state." 
 
304 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 No Fertilizer Contains 100 Per Cent, of Plant Food. — Many peo- 
 ple when they examine a chemical analysis of a fertilizer wonder 
 what makes up the balance of the fertilizer. 
 
 They receive an analysis like this : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 8.04 
 
 Nitrogen 1.7° 
 
 Potash 2.04 
 
 The total of the available phosphoric acid, nitrogen and potash 
 is 11.78 per cent. There is 88.22 per cent, unaccounted for and 
 this latter amount is what they are curious about. They say, 
 "What is this 88.22 per cent.?" 
 
 The manufacturer may have made this fertilizer from the fol- 
 lowing formula. 
 
 550 pounds of cotton-seed meal containing 6.2 % nitrogen 
 340 pounds of kainit containing 12 % potash 
 1,110 pounds of acid phosphate containing 14.5 % available phosphoric acid 
 
 2,000 pounds, total. 
 
 Figuring these amounts in per cent, or pounds per hundred we 
 have: 
 
 550 -:- 20 = 27.5 per cent, of cotton-seed meal 
 340 -7- 20 = 17.0 per cent, of kainit 
 1,110 -i- 20 ^ 55.5 per cent, of acid phosphate 
 
 100.00 per cent., total. 
 
 Another way to determine the 88.22 per cent, that is unac- 
 counted for, is to make a complete analysis of the fertilizer. To 
 do this would cost a good deal of money and after being done 
 would not be valuable, as the consumer is only interested in 
 knowing how much available phosphoric acid, nitrogen and pot- 
 ash the fertilizer contains. Mc Candles*^ gives a complete analy- 
 sis of a fertilizer made from the same materials as illustrated in 
 this discussion, namely, cotton-seed meal, kainit and acid phos- 
 phate. 
 
high, medium and low fertiuzers 305 
 
 Complete Analysis of a Commercial Fertilizer 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 ({a) Mono-calcic, or superphosphate of lime 9.52 
 
 (b) Di-calcic, or reverted phosphate of lime 3.02 
 
 (c) Tri-calcic, or bone phosphate of lime 1.99 
 
 Sulphate of lime, or gypsum, or land-plaster 24.60 
 
 Id f Sulphate of potash 3.19 
 
 S (d) \ Muriate of potash 0.30 
 
 (_ Potash, or potassium oxide (KjO) 0.56 
 
 Soda, or sodium oxide 0.29 
 
 Common salt, or sodium chloride 5.41 
 
 Epsom salts, or magnesium sulphate 4.14 
 
 Magnesia, or magnesium oxide • ■ -. 0.41 
 
 Magnesium chloride 1.86 
 
 c Pyrites, or bisulphide of iron 0.40 
 
 gj Peroxide of iron 0.63 
 
 Alumina 0.64 
 
 Fluoride of lime 0.39 
 
 Sand, or insoluble silicious matter 5.87 
 
 Water 9.33 
 
 •"■3c«rt "I («) Protein 13.20 
 
 S^^aSgiS L Carbohydrates (such as starch,sugar and gum) 8.11 
 
 £?^-3S?'S"| Fatoroil.... 4.37 
 
 OoH>3 J Fibre 1.77 
 
 100.00 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 {a) Contains water soluble phosphoric acid 5.78 
 
 (6) Contains reverted phosphoric acid 1.58 
 
 (a) and (6) contain available phosphoric acid 7.36 
 
 (c) Contains insoluble phosphoric acid 0.91 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 8.27 
 
 (d) Contains actual potash, 2.45 per cent. 
 
 (e) Contains nitrogen, 2. 11 per cent. 
 
 The protein, carbohydrates, fat and fiber were furnished by 
 the cotton-seed meal. 
 
 The analysis of this fertilizer would be reported as : 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7.36 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid 0.91 
 
 Nitrogen 2. 11 
 
 Potash 2.45 
 
 This would make a total of 12.83 per cent, of plant food and 
 for the remaining 87.17 per cent, consult the analysis as given. 
 
 Mc. Candless also made a complete analysis of an acid phos- 
 phate or superphosphate made from South Carolina rock: 
 
306 soil fertility and fertilizeks 
 
 Complete Analysis of an Acid Phosphate. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 {a) Mono-calcic, or superphosphate of lime J 8. 13 
 
 {b) Di-calcic, or reverted phosphate of lime 5.75 
 
 (c) Tri-calcic, or bone phosphate of lime 3.80 
 
 Sulphate of lime, or gypsum, or land-plaster 46.05 
 
 Potash o. 12 
 
 Soda 0.38 
 
 Sodium chloride 0.03 
 
 Bi-sulphide of iron or pyrites 0.74 
 
 Magnesia o. 14 
 
 Peroxide of iron 1. 10 
 
 Alumina 1.22 
 
 Fluoride of lime 0.75 
 
 Sand or silicious insoluble matter 9.29 
 
 Water 12.50 
 
 100.00 
 
 Per cent. 
 {a) Contains water soluble phosphoric acid 11.00 
 
 (b) Contains reverted phosphoric acid 3.00 
 
 (a) and {b) contain available phosphoric acid 14.00 
 
 (c) (Contains insoluble phosphoric acid i . 74 
 
 Total phosphoric acid = 15.74 
 
 The above analysis shows 15.74 per cent, of total phosphoric 
 acid and the remaining 84.26 per cent, can be found in the 
 analysis as given. 
 
 Our previous study of the foregoing chapters has taught us 
 that muriate of potash contains 50 to 60 per cent, of potash, 
 sulphate of potash 50 per cent, of potash, ammonium sulphate 
 20.4 per cent, of nitrogen, nitrate of soda 15.5 per cent, of 
 nitrogen, rock phosphates about 30 to 36 per cent, of phosphoric 
 acid, and in all our study of these chapters we did not find one 
 fertilizing material carrying 100 per cent, of any of the constit- 
 uents. The plant food in fertilizer materials, that is, the nitro- 
 gen, phosphoric acid and potash, is combined with other elements, 
 and must necessarily be so to form compounds that may be used 
 by man. Should nitrogen equal 100 per cent, it would be a gas 
 
HIGH, MEDIUM AND tOW FERTILIZERS 307 
 
 separated from all other gases and impossible to use as a ferti- 
 lizer commodity. But when it is combined with soda and oxygen 
 the compound nitrate of soda is formed which is readily trans- 
 ported and used. What has been said about nitrogen also applies 
 to the elements potassium and phosphorus; so it is evident that 
 we cannot buy or make a fertilizer containing 100 per cent, of 
 plant food. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 HOME MIXTURES. 
 
 Definitions. — When fertilizer materials such as tankage, dried 
 blood, nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, superphosphate, 
 bone-meal, muriate of potash, etc., are purchased and mixed at 
 home the process is called home mixing and the product a home 
 mixture. When these fertilizer materials are mixed by the fac- 
 tory the product is called a fertilizer or a mixed fertilizer. Most 
 of the fertilizer materials contain either one or two constituents 
 and only a few carry all three constituents. Most of the mixed 
 fertilizers contain three constituents, namely, nitrogen, phos- 
 phoric acid and potash and are called complete fertilizers be- 
 cause they contain the three essential elements. There has been 
 a great deal of discussion as to whether fertilizer materials or 
 mixed fertilizers are the best for the consumer to purchase. 
 
 Manufacturers' Claims. — The manufacturers claim that mixed 
 fertilizers are the best for the farmer to purchase because : 
 
 1. The factory mixed fertilizers are in a fine mechanical con- 
 dition. The mixed fertilizers are ground fine and uniformly 
 mixed, which is indeed an important consideration to permit of 
 an even distribution on the land. 
 
 2. The mixed fertilizers can generally be purchased in the 
 locality at most any time and in any amount. 
 
 3. The mixed fertilizers are specially treated with acid and 
 the constituents in substances like tankage, dry ground fish, etc., 
 are made partially available. 
 
 4. The mixed fertilizers are claimed to be made up in such 
 proportions as to satisfy the need of crops. 
 
 5. The manufacturers often allow the farmer some time to 
 settle and often wait until harvest time before getting their 
 money. The credit system is in vogue in the South where enor- 
 mous quantities of mixed fertilizers are used. 
 
 Reasons Why the Farmer Should Mix Fertilizer Materials at 
 Home. — The mixing of fertilizer materials at home is becoming 
 more popular among the farmers. Some of the reasons why 
 the farmer should mix his own fertilizer materials follow : 
 
H0M13 MIXTURES 309 
 
 1. Plant food is obtained at a lower price. 
 
 2. The fanner knows the materials used. 
 
 3. Unnecessary constituents are not purchased. 
 
 Mechanical Condition of Factory and Home Mixed Fertilizers. — 
 The factory mixed fertilizers are usually much better mixed than 
 those that are mixed at home. Fertilizer factories are well 
 equipped with special machinery to insure producing a uniform 
 product that may easily be distributed on the farm. However, 
 the careful farmer may mix his fertilizer materials uniformly 
 enough for all practical purposes. 
 
 Mixed Fertilizers More Easily Purchased. — Mixed fertilizers 
 can generally be purchased in the locality and the raw materials 
 must be ordered away from home which of course takes some 
 time. Sometimes certain raw materials are hard to obtain. 
 If the farmer starts early enough, say in the winter, the raw ma- 
 terials can generally be obtained. 
 
 Mixed Fertilizers Compounded for the Needs of the Crop. — When 
 a manufacturer makes up his formulas he has to allow for the 
 general existing conditions of soil, climate, and needs of the 
 crop, and he cannot expect to make a particular brand that will 
 suit each farmer's requirements. When he makes up a potato 
 brand he must make a mixture that will suit most of the farm- 
 ers growing potatoes and he cannot expect to meet every condi- 
 tion of soil. 
 
 Manufacturers Often Allow Credit. — On the whole, the credit 
 system is a poor system for the farmer, for when his crop is 
 made he may or may not be ahead financially. Those that live 
 on the credit system are usually a year behind and two or three 
 poor crops result in the loss of the farm. The manufacturers, 
 however, are often too lenient in selling their mixed fertilizers 
 on the credit basis as they often have large losses which take 
 away much of their profit. 
 
 Plant Food is Obtained at a Lower Price in Home Mixtures. — 
 The work of the Experiment Stations has proved conclusively 
 that plant food is obtained at a lower price when the fertilizer 
 materials are purchased and mixed at home than when mixed 
 fertilizers are employed. Of course in using home mixtures, 
 
3IO 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 freight on fillers is saved. The following table shows the amount 
 of plant food that was purchased for $30 in factory mixed fer- 
 tilizers and home mixtures for the year 1906 in Connecticut.'^ 
 Plant Food Bought for ^30. 
 
 Nitrogenous superphosphates 
 
 In the best 
 
 In those of medium quality 
 
 In the least valuable 
 
 Special tnatiures 
 
 In the best 
 
 In those of medium quality 
 
 In the least valuable 
 
 Home mixtures 
 In the average of all 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphor- 
 ic acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Pounds 
 
 73 
 
 188 
 
 III 
 
 44 
 
 180 
 
 97 
 
 23 
 
 279 
 
 53 
 
 69 
 
 170 
 
 143 
 
 47 
 
 174 
 
 112 
 
 32 
 
 174 
 
 66 
 
 77 
 
 200 
 
 168 
 
 Total 
 
 372 
 321 
 
 355 
 
 382 
 
 333 
 272 
 
 445 
 
 The amounts of nitrogen, potash and total plant food in the 
 home mixtures are higher than in any of the factory mixtures. 
 The phosphoric acid is only exceeded in the least valuable of 
 nitrogen superphosphates, but the total plant food is less in this 
 grade by 90 pounds than in the home mixtures. This is indeed 
 a fine showing for home mixtures, and as the figures in the table 
 represent actual market conditions, the use of home mixtures 
 should be thoroughly considered by every farmer who is in a 
 position to use them. 
 
 The following table covers the inspection of fertilizers for the 
 year 1909 in Vermont.'" 
 Selling Prices and Valuations of Factory Mixed Fertilizers. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Total phosphoric acid 
 
 Available phosphoric acid ■ 
 
 Potash 
 
 Selling price . 
 
 Per cent, guaranteed 
 
 0.8 
 
 5-0 
 
 3-9 
 1 .0 
 
 it22 
 
 Valuation % 9-45||39-S6 j 
 
 5ofo8 
 
 8-5 
 16.0 
 I r .0 
 
 12.0 
 
 00 
 
 2.01 
 9-o8 
 7-53 
 4-36 
 3'-4^ 
 17.19 
 
 Per cent, found 
 
 0.98 
 6.88 
 
 3-65 
 1 .02 
 
 I.I0.04IJS43-3 
 
 8-95 
 16.60 
 12.18 
 13-19 
 
 2-23 
 
 IO-53 
 
 8.32 
 
 4.70 
 
 IJS18.84 
 
 >1 = 
 
 w 
 
 0.22 
 
 1-45 
 0.79 
 
 0-34 
 lr.65 
 
HO MB MIXTURES 311 
 
 Note the great differences between the selling prices, or cost 
 to the consumer, and the valuations. 
 
 The average selling price of fertilizers for the year 1909 in 
 Vermont was $31.43 and the average valuation was $18.84. 
 These great differences in selling prices and valuations are easily 
 accounted for. The valuations, you well remember, are figured 
 on the retail cost of fertilizer materials on the open market in 
 the unmixed state. These valuations represent what a farmer 
 should purchase his fertilizer materials for in centers like Bos- 
 ton, New York, etc., and they do not represent the prices of these 
 fertilizer materials when laid down at his place, as the freight 
 and cost of handling are not considered. When factory mixed 
 fertilizers are purchased the consumer must pay for the cost of 
 assembling the raw materials, cost of mixing, insurance, long 
 credit, bad debts, storage, freight, cost of inspection, cost of filler, 
 cost of sacks, travelling men's expenses, dealers' profits, manu- 
 facturers' profits and any other expenses that may be incurred in 
 the manufacture and sale of the mixed fertilizer. 
 
 When fertilizer materials are purchased that run high in any 
 constituent the unit of plant food is usually obtained cheaper 
 than when purchased in materials, or mixtures of materials, that 
 run low. So when a fertilizer material like muriate of potash, 
 which carries 50 per cent, of potash, is bought, the potash is se- 
 cured at a lower price than when a mixture containing 2 to 5 
 per cent, of potash is selected. 
 
 Home Mixing Acquaints the Farmer with the Materials Used. — 
 When a farmer buys a factory mixed fertilizer he does not 
 always know just the sources of the nitrogen, phosphoric acid 
 and potash. He may desire his potash wholly as sulphate; he 
 may want a part of his nitrogen as nitrate and a part in the 
 organic form from dried blood. When he buys factory mixed 
 fertilizers he has to take the word of the agent or the manu- 
 facturer. Most manufacturers are honest men who give what 
 is asked for but when you mix at home you know just the amount 
 and kind of materials you are using. Again, when you mix your 
 own fertilizer materials )'0U deal in the subject "plant food," that 
 is, so much nitrogen, so much available phosphoric acid and so 
 
312 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 much potash, and you do away with your old bad habit of pur- 
 chasing fertilizer for a given amount per ton regardless of its 
 plant food value. 
 
 The table on page 313 gives a few home mixtures with the 
 analyses, cost and valuations, that were used in Connecticut.'" 
 
 It is readily observed that the cost per ton fairly approximates 
 the valuations. In our previous table of factory mixtures the 
 costs were much greater than the valuations. Note the variety 
 of materials that were used in making up these mixtures. Note 
 the high percentages of nitrogen and potash. These are to be 
 sure high grade fertilizers that would probably cost $5 to $15 
 more if factory mixed. 
 
 Home Mixing Does Away with the Purchase of Unnecessary Con- 
 stituents. — Manufacturers make many brands of fertilizers but 
 as previously said they cannot make and one brand that will suit 
 the requirements of every individual farmer. For example, two 
 farmers in the same locality wish to purchase a mixed fertilizer 
 for their corn. One of these farmers may have applied farm 
 manure or he may have plowed under a leguminous crop, while 
 the other farmer has not supplied his soil with any organic matter 
 and his soil may be poor and in need of humus. The fertilizer 
 agent or merchant in this particular locality is selling a corn fer- 
 tilizer guaranteed to contain nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash 
 in stipulated amounts. Is it reasonable to suppose that this 
 one brand of corn fertilizer is the best fertilizer for both soils 
 under the above conditions? The first farmer who has sup- 
 plied farm manure or plowed under a leguminous crop would be 
 wasting money in purchasing nitrogen, unless a little in the form 
 of nitrate, which may help to give the crop a start. The other 
 farmer would need a fertilizer containing both nitrogen as nitrate 
 and nitrogen in some desirable organic form to help produce 
 a crop. Again, a farmer may be growing cotton, corn, sugar- 
 cane, etc., on a soil that is very rich in available potash. It 
 would certainly be a waste of money for him to purchase a fer- 
 tilizer containing potash. 
 
HOME MIXTURES 
 
 313 
 
 w 
 a 
 
 D 
 H 
 
 M 
 
 w 
 S 
 o 
 W 
 
 Ik 
 O 
 
 0) 
 
 o 
 
 < 
 u 
 ij 
 
 > 
 
 a 
 z. 
 < 
 
 > 
 < 
 
 c 
 ea 
 
 UOl J3d UOIlEniBA 
 
 P4 
 
 
 
 00 
 ID 
 
 
 10 
 
 T 
 
 CO 
 
 ON 
 
 ON 
 
 00 
 
 NO 
 
 ON 
 PI 
 
 \o 
 
 uo; jad )soo 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 rt 
 
 
 00 
 CO 
 
 (N 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 p* 
 
 PJ 
 
 2 
 < 
 
 HSB^OJ 
 
 IT) 
 
 
 ON 
 
 
 00 
 
 pi 
 
 <» 
 00 
 
 ON 
 
 ->* 
 
 00 
 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 pIOB 
 
 ouoqdsoiid'iBiox 
 
 0^ 
 
 
 ON 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 CI 
 
 
 
 00* 
 
 
 CO 
 
 ■4 
 
 10 
 
 CO 
 
 d 
 
 
 ppB ouoqd 
 -soqd a[C|,nios-3}BJ)T0 
 
 0. 
 
 
 
 
 ON 
 
 d 
 
 
 
 
 d 
 
 
 
 p» 
 
 CO 
 
 pi 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 d 
 
 piDB Duoqd 
 -solid 3|qnios-3jBa;i3 
 
 
 q 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 
 1^ 
 
 CTv 
 NO 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 p) 
 PI 
 
 CO 
 
 P» 
 
 
 
 pi 
 
 piDB Duoqd 
 -soqd 3iqnids-J3iEAV 
 
 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 
 q 
 
 ° 
 
 CTs 
 
 d 
 
 
 
 PI 
 
 d 
 
 ua3oJiiu IB30X 
 
 
 co 
 
 ON 
 
 
 
 
 ^ 
 
 •"d- 
 
 ON 
 
 CO 
 
 10 
 
 oo_ 
 
 pi 
 
 00 
 CO 
 
 00 
 
 DIIIB3JO *U330J?IN 
 
 
 
 ON 
 
 
 
 
 d 
 
 ci 
 
 pi 
 
 PI 
 
 pi 
 
 
 sd;Bj)iu SB uaSoj^iM 
 
 CO 
 
 d 
 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 pj 
 pj 
 
 rn 
 r^ 
 
 ON 
 
 CO 
 
 6 
 
 1 
 
 to 
 
 Of 
 
 s 
 t? 
 
 
 
 
 
 1- 
 
 s. 
 •s 
 
 s 
 
 3 
 
 S, 
 
 CO 
 
 s 
 E 
 
 U 
 
 IJUIBX 
 
 i; ^ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 
 
 aiSBAV j3i3d:HBS 
 
 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 
 
 i|se)od 
 JO 9iBt[dinb* aiqnoa 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 iIsB^od JO a^Bunw 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 ID 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 P4 
 
 a 
 
 CO 
 
 8 
 
 
 a^Eqdsoqd ppv 
 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 CO 
 
 8 
 
 
 3[3Biq-9UOq paAiossiQ 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 § 
 
 ! 
 
 1 
 
 
 9uoq punojo 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
 00 
 00 
 
 1 
 
 
 a3B3[UBX 
 
 
 10 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 ; 
 
 8 
 
 CO 
 
 8 
 
 ex3 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 
 qsy Aia 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 PN. 
 
 SDBIUOd J 01s BO 
 
 1 1 1 1 ! 1 1 1 1 1 1 
 
 BpOSJOS^BJlIisr 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 10 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 p< 
 
 8 
 
 1 
 
314 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 When home mixing is practiced the farmer can purchase those 
 fertilizer materials that supply the needed constituents and in the 
 most desirable forms for the needs of his soil and crop. 
 
 How to Purchase Fertilizer Materials. — The large consumer 
 should certainly try home mixing and find out its advantages. 
 The small farmer may find it impracticable to purchase other 
 than factory mixed fertilizers. However, several small con- 
 sumers may often advantageously club together and purchase fer- 
 tilizer materials in mixed carload lots. Many manufacturers 
 will gladly mix fertilizer materials for the farmer when the order 
 is large enough. Of course the farmer must know just the 
 amounts and kinds of materials he wishes when he orders in this 
 way. 
 
 To purchase fertilizer materials to mix at home, it is necessary 
 to start early, say in the early winter, so that they may be mixed 
 before the heavy spring work starts. Quotations should be se- 
 cured from different parties in the nearest or nearby fertilizer 
 markets. In most large cities bids can be secured. Be ready to 
 pay cash because these raw materials are not usually sold on 
 credit. Buy on the guarantee and if the constituents, nitrogen, 
 phosphoric acid and potash fail to reach their guarantees de- 
 mand a rebate. This can be easily arranged by making a contract 
 with the manufacturer or broker. 
 
 How to Mix Fertilizer Materials at Home. — The fertilizer ma- 
 terials may be mixed in a wagon box, or better, on a tight barn 
 floor, or a floor covered with canvas. Whenever chemicals as 
 nitrate of soda, potash salts, etc., are used, they should be well 
 broken up and rendered as fine as possible. In mixing, the light 
 bulky materials as dried blood, cotton-seed meal, dry ground fish, 
 etc., should be put on the bottom of the floor and on top of these 
 spread the other materials. The materials should be spread evenly 
 and then turned over and over and thoroughly mixed by shoveling. 
 It takes considerable time to mix fertilizer materials so that the 
 mixture is uniform. After the mixing is completed the fertilizers 
 should be bagged and kept in dry storage until ready for use. If 
 the mixture predominates in concentrated salts, some earth may 
 be incorporated to insure a more even mixture. It should be 
 
HOME MIXTURES 315 
 
 remembered that the chief advantage of buying factory mixed 
 fertilizers is that they are better mixed and the farmer cannot 
 spend too much time in the process of thoroughly mixing his fer- 
 tilizer materials. 
 
 Rebates. — Every large consumer of fertilizers or those that 
 purchase directly from the manufacturers or jobbers should enter 
 into a contract in which it is stipulated that the material will be 
 paid for according to its percentages of nitrogen, phosphoric 
 acid and potash. The trade values of the different constituents 
 will, of course, vary from time to time but the principle as il- 
 lustrated here will remain the same. 
 
 The writer has figured a great many rebates for the Louisiana 
 planters, who buy directly from the manufacturers, or jobbers, 
 who always demand a rebate when the fertilizer fails to reach 
 the guarantee. The method given here has met with satisfac- 
 tion among the planters and the manufacturers. 
 
 Let us suppose that a farmer purchased 20 tons of fertilizer 
 at $28 a ton, guaranteed to contain : — 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.00 
 
 Nitrogen 1.65 
 
 Potash 2.00 
 
 The chemist finds the analysis of this shipment to be: — 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.20 
 
 Nitrogen 1.32 
 
 Potash 2.31 
 
 From the ruling values for the season, potash is taken as 1.20, 
 nitrogen as 3.35 and available phosphoric acid as i. 
 
 These are the ruling trade values per unit of these ingredients 
 in unmixed fertilizers, namely: 
 
 Per unit 
 
 Available phosphoric acid fi.oo 
 
 Nitrogen 3.35 
 
 Potash 1.20 
 
 Then, if we multiply the percentages of available phosphoric acid, 
 nitrogen and potash as guaranteed by their respective units we 
 get the total units guaranteed. Example : 
 
3l6 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Available phosphoric acid lo.oo X i ^ lo.oo 
 
 Nitrogen 1.65X3-35= 5-53 
 
 Potash 2.00 X I-20 = 2.40 
 
 Total units guaranteed 17-93 
 
 In a similar manner the total units as found by analysis are 
 
 figured. Example : 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.20 X i = 10.20 
 
 Nitrogen 1.32X3-35= 4.42 
 
 Potash 2.31X1.20= 2.77 
 
 Total units found by analysis 17.39 
 
 Then the units guaranteed are, to the units found, as the con- 
 tract price paid per ton, is to the actual price that should be paid 
 per ton. Or 
 
 17.93 : 17.39 = 28 : y 17.93 y = 17.39 X 28 
 
 17.93 y = 486.92 y = f27.i6, or the actual price that should be 
 
 paid per ton. 
 
 Now $28 (the contract price per ton) minus $27.16 (the actual 
 price that should be paid per ton) equals $0.84, or the rebate per 
 ton. There were twenty tons purchased; then, 20 X $0.84 = 
 $16.80, the total rebate on twenty tons. 
 
 The rebate on cotton-seed meal is arrived at in the following 
 manner. Example: The meal is sold at $27.00 per ton and 
 guaranteed to contain 6.59 per cent, of nitrogen. An examina- 
 tion of this meal shows 6.30 per cent, of nitrogen. 
 
 Then, 6.59 (the per cent, of nitrogen guaranteed) is to 6.30 
 (the per cent, of nitrogen found) as $27 (the contract price per 
 ton) is to (the actual price that should be paid per ton). 
 
 That is, 6.59 :6.30 = 27 : y 6.59 y = 170.10, y = $25.81 or the 
 actual price that should be paid per ton. Then $27 (the contract 
 price per ton) minus $25.81 (the actual price that should be paid 
 per ton) equals $1.19, or the rebate per ton. 
 
 These figures are not the same as those adopted by the Inter- 
 State Cotton-Seed Crushers' Association for fixing rebates, as we 
 figure on the actual nitrogen content as guaranteed and found. 
 
 The phosphoric acid and potash contents are not considered 
 in figuring the above rebate as the planters in purchasing cotton- 
 seed meal for fertilizing purposes, contract only for the percent- 
 
HOME MIXTURES 317 
 
 age of nitrogen. The phosphoric acid and potash in cotton-seed 
 meal are less variable than the nitrogen. If the purchaser is will- 
 ing to accept the excess of potash and phosphoric acid at full 
 value the price should be arranged accordingly. 
 
 The rebate on acid phosphate is figured as follows: 
 
 An acid phosphate guaranteed 14 per cent, available phosphoric 
 acid analyzes 13.23 per cent, available phosphoric acid. Contract 
 price per ton, $16.00. 
 
 Then 14 (the per cent, of available phosphoric acid guaran- 
 teed) is to 13.23 (the per cent, of available phosphoric acid 
 found) as 16 (the contract price per ton) is to the actual price 
 that should be paid per ton. Or, 
 
 14 : 13.23 = 16 : y 14 y = 13-23 ^ 16. 
 14 y = 211.68 y = $15.12, or the actual price that should 
 be paid per ton. 
 
 Then, $16.00 (the contract price per ton) minus $15.12 (the 
 actual price that should be paid per ton) equals $0.88, the rebate 
 per ton. 
 
 The rebates on other fertilizers are obtained in the same way 
 as explained in the above exam.ples, unless some other style of 
 contract is agreed upon by the purchaser and the manufacturer 
 or dealer or agent. 
 
 How to Calculate Percentages from Known Amounts. — Suppose 
 you want to find out the analysis of a mixture made up of the 
 following : 
 
 Mixture 
 600 pounds acid phosphate analyzing 14 % available phosphoric acid 
 150 pounds sulphate of ammonia analyzing 20 ^0 nitrogen 
 100 pounds sulphate of potash analyzing 50 % potash 
 
 850 pounds, total 
 To find out the number of pounds of available phosphoric acid, 
 nitrogen and potash in the above mixture, make the following 
 multiplication. 
 
 6 X 14 = 84 pounds available phosphoric acid 
 1. 5 X 20 = 30 pounds nitrogen 
 I X 50 ^ 50 pounds potash. 
 
 To calculate the percentages of available phosphoric acid, ni- 
 
3l8 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 trogen and potash, divide the amounts of the constituents by the 
 total amount of the mixture. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid, lbs., 84 -e- 850 = 9.88 % available phosphoric acid 
 Nitrogen, lbs., 30 -5- 850 = 3.53 % nitrogen 
 
 Potash, lbs., ,50 -7- 850 = 5.88 % potash 
 
 If percentages are wished when one of the materials contains 
 two constituents, the calculations may be made as follows : 
 
 Mixture 
 
 jj. .J, ,. (IS % available phosphoric acid 
 
 200 pounds dissolved bone analyzing < % c f/ nitrogen 
 
 100 pounds nitrate of soda analyzing 18.84 % ammonia 
 50 pounds carbonate of potash analyzing 64.00 fo potash 
 
 350 pounds, total 
 
 The dissolved bone superphosphate furnishes two constituents, 
 available phosphoric acid and nitrogen, so we must take these into 
 consideration in our calculations. 
 
 The nitrate of soda is given as carrying an equivalent of 18.84 
 per cent, of ammonia. The table of conversion factors prev- 
 iously given, taught us that to convert ammonia into nitrogen we 
 must multiply by the factor 0.823. 
 
 18.84 per cent, ammonia X 0.823 = 15.5 per cent, nitrogen. 
 
 Then: 
 
 2 X I5-0 = 30-0 pounds available phosphoric acid 
 
 2 X 2.5^ 5.0 pounds nitrogen from dissolved bone superphosphate 
 
 I X 15-5 = 15-5 pounds nitrogen from nitrate of soda 
 
 0.5 X 64.0 = 32.0 pounds potash. 
 
 The percentages in this mixture would be: 
 
 Available phosphoric acid, lbs., 30.0 -i- 350 = 8.57 fe avail, phosphoric acid 
 Nitrogen, lbs., 20.5 -^ 350 = 5.85 % nitrogen 
 
 Potash, lbs., 32 -^ 350 = 9.14 % pota.sh. 
 
 How to Calculate Amounts from Known Percentages. — If 2,000 
 
 pounds of a mixture analyzing 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7 per cent. , 
 
 Nitrogen 5 per cent. , and 
 
 Potash 6 per cent. 
 
 is desired from 
 
HOMU MIXTURES 3 19 
 
 Acid phosphate analyzing i5 per cent, available phosphoric acid, 
 Calcium cyanamid analyzing 17 per cent, nitrogen, and 
 Muriate of potash analyzing 50 per cent, potash. 
 
 it may be calculated in the following way: 
 
 First find out the number of pounds of available phosphoric 
 acid, nitrogen and potash that would be required. Since 2,000 
 is 20 times 100 we may multiply the percentages by 20. 
 
 20 X 7 (% avail, phos. acid) = 140 lbs. avail, phos. acid req. for 2,000 lbs. 
 20 X 5 if" nitrogen) = 100 lbs. nitrogen req. for 2,000 lbs. 
 
 20 X 6 (% potash) = 120 lbs. potash req. for 2,000 lbs. 
 
 To determine the number of pounds of acid phosphate, calcium 
 cyanamid and muriate of potash needed to give the analysis de- 
 sired, we may divide the pounds of available phosphoric acid, 
 nitrogen and potash by the percentages that the materials 
 analyzed. 
 
 Avail, phos. acid lbs. 140 -5- 16% = 875 lbs. acid phosphate required 
 Nitrogen lbs. 100 -^ 17% = 588 lbs. calcium cyanamid required 
 
 Potash lbs. 120 -r- 50^ = 240 lbs. muriate of potash required 
 
 Total 1,703 lbs. 
 
 We have only 1,703 pounds and not 2,000 pounds the amount 
 desired. To make 2,000 pounds an addition of 297 pounds of 
 some make weight material as sand, earth, gypsum, etc., is nec- 
 essary. 
 
 Supposing we wished to substitute kainit, analyzing 12 per 
 cent, of potash, for the muriate of potash in the above mixture. 
 By calculating as explained above we find that it would require 
 1,000 pounds of kainit to analyze 6 per cent, of potash. This 
 amount would make our total add up to 2,463 pounds, or 463 
 pounds more than we wish. This shows that kainit could not be 
 used to supply all of the potash in a 2,000 pound mixture of the 
 above analysis made from such materials. We could, however, 
 supply one-third of the potash from kainit and two-thirds from 
 muriate of potash. 
 
 Potash lbs. from kainit 40-7- 12% = 333 lbs. kainit 
 
 Potash lbs. from muriate 80 -=- 50% =: 160 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 Assembling the potash salts, acid phosphate and calcium cy- 
 anamid we have: 
 
320 
 
 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Founds 
 
 Acid phosphate 875 
 
 Calcium cyanamid 588 
 
 Kainit 333 
 
 Muriate of potash 160 
 
 Total 1,956 
 
 By using kainit and muriate of potash in the above proportions 
 only 44 pounds of filler would be necessary to add to make 2,000 
 pounds. 
 
 Some Home Mixtures. — The following are a few mixtures that 
 furnish practically equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, 
 and potash and show the possibilities of the varieties of fertilizer 
 materials that may be used to satisfy the same percentages of 
 the essential elements."^ 
 
 Muriate of potash 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Muriate of potash 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Cottou-seed meal 
 
 Cotton-seed hull ashes ■ ■ . 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Wood ashes (unleached) 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 30 
 334 
 
 125 
 
 20 
 281 
 286 
 
 45 
 261 
 286 
 
 164 
 261 
 286 
 
 Sulphate of potash 
 
 Acid phos. & potash ( 2 Yo Kfi ) 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Kainit 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Stable manure 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Nitrate of soda 
 
 Stable manure 
 
 Muriate of potash 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Dried blood 
 
 Pounds 
 
 ID 
 
 3'2 
 286 
 
 58 
 
 300 
 
 70 
 
 2,000 
 
 266 
 
 13 
 4,000 
 
 30 
 
 334 
 167 
 
 How to Determine the Bequirements of the Soil. — There are 
 people all over this country who seem to think a chemist can 
 tell from analyzing a soil just the amount and kind of fertilizer 
 that is needed for growing any crop or crops. The following 
 explanation, from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, of the 
 value of a soil analysis explains the chemists' position in this 
 matter and also oflfers the farmer a way that he may determine 
 the requirements of his soil. 
 
homb; mixtures 321 
 
 The Way for the Farmer to Analyze His Own Soil. — If any one 
 element in a soil essential to plant growth be lacking in an avail- 
 able form, then that soil can not produce a good crop, no matter 
 how rich the soil may be in- the other essential elements. You 
 naturally exclaim, then, why not have a chemist analyze the soil, 
 and tell the farmer what element or elements are lacking in his 
 soil and what are abundant, so that he will know how to fertiHze 
 — whether he ought to apply acid phosphate, or kainit, or cotton- 
 seed meal, or lime, one or all, to his land, so as to get the best 
 results, and at the same time use the wisest economy in the pur- 
 chase and application of fertilizers. Yes, this is a very natural 
 idea, and it was at one time, in the earlier days of agricultural 
 science, thought that by means of a chemical analysis of the 
 soil, the key had been found by means of which we could unlock 
 the secrets of Nature, and solve all the problems of practical 
 agriculture. It was found, however, on trial, that this idea, so 
 beautiful in theory, did not work well in practice. It was dis- 
 covered, for instance, that a soil which was producing poor crops 
 contained one-tenth of one per cent, of phosphoric acid, or, cal- 
 culating to a depth of nine inches, about three thousand pounds 
 of phosphoric acid per acre, and yet this soil was in need of 
 phosphoric acid, because when acid phosphate was used on it as 
 a manure it responded with largely increased yields. Evidently 
 the phosphoric acid in this soil, although abundant in quantity, 
 3,000 pounds per acre, was not in a condition available to the 
 plant, so that it could be absorbed by the roots. 
 
 Elements Soluble in Acids not Always Available. — Still when 
 the chemist came to treat this soil with his strong chemicals, he 
 could dissolve the phosphates in it readily. Thus, it would hap- 
 pen that a chemist analyzing a soil and finding in it, say, 3,000 
 pounds of pho.sphoric acid, 5,000 pounds of potash, and 4,000 
 pounds of nitrogen per acre, and knowing nothing else about the 
 soil, except the results of his analysis, would report that the soil 
 contained ample plant food for producing good crops, and was 
 a good soil, not in need of fertilizers, when, as a matter of fact, 
 the soil might be so poor as hardly to "sprout peas." After 
 
322 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 many trials and efforts to imitate the action of Nature in the 
 laboratory, the conclusion was reached that it was not possible 
 to tell by a chemical analysis, in the case of cultivated soils, 
 whether the soil was a fertile one or not, or what particular 
 element should be added to it for the production of full crops. 
 
 Analysis Shows the Ultimate Resources of the Soil. — Whilst the 
 chemical analysis is a failure from this standpoint, still it is of 
 value from another. For instance, if I make an analysis of your 
 soil and tell you that it contains 3,000 pounds phosphoric acid, 
 2,500 pounds potash, and 4,000 pounds of nitrogen, then you would 
 be encouraged to go ahead and make this plant food more avail- 
 able by judicious cultivation and treatment, such as liming, the 
 turning under of green crops, etc., feeling assured that in the end 
 you could bring that soil up to a point where it would yield 
 bountifully. But if as the result of my analysis I should tell 
 you that the soil only contained 150 pounds of phosphoric acid 
 and 200 pounds of potash per acre, why, then, you would know 
 that the best thing you could do with that land would be to 
 abandon it or give it away, and not waste further time and labor 
 on it. There is, however, a practical method by which you can 
 analyze your soil for yourself, far better than any chemist can do 
 it for you, and by means of which you can tell for yourself 
 whether your soil needs hme, phosphoric acid, potash or nitro- 
 gen, one or all. That method is as follows: 
 
 Method by Which the Fanner May Analyze His Own Soil. — 
 
 First, select a piece of ground as level as possible, so that rain 
 may not wash the fertilizer from one plot into an adjoming 
 plot. Secondly, for the purpose of the experiment, mark off 
 ten plots, each one just one-tenth of an acre in area. If con- 
 venient make the plots long and narrow, say one hundred and 
 thirty-six feet long by thirty-two feet wide; these dimensions 
 would enable you to have eight long rows, four feet apart, in 
 each plot. Any other shape of plot will answer, only be careful 
 to lay off the plots so that they shall each contain one-tenth 
 of an acre, or 4,356 square feet. Separate the plots from each 
 other by paths, at least three feet wide, so that the effect of 
 
HOMS MIXTURES 323 
 
 fertilizer in one plot may not be felt in an adjoining plot. It 
 would be well to locate these experimental plots on some of your 
 poorest land, or that which stands most badly in need of fertili- 
 zer. When all is ready carefully number the plots from one to 
 ten so that you may keep a record of the nature and amount of 
 fertilizer applied on each plot. Let us suppose that you decide 
 to plant cotton on the ten prepared plots for the purpose of find- 
 ing out what fertilizer, constituent is most needed by your soil 
 when growing cotton. Plant the cotton in your usual manner, 
 after a careful preparation of the soil of the plots, thoroughly 
 ploughing and harrowing the plots in order. Then apply the 
 fertilizer as follows : 
 
 No. I. — No fertilizer. 
 
 No. 2. — 143 pounds of cotton-seed meal. 
 
 No. 3. — 200 pounds of 14 per cent, acid phosphate. 
 
 No. 4. — 80 pounds of kainit. 
 
 No. 5. — No fertilizer. 
 
 No. 6. — 200 pounds of acid phosphate and 143 pounds of cot- 
 ton-seed meal 
 
 No. 7. — 143 pounds of cotton-seed meal and 80 pounds of kai- 
 nit. 
 
 No. 8. — 200 pounds of acid phosphate and 80 pounds of kainit. 
 
 No. 9. — 200 pounds of acid phosphate, 80 pounds of kainit 
 and 143 pounds of cotton-seed meal. 
 
 No. 10. — 500 pounds of air-slaked lime. 
 
 In many of our soils lime is sadly lacking, and it may be just 
 the thing needed by the soil, in conjunction with certain other 
 fertilizers ; to discover if this be the case, after having fertilized 
 plot No. 2, mark off a strip 21^2 feet in width diagonally across 
 the plot ; that is, running from one corner to the opposite corner. 
 Apply to this strip 50 pounds of air-slaked lime, and work it in 
 well with the soil and other fertilizer with a rake. Do the 
 same with each of the other plots, omitting No. 10. Then when 
 the crop begins to grow, if lime was specially needed by the soil 
 in any of the plots, you ought to notice a marked superiority in 
 
324 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 the 2i^ foot strip which runs diagonally across all the rows in all 
 nine plots. 
 
 In the above fertilizers it is presumed that the acid phosphate 
 is the kind most usually sold, containing 14 per cent, of available 
 phosphoric acid, so that 200 pounds supplies 28 pounds of actual 
 phosphoric acid to the plot. 
 
 The cotton-seed meal is presumed to contain 7 per cent, of 
 nitrogen, so that 143 pounds of it supplies 10 pounds of nitrogen 
 to the plot, and the kainit to contain i2i-4 per cent, of potash, 
 so that 80 pounds yield 10 pounds of potash to the plots the kainit 
 is applied to. 
 
 In applying the fertilizers observe the following precautions : 
 Sow each fertilizer on the plot to which it is to be applied broad- 
 cast, using your best care and judgment to distribute the fertilizer 
 evenly over the entire plot. In order to get an even distribution 
 it is best to sow in such quantity that you will have to go over 
 each plot at least twice to get all the fertilizer distributed. Take 
 care not to sow while the wind is blowing, as it may blow some 
 of the fertilizer on to the adjoining plots. After sowing harrow 
 the ground, and then it will be ready for you to plant. 
 
 Plant thick enough to insure a perfect stand, and at the proper 
 time thin out to a uniform stand. Treat all the plots exactly 
 alike, except as to the fertilizers applied. Prepare the ground in 
 each plot the same, plant the cotton all at the same time, and 
 always cultivate the same and at the same time each day. Take 
 pains to have the same number of plants in each row. 
 
 Keep a Record of the Results. — It will be well to keep a note- 
 book, with a page for each plot, in which to record your ob- 
 servations. 
 
 In this book record: ist. The kind of fertilizer applied to 
 each plot and the amount applied, on the pages set apart for the 
 respective plots from i to 10. 2d. Note down the date the 
 cotton was planted. 3d. Note the date the cotton came up in 
 each plot. 4th. When the cotton is about two inches high on 
 the plot containing no fertilizer, note the height and appearance 
 of the other plots. 5th. After you have thinned out to a uni- 
 
HOMF, MIXTURES 325 
 
 form stand record the number of missing plants, if any, in 
 each plot. Of course, use every endeavor to have the same num- 
 ber of plants in each plot, but in case of accident to some, be sure 
 to put down the number missing in any plot so as to make al- 
 lowances. 6th. Record any other observations of interest dur- 
 ing the growth of the crop on the different plots such as the com- 
 parative dates of blooming, number bolls to the stalk, date of 
 opening of the bolls, height of the stalks after maturity of the 
 plant. 7th. Keep the seed cotton from each plot to itself, 
 weigh it by itself, and record the weight of the seed cotton from 
 plot number one on page number one, and so on with the others. 
 When you have picked and weighed the last pound of cotton, 
 then you will, I think, be easily able to decide for yourself what 
 fertilizer or combination of fertilizers your land requires. Of 
 course, if you have had a bad season, very dry or very wet. you 
 will not be able to decide so well, and in that case repeat the ex- 
 periment another year. In this way you can analyze your own 
 soil, and do it better than the best chemist in the world can do it 
 for you, because you have appealed to the soil itself, you have 
 spoken to it in the language of Nature, and it has replied in the 
 same mute, but eloquent tongue, demonstrating the truth of her 
 answers before your very eyes."' 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS. 
 
 Brand and Trade Names. — There are too many farmers who 
 purchase fertihzers on the brand or trade name and not on the 
 plant food these fertilizers contain. The manufacturers are well 
 acquainted with the importance of selling their fertilizers under 
 attractive names. Some of the manufacturers even go so far as 
 to have their brand names copyrighted to prevent their com- 
 petitors from using them. Some of the older brand or trade 
 names are well known by all the farmers in the locality where 
 they have been sold from year to year and many of these farmers 
 purchase Dixie Cotton Fertilizer, Great Western Wheat Fertiliz- 
 er, Home Mixture, Standard Special Tobacco Manure, Cele- 
 brated Potato Fertilizer, Royal Corn Special, etc., from year to 
 year withotit ever knowing their plant food content. The name 
 sounds good to these farmers, the fertilizer has a good strong 
 odor, the right color, and with some farmers the proper taste. 
 These are brand and ton farmers and not plant food farmers. 
 These farmers will tell you that their fathers used these same 
 fertilizers. 
 
 To show that the name is no indication of the composition and 
 suitableness of a fertilizer for a crop, the following data is sub- 
 mitted. In the state of Massachusetts for the year 1909, out of 
 66 brands sold as potato fertilizers, 46 contained potato as the 
 only crop name, and 20 were sold in conjunction with other crop 
 names as potato, hop, and tobacco ; potato and root crop ; potato 
 and tobacco; potato and vegetable; corn and potato; potatoes, 
 roots and vegetables ; onion and vegetable. Twelve compinies 
 put out 2 brands, 5 put out 3 brands, and 3 put out 4 brands. 
 The nitrc^en guaranteed varied from 0.80 to 3.71 per cent., the 
 available phosphoric acid from 4 to 9 per cent., and the potash 
 from 2 to ID per cent. All of these potato fertilizers could not 
 have been the best for the farmer to purchase. The manu- 
 facturers evidently cater to the trade and some of them put out 
 2 to 4 brands so as to be able to sell one of them to the farmer. 
 
A FBW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 327 
 
 the brand depending upon the price the farmer is willing to pay. 
 Many of these fertilizers were high grade but the farmer should 
 consult the plant food guarantee and not the name in selecting 
 fertilizer. Those that were sold for corn and potato, tobacco 
 and potato, vegetables, root crops and potatoes, etc., either do 
 not meet the requirements of these crops, or else the purchaser is 
 wasting money in buying excesses of plant food. 
 
 Some manufacturers put out two or three different brands 
 made from the same goods and guaranteed the same. Thus we 
 will find Dixie Cotton Fertilizer and Corn King Guano on the 
 market with the same guarantee, bagged from the same pile of 
 goods, and sold for different crops. Sometimes two diffenent 
 brand names are used for the same material to be sold for one 
 crop. For example. Golden Imperial and Special Mixture may 
 be sacked from the same material, carry the same guarantee, 
 and be sold for one crop. The writer has seen two agents, one 
 a merchant and the other a farmer, selling the same fertilizer 
 under different names in the same village. The farmer, who 
 was the least successful in disposing of his lot, thought and I 
 guess, still thinks that the merchant had a better brand. These 
 fertilizers of course sold for the same price and the merchant 
 sold three times as much as the farmer, because he was a bit 
 more popular and had a better stand. So you see the brand 
 name helps to sell fertilizer. The farmer should buy on the 
 plant food content and not by the name or per ton. 
 
 The manufacturers also often sell superphosphates made from 
 rock phosphates under the name of dissolved bone, and mix- 
 tures of superphosphates (made from rock) and potash, as dis- 
 solved bone and potash. We have learned that dissolved bone 
 contains nitrogen and phosphoric acid and superphosphates made 
 from rock only carry phosphoric acid. So when dissolved bone 
 or a dissolved bone and potash are sold without any nitrogen 
 guaranteed you can rest assured that the material was made from 
 rock. However, the soluble phosphoric acid from rock super- 
 phosphates is just as valuable as that from dissolved bone, and 
 
328 soil, FERTII,ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 the reverted is perhaps ahnost equally valuable from these two 
 phosphates. 
 
 There are a large number of brands sold in the different 
 states. Georgia uses more fertilizer than any other state and 
 the number of brands inspected, analyzed and placed upon the 
 market in that state since 1874-1875 follow:*'* 
 
 For the season of 1874-5 no brands 
 
 For the season of 1875-6 loi brands 
 
 For the season of 1876-7 125 brands 
 
 For the season of 1877-8 127 brands 
 
 For the season of 1878-9 162 brands 
 
 For the season of 1879-80 182 brands 
 
 For the season of 1880-1 226 brands 
 
 For the season of 1881-2 270 brands 
 
 For the season of 1882-3 354 brands 
 
 For the season of 1883-4 336 brands 
 
 For the season of 1884-5 369 brands 
 
 For the season of 1885-6 345 brands 
 
 For the season of 1886-7 322 brands 
 
 For the season of 1887-8 337 brands 
 
 For the season of 1888-9 355 brands 
 
 For the season of 1889-90 440 brands 
 
 For the season of 1890-1 492 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1891-2 608 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1892-3 598 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1893-4 736 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1894-5 874 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1895-6 1,062 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1896-7 1,178 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1897-8 ... 1 ,300 brands* 
 
 For the season of 1898-9 779 brands 
 
 For the season of 1899-1900 699 brands 
 
 For the season of 1900-1 640 brands 
 
 For the season of 1901-2 735 brands 
 
 For the season of 1902-3 895 brands 
 
 For the season of 1903-4 i ,241 brands 
 
 For the season of 1904-5 i ,352 brands 
 
 For the season of 1905-6 1,917 brands 
 
 For the season of 1906-7 i ,840 brands 
 
 For the season of 1907-8 i ,822 brands 
 
 For the season of 1908-9 2,274 brands 
 
 The number of brands marked with a star are incorrect and 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 329 
 
 misleading, as in the season of 1897-8, 843 brands were inspected, 
 analyzed and admitted to sale, and not 1,300. 
 
 How to purchase a Fertilizer. — Sometime before you intend 
 to purchase your fertilizer write to your Experiment Station or 
 State Board of Agriculture for bulletins on the crops you intend 
 to raise and also for a fertilizer bulletin. These bulletins may 
 be had free of charge. Study these bulletins. In the bulletins 
 on crops you will no doubt learn the plant food requirements, 
 that is, the amounts and kinds of plant food most suitable for 
 the crops you are interested in. The fertilizer bulletin will no 
 doubt acquaint you with some timely suggestions on how to 
 purchase fertilizers and will also give you the names, guarantees, 
 analyses, and valuations of the fertilizers sold in your state. 
 You can in all probability select a fertilizer that will meet your 
 requirements. If any element as nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and 
 potash is not needed, do not waste your money by purchasing a 
 complete fertilizer but select one that contains the constituents 
 you need and in the form or forms you desire. You are now 
 ready to talk business with your merchant or dealer. Find out 
 from him if he has the particular fertilizer you wish. Perhaps 
 he has not it in stock and he will no doubt tell you he has some- 
 thing just as good. If the amount and kind of plant food that 
 you wish is present in the brand that he has, why it is just as 
 good and if not it is'nt what you want. No doubt the factory 
 for which he is agent puts out a fertilizer of the composition 
 you desire ; you can find this out by referring to your fertilizer 
 bulletin. If so, you may be able to get your merchant to order it 
 for you. If his factory hasn't got it buy from one that has. 
 Y'ou have your fertilizer bulletin and you can easily write for 
 your fertilizer and perhaps save the agent's profit. 
 
 Study the Guarantee. — You have learned that many of the fer- 
 tilizer materials as cotton-seed meal, tankage, bone-meal, dry 
 ground fish, etc., do not always contain the same amounts of 
 fertilizer constituents and are quite variable in composition. 
 Therefore do not buy any of these products just because rhey 
 are so named. Consult the guarantee and find out how much 
 
330 SOIt FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 plant food is offered for a certain price. The following com- 
 parative valuation shows the necessity of purchasing cotton-seed 
 meal on its nitrogen content. 
 
 When cotton-seed meal carrying 6.58 per cent, of nitrogen, 
 which is equivalent to 8 per cent, of ammonia, is worth $30 a 
 ton, the other grades assume the following values, when the 
 nitrogen content alone is considered: 
 
 Choice 6.58 per cent, nitrogen or 8 per cent, ammonia $30 per 
 ton. 
 
 Prime 6.17 per cent, nitrogen or 7.5 per cent, ammonia $28.13 
 per ton. 
 
 Good 5.76 per cent, nitrogen or 7 per cent, ammonia $26.25 
 per ton. 
 
 This illustration of the differences in value of cotton-seed 
 meal holds for tankage, bone meals, dry ground fish, linseed 
 meal, castor pomace, wood ashes and similar fertilizer materi- 
 als. Nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, the Stassfurt potash 
 salts, etc., are usually standard products which do not show much 
 variation ; but even in the purchase of these high class materials 
 one should know just the amount of plant food he is buying. 
 Usually the higher the percentages of constituents in a fertilizer 
 material, the cheaper is the plant food. 
 
 Fertilizers Should Eeach Their Guarantees. — The manufactur- 
 ers, as a whole, are endeavoring to do an honest business. In 
 making their mixtures they aim to give a little more plant food 
 than they guarantee, so that the fertilizer will meet the guarantee 
 under reasonable conditions. The bulletins of the different 
 states setting forth the results of fertilizer inspection, show 
 that the majority of the factory mixed fertilizers exceed the 
 guarantee. But sometimes fertilizers fail to reach the guarantee 
 in all constituents. Factory mixed fertilizers often fall below 
 the guarantee in one element but exceed the guarantee in other 
 elements so that the relative value is above the guaranteed value. 
 Of course the manufacturer should furnish the consumer with 
 fertilizer that reaches its guarantee in all elements as the pur- 
 chaser has a right to expect this. Such variation is often due to 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 33 1 
 
 poor mechanical mixture as the manufacturer usually puts in 
 enough of the raw materials to exceed the guarantee in all con- 
 stituents. When a shipment of fertilizer fails to meet its guar- 
 antee in one or more elements, and runs above the guarantee in 
 one or more elements, the purchaser should give the manufacturer 
 some consideration and settle on an equitable basis and allow the 
 manufacturer for whatever excess that may be present in any 
 of the elements, within reasonable limits. If the purchaser con- 
 tracts for a certain amount or amounts of constituents and they 
 fall materially below the guarantee a rebate should be demanded. 
 Fertilizer Recipes or Patent Formulas. — In Texas, Louisiana, 
 Mississippi and Kentucky, and in all probability in other states, 
 certain parties have been selling recipes or formulas to the 
 farmers. The following is a copy of one of these recipes.'^ 
 
 Farm Right. $5.00. 
 
 Wallis Complete Guide for Compounding Fertilizers. — Take Salt- 
 peter, 2 pounds; Bluestone, 2 pounds; Soda Ash, 4 pounds; 
 Nitrate Ammonia, 2 pounds; Potash, 4 pounds. Dissolve the 
 whole in six gallons of water; put 100 pounds of stable manure 
 in a pen and sprinkle it wfith a portion of the solution. Then 
 take 50 pounds of unslacked ashes, 5 pounds of salt and 5 
 pounds of lime ; sprinkle these on the manure, continuing the pro- 
 cess until the ton is completed, and let it remain in a dry place 
 for 30 days. Use from 200 to 400 pounds per acre and bed it 
 on the other' fertihzers. 
 
 We prefer the form thus presented, but it may be variously 
 modified without departing from the principle of our invention, 
 so long as the same steps are taken in the manner of preparing. 
 For example : When prepared for corn the hme and ashes may 
 be omitted and fifty pounds more of the salt and two pounds 
 more of the soda ash added to the ton. Second: If a lower 
 grade of fertilizer is desired, use less of the ingredients: if a 
 higher grade is wanted, use more. Third: Cotton-seed makes 
 a most desirable base for the fertilizer. 
 
 Note — For lime lands add salt instead of lime. Any rich 
 soil or muck will answer instead of stable manure. When earth 
 
332 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 is used always use lime and ashes. To use as Guano, put in 
 sand instead of stable manure, and add fifty pounds more of 
 lime to the ton, add six pounds more of ammonia and fifty 
 pounds more of salt. For land that is infested with bugs and 
 worms that destroy the young plants, put in ten pounds more of 
 bluestone to the ton. Use 200 to 400 pounds to the acre and bed 
 on it as other fertilizers. The compound destroys all bugs and in- 
 sects. 
 
 Any person using this formula without authority will be liable 
 to a fine and imprisonment under the United States laws, and 
 any person using same without authority will be prosecuted to 
 the full extent of the law. 
 
 Entered in the Patent Office, June 11, 1892. 
 
 Serial No. 436,386. Wallis & Roach. 
 
 The above recipe is practically worthless and anybody who 
 pays $5.00 for such a fraud gives away his hard-earned money. 
 The bluestone and soda ash have no fertilizing value and the 
 amount of fertilizing material present in saltpetre, nitrate of 
 ammonia and potash can be purchased on our market for 50 
 cents, or less. The stable manure and the cotton-seed meal men- 
 tioned in the above circular are of course good fertilizers, but 
 the addition of lime and potash to these materials would act 
 upon the nitrogen present and drive it off as ammonia. 
 
 The potash present in the above mixture would drive off the 
 nitrogen in the nitrate of ammonia. 
 
 Prof. Newell, Texas State Entomologist, says: "Bluestone in 
 the amount mentioned in this recipe would render conditions 
 more favorable for the ordinary insects which are injurious to 
 farm crops." 
 
 Some of the formulas call for the use of Paris green to de- 
 stroy the insects. Copper sulphate and Paris green are very 
 liable to injure the bacteria present in farm manure and in the 
 soil, and thus the young plants would be deprived of nourish- 
 ment, to a certain extent, when such insecticides and fungicides 
 are used. 
 
 Any farmer following the unscientific directions as laid down 
 in this circular is bound to be disappointed with the results ob- 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTIWZERS 
 
 333 
 
 tained. The Experiment Stations and State Boards of Agricul- 
 ture are always glad to help anybody in fertilizer problems, free 
 of charge, and it is an injustice to the honest fertilizer manu- 
 facturers to waste time and money with fertilizer recipes and 
 patent formulas. 
 
 Fertilizers do not Deteriorate Much on Standing. — The mixed 
 fertilizers and the raw materials do not change much when kept 
 in dry storage. The mixed fertilizers are usually compounded 
 from materials that do not attack and set free the nitrogen 
 present. The soluble phosphoric acid may revert and change to 
 insoluble phosphoric but not to any appreciable extent. There- 
 fore should a farmer have some fertilizer left over from a past 
 season he may rest assured that it is still valuable provided it 
 has been kept in a dry place. If fertilizer gets wet from rain 
 01' becomes very moist from any cause, there may be consider- 
 able losses of plant food. 
 
 The following table shows the effect on the soluble and in- 
 soluble phosphoric acid of fertilizers from 9 manufacturers, 
 when kept in dry storage for the period mentioned.^" 
 
 Phosphoric Acid of Fertilizers in 1905 & 1907. 
 
 Lab- 
 oratory 
 No." 
 
 66 
 
 77 
 
 51 
 
 45 
 
 17 
 
 n6 
 
 79 
 73 
 62 
 
 50 
 37 
 33 
 
 Water-soluble 
 
 phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 
 Insoluble phos- 
 phoric acid 
 
 Capital bone and potash compound. ■ . 
 
 Vegetable Special 
 
 Blood, bone and potash 
 
 Caddo cotton 
 
 Meridian home mixture 
 
 Texas pride soluble guano 
 
 African cotton grower 
 
 Primo H. G. raw bone spuerphosphate. 
 
 Scott's gossipium phospho special 
 
 Vegetable grower 
 
 Dissolved bone and potash 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Average 
 
 Maximum difference. 
 Minimum difference. 
 
 1.47 
 6.40 
 6.60 
 
 5-90 
 8.20 
 6.07 
 7.07 
 
 7-47 
 6.27 
 
 5-65 
 8.15 
 "•54 
 
 6.73 
 1.38 
 0-37 
 
 1907 
 
 1905 
 
 1.09 
 
 6.35 
 6.05 
 
 5-94 
 7.22 
 
 6.45 
 6.81 
 
 7. II 
 6.22 
 5-69 
 6.87 
 10.16 
 
 6.33 
 
 2.25 
 0.32 
 1.27 
 0.52 
 1.24 
 0.28 
 
 0-33 
 0.17 
 1.44 
 1.02 
 0.52 
 1.87 
 
 0.94 
 
 1907 
 
 2.56 
 0.99 
 1.22 
 0.52 
 0.99 
 
 0-37 
 0.82 
 0.50 
 I-5I 
 0-75 
 0.61 
 
 1-34 
 
 1.02 
 
 +.67 
 —•53 
 
 Samples represent nine manufacturer.s, mostly mixed goods. 
 
334 
 
 SOIt FERTILITY AND FERTILIZEKS 
 
 Incompatibles in Fertilizer Mixtures. — It should be understood 
 that fertihzer materials cannot be mixed indiscriminately. Cer- 
 tain fertilizer materials, when mixed, set up reactions which 
 cause losses of plant food or change the plant food to a form or 
 forms which are less available. When lime, or basic slag, or 
 lime nitrate, are mixed with farm manure, guano, sulphate of 
 ammonia, etc., or mixtures containing any of these materials, 
 the nitrogen is set free and escapes. When lime is mixed with 
 acid phosphate or superphosphate, the soluble phosphoric acid 
 is changed to reverted phosphoric acid. Below are a few 
 analyses of factory mixed fertilizers to which lime has been 
 added. 
 
 Analyses of Fertilizers with Lime Added. 
 
 Soluble phos- 
 phoric acid 
 
 Reverted phos- 
 phoric acid 
 
 Insoluble phos- 
 phoric acid 
 
 Total phos- 
 phoric acid 
 
 Available 
 phos. acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 1-57 
 1.36 
 0.63 
 4.12 
 
 8.57 
 8.49 
 8.87 
 6.40 
 
 1.27 
 1-39 
 0.95 
 0.84 
 
 II. 41 
 11.24 
 
 10.45 
 11.36 
 
 10.14 
 9-85 
 9-50 
 
 10.52 
 
 4.20 
 3.28 
 
 2.45 
 3-82 
 
 These fertilizers were distributed at the rate of 75 to 100 
 pounds per acre. To distribute such a small quantity per acre, 
 requires a small outlet on the fertilizer distributor which would 
 clog when ordinary fertilizers are used, so that the manufacturers 
 in order to sell to this trade are forced to add lime to keep these 
 special fertilizers dry and in a fine mechanical condition. Note 
 the high percentages of reverted . phosphoric acid and the cor- 
 respondingly low percentages of soluble phosphoric acid in these 
 fertilizers. 
 
 Hall says : "Superphosphates cannot long remain mixed with 
 nitrate of soda without setting free a certain amount of nitric 
 acid, which is both wasteful and injurious to anyone handling 
 the mixture. It is, however, safe enough to make up the mixture 
 and sow it straight away; the nitric acid only begins to be in 
 evidence when the mixture is left in a heap or in bags over night, 
 or when it is sown from a machine which has some moving 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 335 
 
 part working in the fertilizer. Most mixtures containing super- 
 phosphate will turn into a paste round machine parts working in 
 this material. Kainit and superphosphate will also begin to 
 set free hydrochloric acid if they are left long together."" 
 
 Mixtures of certain materials tend to form products that cake 
 or become hard, thus making them difficult to distribute evenly. 
 A mixture of basic slag with any of the Stassfurt potash salts 
 forms a hard cake. 
 
 The following diagram may be of interest.''' 
 
 Lime. 
 
 Superphosphate. 
 
 Thomas slag 
 
 Barnyard manure 
 Ammonium sulphate. f ^fi>f^T \f\ j^,-/*^^ j/^ /^ W ^^b ™* guaho. 
 
 Potash salts 
 
 Lime nitrogen (cal- r i ^^-J . '; , \,/ = |\v;i i \<f y yil-g»->3 l>* Norwegian nitrate 
 cium cyanamid). ^^^^r^-t-^^J\[ //V/^J /iL^^S^C^^W (basic calcium 
 
 nitrate). 
 
 Nitrate of soda. \J''^ • ^ Bone meal. 
 
 Fig. 23. 
 
 The heavy lines unite materials which should never be mixed. The double lines 
 
 those which should be applied immediately after mixing. The single 
 
 lines those which may be mixed at any time. 
 
 In regard to nitrate of soda and superphosphate read what 
 Hall says in the foregoing. 
 
 The Time to Apply Fertilizer. — Nitrate of soda, sulphate of 
 ammonia, and calcium nitrate are soluble in water and are not 
 fixed in the soil. They should be applied in small quantities and 
 at the proper time, or when nitrogen is needed, to give the best 
 results. When large applications of these materials are made, 
 some of the nitrogen may be lost by leaching. These fertilizer 
 materials should never be worked into the soil too deeply as they 
 
336 soil. FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 may be lost by leaching before the plant can appropriate them. 
 The organic materials furnishing nitrogen all have to be oxidized 
 and converted into nitrates before they may readily be acquired 
 as plant food. These materials may be applied early enough 
 so that they may be acted upon by the soil organisms and par- 
 tially decomposed to furnish food for the young plant. The 
 very slowly available organic substances will of course be de- 
 composed more slowly than dried blood, cotton-seed meal, tank- 
 age, steamed horn and hoof meal, castor pomace and similar 
 substances. One of the functions of nitrogen is to produce 
 growth. It would be wasteful to apply any nitrogenous sub- 
 stance to hasten maturity. It seems almost unnecessary to make 
 this statement but some farmers use nitrate of soda late in the 
 season to help fill out ears of corn after the crop has been made. 
 If nitrate of soda is added in the middle of the growing period 
 before the ears are formed it will help to produce more vigorous 
 growth. Generally speaking, the nitrogenous fertilizers may be 
 applied in the spring at planting time and during the growing 
 period when needed. 
 
 Phosphoric acid is readily fixed in the soil. When soluble 
 phosphoric acid is added from superphosphates, it becomes well 
 distributed in the soil, because of its fine mechanical condition, 
 and changes to insoluble forms which are not apt to be lost by 
 leaching. Superphosphates are very beneficial to young crops 
 and tend to produce strong plants that can better resist the attacks 
 of fungi and insects. Superphosphates may be applied before 
 or during planting time. Raw bone-meal and ground rock 
 phosphate may be applied at most any time because they are slow- 
 ly available; but other fertilizers carrying phosphoric acid in the 
 available form should be applied just before, or at planting time. 
 
 Potash is very quickly fixed in the soil by the double silicates, 
 so that it is difficult to distribute it evenly. Potash may be ap- 
 plied sometime before planting so that the plowing and harrow- 
 ing may help to mix it with the soil and insure a uniform dis- 
 tribution. 
 
 In mixed fertilizers we have found that any combination of 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 337 
 
 fertilizer materials may enter into their composition. There 
 may be nitrate of soda, organic materials, superphosphates, and 
 potash salts present in these fertilizers and so in the application 
 of them we must consider the properties of all the fertilizer ma- 
 terials. It is generally best to apply these fertilizers in the 
 spring. Sometimes an additional application during the grow- 
 ing period will help to force the crop. When much fertilizer 
 is to be applied, especially on sandy soils, part of it may be ap- 
 plied in the spring and part later on when the crop may be back- 
 ward or need forcing. 
 
 Crops like wheat which are sown in the fall need fertilizer at 
 that time and also a light dressing of some nitrogenous fertili- 
 zer in the spring to help it recover from the winter. Some of 
 the market garden crops require fertilizer at planting time and 
 al short intervals during the growing period. 
 
 How Fertilizers are Applied. — Fertilizers are usually applied 
 broadcast, partly broadcast and partly in the drill or hill, and in 
 the drill or hill. When heavy applications are applied, broad- 
 casting is perhaps the best method. The fertilizer may be ap- 
 plied after the last plowing and harrowed into the top part of 
 the surface soil with a wheel harrow or some kind of a cultivator. 
 In this way the fertilizer will become well mixed with the soil. 
 If a broadcast distributor is not used, one-half of the fertilizer 
 may be applied by walking north and south and the other half 
 by walking east and west. In this way the fertilizer should be 
 uniformly applied. When home mixtures containing farm 
 manure or fertilizers mixed with manure are used, the manure 
 spreader may be employed to distribute the fertilizer. 
 
 Some farmers apply fertilizer partly by broadcasting and 
 partly in the drill or hill. This is an excellent practice for 
 some crops and on some soils. That which is applied in the 
 drill or hill furnishes plant food during the first growth before 
 the roots are developed and that which is sown broadcast helps 
 the later growth when the roots spread out. In this system of 
 applying fertilizers it is perhaps better to apply most of the fer- 
 tilizer broadcast. When farm manure is used it may all be 
 spread broadcast and the fertilizer used to supplement it, which 
 
338 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 is no doubt quick acting, put in the drill or hill. Potatoes, corn 
 and market garden crops are often fertilized in this way. 
 
 With small grain, roots and other crops with small root sys- 
 tems, fertilizers are often apphed wholly in the drill or hill. Great 
 care should be taken in applying fertilizer in this way to keep 
 the fertilizer away from the seed. Most fertilizers contain some 
 nitrate of soda, potash salts, or other materials that will injure 
 the seed if they come in contact with it. Therefore a little earth 
 should separate the seed from the fertilizer. The fertilizer dis- 
 tributors usually cover the fertilizer sufficiently to protect the 
 seed. When fertilizer is applied in the hills it should be spread 
 over the place where the hill is to be and not applied all in one 
 place. Earth should be spread over it as in drill application. 
 
 When fertilizer is to be applied during the growing season 
 it may be distributed on both sides of the plants to the center 
 of the row and worked in with a cultivator. On many hoed crops 
 this method is used; it is also advisable on light soils that are 
 subject to leaching. On these soils sufficient fertilizer may be 
 applied at planting time to give the crop a start and the remainder 
 during those periods in the growing season when the crop needs 
 nourishment or wishes to be forced for an early market. 
 
 When fertilizers are applied to trees and bushes they should be 
 distributed in a circle around the tree; the radius of which is 
 equal to the height of the tree or bush. They should be worked 
 into the soil by shallow cultivation. The feeding roots of many 
 trees are near the surface and extend to quite a distance from 
 the base of the tree so that by applying the fertilizer for some 
 distance from the tree, the roots are better able to assimilate it 
 and the soil organisms which render it available can act upon 
 it more readily. 
 
 Is it Profitable to Use Fertilizers ? — Every farmer should be able 
 to decide this question for himself. The nature of the crop and 
 the condition and fertility of the soil will determine whether 
 fertilizers should be used. If intensive farming is practiced and 
 large crops are grown on small areas fertilizers are generally re- 
 quired. Market garden and truck crops generally more than 
 pay for the liberal use of fertilizer. When market garden and 
 
A FEW REMARKS ABOUT FERTILIZERS 339 
 
 truck crops are grown on high priced land large applications of 
 fertilizer are necessary to produce maximum crops to insure 
 profitable returns on the investment. In some sections potatoes, 
 onions, tobacco, oranges, and other crops receiving large amounts 
 of fertilizer give profitable returns. 
 
 If the soil is kept in good physical condition the use of ferti- 
 lizers is more profitable than on soils not properly cared for. 
 On poor soils the use of fertilizers is necessary for crop produc- 
 tion, for without them a profitable crop cannot be produced. 
 On farms where a systematic rotation is practiced, and farm ma- 
 nures and green manures are employed, the use of fertilizer to 
 supplement the deficiencies of the soil is usually very profitable, 
 while on farms where one crop farming is continued, the response 
 to fertilizers is not so satisfactory. The farmer can keep his 
 soil in good condition and profit by the use of fertilizers. Fer- 
 tilizers should not always be blamed for unprofitable returns as 
 the trouble generally rests with the farmer who is careless in his 
 methods. Farmers should spend a great deal of time tilling the 
 soil and not expect the fertilizer to do all the work. 
 
 Sometimes fertiUzers do not prove profitable because the soil 
 is acid or too alkaline. If these conditions are corrected the use 
 of fertilizers is often profitable. 
 
 It should be remembered that some fertilizers like raw bone- 
 meal, ground rock, phosphate, etc., do not give up all of their 
 plant food during the first season but may help the crops for two 
 or three years and prove profitable in this way. 
 
 Amount of Fertilizer to Use. — Enough fertilizer should be used 
 to produce profitable crops. This amount depends upon a great 
 many factors, as the system of farming, the nature of the soil, 
 the crop to be raised, and its value, the fertility of the soil, the 
 value of the land, etc. Frequent light applications are usually 
 more profitable than occasional heavy applications. Market gard- 
 en and truck crops require more fertilizer than the staple crops. 
 From 500 to 2,500 pounds of fertilizer are used for market gard- 
 en, truck, and special crops, and 30D to 700 pounds for the staple 
 crops, unless previous experience has shown that more or less 
 than these amounts are necessary and profitable. 
 23 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 FERTILIZEB, FORMULAS FOB, CROPS. 
 
 It may be said that it is almost impossible to state just the 
 amounts of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash to apply to 
 crops. There are so many factors which enter into the needs of 
 crops that one can only generalize. 
 
 The formulas which follow were taken from various sources 
 and may be used as guides and not accepted as absolutely correct 
 for all conditions. Voorhees' Fertilizers; Sempers' Manures; 
 Snyder's Soils and Fertilizers; Card's Bush Fruits; Maynard's 
 Successful Fruit Culture; Florida Department of Agriculture 
 Bulletins; Georgia Department of Agriculture Bulletins; United 
 States Department of Agriculture Farmers' Bulletins ; and var- 
 ious Experiment Station Bulletins were used in collecting the 
 formulas used in the following pages. 
 
 I. Staple and Special Crops. 
 
 Small Grains. — The crops that are included in this group are 
 shallow feeders and do not utilize all the fertilizer that is neces- 
 sary to apply for good substantial yields. When wheat, oats, rye, 
 barley, or buckwheat follow some other crop as corn, an applica- 
 tion of quickly available nitrogen and phosphoric acid is essen- 
 tial. Potash will also be required on light soils or following 
 crops that use up this constituent. Top dressings of nitrate of 
 soda in the spring help these crops to get a good start after se- 
 vere winters, but nitrogen should not be added when the crop is 
 nearing maturity as the weight of straw should be lessened to 
 insure a good yield of grain. 
 
 Wheat is a weaker feeding crop than barley and is a harder 
 crop to grow as it requires the soil to be in better condition. 
 Wheat does well when it follows oats which in turn follows heavy 
 clover sod. It may follow corn which has been well fertilized 
 with farm manure. 
 
 Barley has a stronger root system than wheat and can thrive 
 on soils that are not in such fertile condition as good wheat 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 34I 
 
 soils. Because of its different feeding habits it may often follow 
 wheat to good advantage. It does well on open light soils. 
 
 Oats is an easier crop to grow than wheat or barley and is 
 more capable of gathering food than either of these crops. Oats 
 will grow on most any type of soil that is in good physical con- 
 dition. 
 
 Rye is somewhat similar to barley and is better able to acquire 
 plant food than wheat. It is also easier to grow. 
 Formulas for Wheat. 
 
 {Nitrate of soda, or 1 
 Sulphate of ammonia I 
 
 Dried blood I 300-600 
 
 r D. B. black, or )■ lbs. per 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6 to 8 per cent, from < Basic slag, or I acre. 
 
 ( Acid phosphate I 
 
 Potash 3 to 4 per cent, from Muriate of potash. J 
 
 Acid phosphate, 300 lbs ■» 
 
 Sulphate of ammonia, 130 lbs V per acre. 
 
 Muriate of potash, 90 lbs J 
 
 This last formula is to supplement farm manure and should be 
 applied in the fall. In the spring a top dressing of 90 pounds 
 of nitrate of soda should be distributed. 
 
 The following formulas for wheat should receive 75 to lOO 
 pounds of nitrate of soda in the spring in those formulas where 
 nitrate of soda is not included. Applications of 500 pounds to 
 the acre are recommended. 
 
 Muriate of potash 30 lbs. Muriate of potash 20 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 167 lbs. Acid phosphate 140 lbs. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 125 lbs. Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. 
 
 Cotton hull ashes (20 per cent. 
 
 K.fi) 45 lbs. Unleached wood ashes 164 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 130 lbs. Acid phosphate 130 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. 
 
 Kainit 64 lbs. Acid phosphate 133 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 137 lbs. Nitrate of soda 13 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 143 lbs. Stable manure 2 tons. 
 
 Cotton-seed i^'/i bush. 
 
 Muriate of potash 30 lbs. Muriate of potash 15 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate (with 2 per 
 
 Acid phosphate 167 lbs. cent, potash) 120 lbs. 
 
 Dried blood 167 lbs. Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. 
 
342 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTIIvIZEES 
 
 Kainit 58 lbs. Muriate of potash 20 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 150 lbs. Acid phosphate 150 lbs. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 70 lbs. Nitrate of soda 64 lbs. 
 
 Stable manure i ton. Cotton-seed i^'A bush. 
 
 Commercial Fertilizer to analyze as 
 follows : 
 
 Kainit 45 lbs. Avail, phos. acid. 4>^ to 5 per cent. 
 
 Acid phosphate 132 lbs. Ammonia 4.85 per cent. 
 
 Cotton-seed 267^ bush. Potash 3 per cent. 
 
 Formula for Barley — 250 to 600 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 XT ,. , /- 1 r I Nitrate of soda or 
 
 Nitrogen 5-6 per cent, fro n < c,i.. r 
 
 ° '' ^ \ Sulphate of ammonia 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7-8 per cent, from ( „^^^,^,t p'hosph^'i'''' ' 
 
 Potash 3-5 per cent, from { ^^.f, -^fpoTash 
 
 Formula for Rye— 300 to 600 Pound.'? Per Acre. 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 f Acid phosphate, or 
 Available phosphoric acid 5-7 per cent, from ^ Basic slag, or 
 
 [ Dissolved bone-black 
 
 Tj„+„,v, c ,^ r.„ „„„f f,«~ I Wood ashes, or 
 
 Potash a-io per cent, irom •, ,. . ^ , ' . , 
 
 *^ I. Muriate of potash 
 
 Formula for Oats — 300 to 600 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from { ^^^ -f °"' 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5-6 per cent, from | Basfc^k"*^^*'^' °'^ 
 
 Potash 8-10 per cent, from \ Wood ashes, or 
 
 '^ i Muriate of potash 
 
 For Oats Followikg Corn— 200 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 50 lbs. Nitrate of soda 1 jj . u i- u. j -i 
 150 lbs. Acid phosphate | ^^^ P°'^^'^ °" ^'S^^ ^^"^y ^°''* 
 
 Buckwheat is a heavy feeding crop. It is often grown on new 
 lands. It doesn't do well on soils rich in nitrogenous matter as 
 the straw grows too vigorously and the grain does not fill out. It 
 is often grown on poor soils and should be well fertilized. As 
 it matures in early summer it should be furnished nitrogen in 
 quickly available forms in the early spring so as to establish 
 good growth and not interfere with seed formation. 
 
fkrtii,izer formulas for crops 343 
 
 Formula for Buckwheat— 400 to 800 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 4-4.5 per cent from Nitrate of soda 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7-8 per cent. from. . | BSfc^^a"^^*'^'^' ""^ 
 Potash 9-10 per cent, from Muriate of potash 
 
 Rice. — Fertilizers are not used extensively in Louisiana and 
 Texas for this crop and the influence of the different forms of 
 fertilizer constituents has not been determined. Phosphoric acid 
 generally increases the yield of rice in Louisiana and Texas 
 and potash is thought to harden the grain and improve its milling 
 quality. Nitrogen is not necessary only on old lands and then 
 in small amounts. If too much nitrogen is applied the plants will 
 lodge. If organic nitrogen is employed it should be applied a 
 long time before the crop is planted as the soil organisms that 
 produce nitrification are retarded in activity when irrigation 
 is practiced. 
 
 The following formula is employed by many planters. 
 
 200 lbs. Acid phosphate \ ^^^^ 
 
 50-100 lbs. Kainit / ^ 
 
 On old lands 50 pounds of cotton-seed meal are added. 
 
 Formula for Irrigated Rice— 500 to 600 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from Ground bone 
 
 Phosphoric acid 8-10 per cent, from | ground W ""^ 
 
 _ ^ , . - f Muriate of potash, or 
 
 Potash 3-4 per cent, from j Kainit 
 
 If ground bone is used as a source of nitrogen it will have to 
 be applied a long time before the crop is planted to be of any 
 benefit. In Louisiana more quickly available forms of phosphoric 
 acid are preferred than in this formula. 
 
 Formula for Unirrigated Rice (Called Mountain Rice or High- 
 land Rice) —600 to 700 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 6-7 per cent, from . . | gasic'^slag^^ ^**^' °'^ 
 
 „ , , „ J. c f Muriate of potash, or 
 
 Potash 6-S per cent, from j Kainit 
 
344 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Staple and Special Crops. 
 
 Corn is a gross feeder and requires help in securing phosphoric 
 acid. It is a crop that does well on large applications of farm 
 manure, and after leguminous green manures. As this crop is 
 a heavy feeder all the essential elements are needed. Potash helps 
 to produce a firm stalk, nitrogen helps in vigorous growth and 
 phosphoric acid is used in forming grain. When farm manure 
 or leguminous green manure are supplied liberally, only a little 
 nitrogen in a quickly available form is necessary for early growth. 
 Potash and phosphoric acid, however, must be abundantly sup- 
 plied. Like other crops the fertility of the soil and other factors 
 influence the amount and kind of fertilizer to use. 
 
 FoRMDL.is FOR Corn — 500 to 1,000 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 „.. .. r _ f Nitrate of soda, or 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from | q^^^^j^ nitrogen 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7-8 per cent, from .. { Sv'^ed bone'-meal 
 
 _.., »r_ / Wood ashes, or 
 
 Potash 6-7 per cent, from | ^^^.^^^ ^^ ^^^^ 
 
 2 parts cotton-seed meal ■) .„_ ,u. „„ acre 
 I part acid phosphate / ^°° '°^- ^'^ ^"^ 
 
 This last formula is for soils rich in potash as in Louisiana. 
 
 If corn follows cowpeas the nitrogen may be eliminated and 300 
 
 pounds of acid phosphate applied per acre. 
 
 1,200 lbs. 13% Acid phosphate "| 
 600 lbs. Cotton-seed meal J- 400 lbs. per acre 
 
 200 lbs. Muriate of potash j 
 
 2,000 lbs. total 
 
 1,000 lbs. Acid phosphate ] 
 
 30 lbs. Muriate of potash }■ 230 to 450 lbs. per acre 
 
 1,250 lbs. Cotton-seed meal J 
 
 2,280 lbs. total 
 
 200 lbs. Cotton-seed meal 1 
 100 lbs. Dried blood ! 
 
 200 lbs. Superphosphate . \ P^"^ ^'^^^ 
 
 100 lbs. Muriate of potash J 
 
 600 lbs. total 
 
 Cotton is not considered an exhaustive crop but as it is often 
 grown continuously on the same land it gradually depletes the 
 soil of fertility. Most of the essential elements are lost to the 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 345 
 
 soil when the seed are sold away from the farm. Phosphoric 
 acid is the important element for this crop. Nitrogen is usually 
 supplied from high grade organic materials and when nitrate of 
 soda is employed it should be applied at the time when it is 
 needed. Potash seems to prevent the shedding of leaves pre- 
 maturely. On soils that produce a large stalk or where cow- 
 peas or other legumes have been turned under, no nitrogen is 
 necessary. Some soils are rich enough in available potash to 
 eliminate the addition of it in fertilization. Phosphoric acid in 
 an available form seems to be always necessary. 
 
 Formulas for Cotton. 
 
 150— 200 pounds cotton-seed meal "1 
 
 150 — 200 pounds acid phosphate / " a re. 
 
 This formula is suitable for Louisiana and other parts of the 
 South where the soil is rich in available potash. 
 
 For sections where the Boll Weevil is present it is desirable to" 
 produce an early matured crop. Therefore the crop must be 
 forced, and 50 pounds of nitrate of soda should be applied when 
 the plants start growth. 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from { S-^oTsor ^ ^ 
 
 { 
 
 { 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 7-9 per cent, from { ^^^^X'^d Cm^Ial > '^^ITs 
 
 Cotton-seed hull ashes, I per acre 
 
 Potash 4-5 per cent, from -{ Wood ashes, or | 
 
 Kainit. J 
 
 Georgi.\ Experiment Station Cotton Formulas— 350 to 880 
 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Acid phosphate 1,000 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 700 
 
 Muriate of potash 75 
 
 Barnyard manure 750 pounds ] 
 
 Cotton-seed 750 pounds | 400 to 800 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 367 pounds [ per acre. 
 
 Kainit 133 pounds J 
 
 Total .■ 2,000 
 
346 
 
 SOIL l-'EETILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Georgia Cotton Formulas on Worn Soils. 
 
 Muriate of potash 30 lbs. Muriate of potash 30 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 334 lbs. Acid phosphate 334 lbs. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 125 lbs, Dried blood 167 lbs. 
 
 Muriate of potash 20 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 281 los. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed hull ashes 45 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 261 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal z86 lbs. 
 
 Muriate of potash 10 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate with potash 
 
 2 per cent. (K^O) 312 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 286 lbs. 
 
 Kainit 58 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate '■■ 300 lbs. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 70 lbs. 
 
 Stable manure 2,000 lbs. 
 
 Wood ashes (unleached) 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 164 lbs. Muriate of potash 20 lbs. 
 
 261 lbs. Acid phosphate . ■ . ■ 300 lbs. 
 
 286 lbs. Nitrate of soda 64 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed 13^^ bush. 
 
 Kainit 64 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 273 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 143 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed I3>^ bush. 
 
 Acid phosphate 266 lbs. 
 
 Nitrate of soda 13 lbs. 
 
 Stable manure 4,000 lbs. 
 
 Kainit 45 lbs. 
 
 Acid phosphate 264 lbs. 
 
 Cotton-seed 26% bush . 
 
 Commercial fertilizer to analyze as 
 
 below : 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 10.00 
 
 Ammonia 4.85 
 
 Potash (KjO) 3.00 
 
 Use 500 pounds per acre. 
 
 All cotton formulas that do not include nitrate of soda should 
 receive an application of this material at the rate of 50 pounds 
 per acre, when the plants start growth, in sections infested with 
 the Boll Weevil. 
 
 Cotton Formula Sold by Manufacturers. 
 Avail, phos. acid 8.00 per cent, from Acid phosphate ] 
 
 Nitrogen 
 Potash 
 
 1.65 per cent, from 
 2.00 per cent, from 
 
 Acid phosphate 
 Nitrate of soda and 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 Kainit 
 
 300-600 lbs. 
 
 ( per acre. 
 
 This formula or one very similar to it, is used extensively and 
 only small amounts of nitrate of soda are used when this mate- 
 rial is included. 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 347 
 
 Tobacco is a crop that must be fertilized very carefully to pre- 
 vent injuring the flavor of the leaf. Chlorine seems to be det- 
 rimental to the production of good flavored leaf. Therefore 
 muriate of potash, kainit and sylvinit must not be used. The 
 potash may be furnished from sulphate of potash, carbonate of 
 potash, or from cotton hull and wood ashes. Nitrogen as nitrate 
 or organic nitrogen from dried blood, cotton-seed meal, castor 
 pomace and linseed meal are excellent. These nitrogenous fer- 
 tilizers are often combined so as to supply available nitrogen dur- 
 ing the whole growing period. Phosphoric acid in the available 
 form is best suited for this crop. Most of the high priced to- 
 bacco is grown on light soils which are rather deficient in fer- 
 tility. Large applications of complete fertilizers are essential 
 although excessive amounts should be avoided to produce profit- 
 able yields. Farm manures and green manures tend to produce 
 a coarse leaf which is undesirable for grades of high quality. 
 
 Florida Tobacco Formula.s. 
 No. 1. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 300 lbs. of carb. of'pot. (60 per cent. ) "| 
 
 400 lbs. of tobacco dust (2-5) | 
 
 200 lbs. of cotton-seed meal (V/2-1%-^ %)■■■■ i \°^^ a^aZble 
 
 750 lbs. of bone-meal (4-10) \ °^f potash 
 
 300 lbs. of concentrated phos. (25 percent.). . ] •=> v 
 
 50 lbs. of nitrate of soda (17 per cent. ) J 
 
 2,000 
 
 Commercial value per ton mixed and bagged. . $38.30 
 Plant food per ton 440 pounds. 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 300 lbs. of nitrate of potash ( 13-42 ) ] 
 
 100 lbs. of carb. of pot. ( 60 per cent. ) I 3.05 ammonia 
 
 Soo lbs. of tobacco dust ( 2-3 ) \ 8.95 available 
 
 200 lbs. of bone-meal (3-12) I 10.50 potash 
 
 600 lbs. of concentrated phos. (25 per cent. ) • j 
 
 2,000 
 
 Commercial value mixed and bagged I3S.30 
 
 Plant food per ton 440 pounds. 
 
348 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 400 lbs. of nitrate of potash ( 13-42) ") 
 
 100 lbs. of cotton-seed meal (T/i-iii-iyi) I 4.20 ammonia 
 
 700 lbs. of tobacco dust ( 2-5 ) \ 9.45 available 
 
 100 lbs. of bone-meal (3-12) | 10.20 potash 
 
 700 lbs. of concentrated phos. (25 per cent. ) . . J 
 
 2,000 
 
 Commercial value mixed and bagged J37. 15 
 
 Plant food per ton 477 pounds 
 
 No. 4. 
 
 Per cent. 
 
 500 lbs. of nitrate of potash ( 13-42) 1 4.45 ammonia 
 
 700 lbs. of tobacco dust ( 2-3) >■ 10.00 available 
 
 800 lbs. of concentrated phos. (25 per cent. ) ■ . j II.55 potash 
 
 2,000 
 
 Commercial value mixed and bagged $39- 50 
 
 Plant food per ton 520 pounds 
 
 No. 5. 
 300 lbs. of cotton-seed meal 
 150 lbs. of nitrate of soda 
 300 lbs. of acid phosphate 
 200 lbs. of sulphate of potash 
 
 Part of the nitrate of soda may be applied after the plant has 
 started growth. 
 
 Connecticut Tob.^cco Formula — Per Acre. 
 
 ,„., IK, -:* .»_ <-„™ / Mixtures of nitrate of soda, sulphate of 
 
 100 lbs. mtrogen from | ammonia and high grade organic forms. 
 
 75 lbs. avail, phos. acid from superphosphates 
 150 lbs. potash from sulphate of carbonate forms. 
 
 Kentucky and Virginia on heavier soils may give good yields 
 with smaller applications than for Connecticut. 
 
 Sempers recommends a formula furnishing 1,000-2,000 pounds 
 per acre, of 
 
 Nitrogen 5-7 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-6 per cent, from Dissolved bone-black 
 
 {Cotton-seed hull ashes, or 
 Wood ashes, or 
 Sulphate of potash. 
 
 Sugar-cane is another crop which is grown in limited areas. 
 The Louisiana Sugar Experiment Station has investigated the 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 349 
 
 needs of this crop. It is customary to rotate this crop with corn 
 and cowpeas. Cane is grown for two years as plant and first 
 year stubble, and corn the third year with cowpeas sown be- 
 tween the rows at the last cultivation. The cowpeas are usually 
 fed to the plantation mules but the roots and more or less of the 
 plants are left on the land. 
 
 Sugar-Cane Formula with Cowpeas. Plant Cane 300400 Pounds. 
 Acid Phosphate Per Acre. 
 
 1st year stubble 200 lbs. acid phosphate ) 
 
 200 lbs. cotton-seed meal, !• per acre, 
 or tankage J 
 
 Without Cowpeas 
 Plant cane 200 lbs. acid phosphate I 
 
 200 lbs. cotton-seed meal, [ per acre 
 or tankage j 
 
 1st year stubble 100 lbs. acid phosphate ] 
 
 200 lbs. cotton-seed meal, )■ per acre, 
 or tankage J 
 
 Florida Formula. 
 400 to 500 lbs. cotton-seed meal "1 
 50 to 100 lbs. nitrate of soda ! ^^^^ 
 
 300 to 400 lbs. acid phosphate j ^ 
 100 to 150 lbs. kainit J 
 
 Part of the nitrate of soda in this last formula may be used 
 as a second application after the plants have started. 
 
 Sugar-cane has a long growing season and the nitrogen there- 
 fore is furnished mostly from organic sources so as to be able to 
 supply available nitrogen during this period. 
 
 Although sugar-cane requires available potash the Louisiana 
 
 cane lands are sufficiently supplied with this constituent to meet 
 
 the requirements of this crop. 
 
 Sugar-Cane Formula-Semper Makures-6oo-9oo Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 -T.. . , f Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen 1.5-2 per cent, from | Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 7-9 per cent, from { Dis^oFv^ed bone%Lk 
 
 _ ^ , . c f Muriate of potash, or 
 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from | Kainit 
 
 Irish potatoes are an exhaustive crop from the fertility stand- 
 point, but from the money value viewpoint they are less ex- 
 haustive than the small grains. They are grown as an early 
 and late crop in the North and in the South they are generally 
 
350 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 most profitable when harvested in very early spring. They are 
 usually grown in rotation and the early crops are forced by 
 heavy fertilization, while the late crops are allowed to grow 
 slowly and with less fertilizer. Potash is an important constit- 
 uent for potatoes as it aids in carbohydrate formation. The 
 chlorides seem to produce inferior potatoes and potatoes that 
 will not stand storage. The sulphates of potash seem to pro- 
 duce better looking and more uniform potatoes. For early spring 
 potatoes the nitrogen may be supplied partly in quickly available 
 forms and partly from organic substances as dried blood, cotton- 
 seed meal, etc. The late potatoes do not require quickly avail- 
 able plant food as they have a long growing season. Excessive 
 nitrogen should be avoided as the vines will grow too vigorously 
 and the tubers will not develop. Phosphoric acid from super- 
 phosphates is desirable for early and late potatoes. 
 
 Formulas for Irish Potatoes— 500-1, 500 lbs. per Acre. 
 
 .,.. ^ ^ c I Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen 4-6 per cent, from | Dried blood 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5-7 per cent, from -. { DL^oWed'bonl%rack 
 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from Sulphate of potash 
 
 Early Potatoes — 800-2,000 lbs. per Acre. 
 Nitrogen 3-4 per cent, from available forms 
 Available phosphoric acid 6-8 per cent, from superphosphate. 
 Potash 8-10 per cent, from sulphate of potash. 
 
 This formula is employed in New York and New Jersey. 
 Late Potatoes— 600-800 lbs. per Acre. 
 Nitrogen 2.5 per cent. 
 Available phosphoric acid 6 per cent. 
 Potash 8 per cent. 
 
 Maine Potatoes Harvested in Early Sept.— 1,200-1,500 lbs. per 
 
 Acre. 
 Ammonia 4-6 per cent. 
 Available phosphoric acid 6-8 per cent. 
 Potash 7-10 per cent. 
 
 The potatoes that receive this formula follow clover sod which 
 is turned under in the fall. Some farmers in Maine use higher 
 quantities of ammonia to force growth in that northern latitude 
 and potash to benefit the clover which follows. 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 35 1 
 
 Louisiana Potatoes Harvested in Early May— 1,000-1,500 lbs. per 
 
 Acre. 
 500-600 lbs. cotton-seed meal 
 500-600 lbs. acid phosphate'. 
 175-200 lbs. sulphate of potash. 
 The Louisiana soils are rich in potash but for heavy yields the 
 addition of sulphate of potash is beneficial. This formula is for 
 an average soil with no cowpeas plov^red under. 
 
 With Cowpeas — Turned Under — 800-1,000 lbs. per Acre. 
 500:600 lbs. acid phosphate. 
 175-200 lbs. sulphate of potash. 
 Sweet Potatoes. — In the growing of sweet potatoes the north- 
 ern market demands must be catered to. A small rather round 
 •potato that is dry and mealy when baked is desirable. In the 
 South a larger more oblong potato is relished. The phosphoric 
 acid and potash requirements are about the same as for Irish 
 potatoes except that chlorides may be used. As short round po- 
 tatoes are desired, less nitrogen must be used than in growing 
 Irish potatoes. When large amounts of nitrogen are used the 
 potatoes grow too large and oblong. In the South nitrogen as 
 nitrates and organic forms are used. The organic nitrogen seems 
 to produce a better product and may be used to advantage in 
 the South, but in the North, nitrates are preferable especially 
 in cold seasons. 
 
 Formulas For Sweet Potatoes. 
 Requirement— 3 Per Cent- Ammonia, 7 Per Cent. Available Phos- 
 phoric Acid and 8 Per Cent. Potash. 
 100 lbs. nitrate of soda 'l f _<? _ • 
 
 400 lbs. dried fish scrap .,, . , , j 3-5% ammonia 
 
 i,.8o lbs. acid phosphate, ii% j "''^ ^^^^ < 7-8 avail, phos. acid 
 320 lbs. muriate of potash J L ^ powsn 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 100 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 f » ■ 
 
 500 lbs. cotton-seed meal .,, . , , J ^i^' ammonia 
 
 i,Too lbs. acid phosphate, 13% \ ^'^^ ^'^^^ 1 l^ ^T 'i ^^°^- ^""^ 
 300 lbs. muriate of potash J ["-^ PotasU 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 320 lbs. acid phosphate ] 
 
 360 lbs. cotton-seed meal [-per acre 
 
 640 lbs. kainit J 
 
 1,320 lbs. 
 
352 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 This last formula is perhaps too high in nitrogen for the pro- 
 duction of sweet potatoes for the northern market. 
 For "Vineland Sweets." 
 
 Nitrogen 3 per cent "j 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 7 per cent. '■ Heavy applications. 
 Potash 12 per cent. J 
 
 Sometimes applications of 200-300 pounds of acid phosphate 
 
 and 100 to 150 pounds of muriate of potash per acre are used 
 
 to supplement this last formula. 
 
 200 lbs. sulphate of ammonia 1 1 200- 
 
 200 lbs. dried blood, or | 4.25% nitrogen | 1,000 
 
 300 lbs. fish scrap 'f 6.60 phos. acid J- lbs. 
 
 1,200 lbs. acid phosphate. 11% i 10.00 potash | per 
 
 400 lbs. high grade sulphate of potash J J acre 
 
 Sugar-Beet. — When sugar-beets are grown for sugar the sub- 
 ject of proper fertilization is important. The sugar-beet is a 
 gross feeder. A large yield of sugar is the desirable object in 
 the growth of this crop. Potash aids in the formation of car- 
 bohydrates and is the important constituent for this crop. Sugar- 
 beets should be forced early in the season and continuous growth 
 should be avoided as it tends to reduce the sugar content. Or- 
 ganic nitrogenous materials are not so desirable as nitrate of 
 soda and sulphate of ammonia. Farm manure is not beneficial 
 for this crop as it is too lasting. Available phosphoric acid seems 
 10 favor early growth in sugar-beets and is therefore desirable. 
 Potash as sulphate seems to give better results than chlorides. 
 Formula for Sugar-Beets. 
 
 250-300 lbs. nitrate of soda -j jj^^ j„ ^^„ ^^ ^j^^^^ dressings 
 
 400-500 lbs. superphosphate y ^'^ pg^ acre 
 
 80-100 lbs. sulphate of potash J *^ 
 
 The nitrogen may be supplied partly from nitrate of soda and 
 partly from sulphate of ammonia. On light soils the above 
 amounts may be increased one-third. 
 
 Sorghum. — When this crop is grown for sugar it must be fer- 
 tilized to produce it. As potash helps in sugar formation a large 
 percentage of this constituent is necessary. The chloride seems 
 to be the best form of potash for sorghum. The nitrogen should 
 be applied early to produce growth but an excess must be avoided 
 so as not to interfere with the formation of sugar. Liberal 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 353 
 
 amounts of phosphoric acid are beneficial in the growing and 
 maturing of this crop. 
 
 Formula for Sorghum (for Sugar)— 400 to 500 Lbs. Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 3.5-4.5 per cent, from nitrate of soda. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid S-9 per cent, from acid phosphate. 
 
 Potash 8-9 per cent, from muriate of potash. 
 
 Peanuts. — This is a leguminous crop and a good nitrogen 
 gatherer. Phosphoric acid and potash are necessary for this 
 crop. Organic matter seems to be desirable and stable manure 
 may be applied to the crop that precedes peanuts. If stable ma- 
 nure is applied directly to peanuts, too vigorous a growth of 
 vines and poor pods result. Soils well stocked with humus do 
 not require nitrogen but a small amount of this constituent is 
 often beneficial. Rich soils do not require much fertilizer. 
 
 Formula for Peanuts — 200 to 1,000 Lbs. Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 2-4 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5-7 per cent, from Acid phosphate 
 
 f Muriate of potash, or 
 
 Potash 6-10 per cent, from { Wood ashes, or 
 
 (_ Kainit 
 
 An abundance of lime is required in peanut culture. Soils 
 deficient in lime should receive applications of 1,000 to 2,000 per 
 acre every four or five years. 
 
 Flax is a weak feeder and requires a soil well tilled and fer- 
 tilized. This crop cannot be successfully grown on the same 
 land only once in four or five years. It seems to put the soil 
 in poor condition for its own continual growth. Flax does well 
 when following corn which has received liberal applications of 
 farm manure. Conditions favorable for wheat culture meet the 
 requirements of this crop. 
 
 Hops is a crop that requires plant food in a readily available 
 form. Farm manure supplemented with light applications of 
 fertilizer are beneficial. A fertilizer made up of a mixture of 
 muriate of potash, superphosphate, nitrate of soda, and organic 
 nitrogenous material may be used for this crop. 
 
354 SOIL f'EKTlLITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Formula for Hops— 800 to 1,200 Lbs. Per Acre. 
 
 ■KTit 1 r / Nitrate of soda 
 
 Nitrogen 2 5-3.5 per cent, from j ^^^^^.^ „j^^„gg„ 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5-6 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 Potash 12-14 per cent, from Muriate of potash 
 
 Lawns. — In the fertilization of lawns it is necessary to en- 
 courage the growth of grasses rather than legumes. In prepar- 
 ing to seed a lawn, a very rich soil should be established. This 
 may be done by applying an abundance of well rotted farm ma- 
 nure and thoroughly incorporating it in the soil. Green manures 
 may be substituted in the absence of farm manure. To supple- 
 ment the farm manure, applications of i,QOO to 1,500 pounds per 
 acre of a fertilizer made up of nitrate of soda or sulphate of 
 ammonia, bone-meal, and muriate of potash or kainit, should 
 be added. The nitrogen from nitrate of soda or sulphate of 
 ammonia should only be supplied in small amounts. An appli- 
 cation of 800 to 1,000 pounds of lime per acre is also beneficial. 
 
 In the fall it is well to put on a top dressing of farm manure 
 and rake off the straw, etc., in the spring. Some people object 
 to the odor of farm manure and in such cases a fertilizer made 
 up of bone-meal, and kainit or muriate of potash may be used. 
 In the spring a light dressing of nitrate of soda will help the 
 grass to get a good start. It is often advisable to make two or 
 three applications of nitrate of soda as needed. For old lawns, 
 sod to 700 pounds of a complete fertilizer analyzing 3 per cent, 
 of nitrogen, 8 per cent, of available phosphoric acid, and 5 per 
 cent of potash is beneficial. Wood ashes make a desirable lawn 
 fertilizer when supplemented with nitrate of soda. 
 
 In applying fertilizer to lawns great care should be exercised 
 to broadcast it evenly, otherwise a uniform growth will not be 
 secured. This may be accomplished by applying one-half of it 
 walking east and west and the other half walking north and south. 
 
 2. Forage Crops. 
 
 Under this head come those crops that are grown for feeding 
 farm animals, particularly when the whole plant is used. They 
 are fed as soiling crops, ensilage, pasturage, hay, fodder and 
 roots. 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 355 
 
 Soiling Crops. — These are grown a great deal for furnishing 
 green succulent feed to dairj' cows. The most desirable soiling 
 crops are those that grow rapidly and come up again after be- 
 ing cut. These crops should be fertilized to produce rapid 
 growth and not for grain and seed. The soiling crops may be 
 divided into non-leguminous and leguminous. 
 
 Non-Leguminous Crops. — Of the non-leguminous soiling crops 
 the cereals, rye, oats, wheat and barley are often used. Corn, 
 sorghum, and millet are also very important and teosinte is used 
 occasionally. These crops require considerable nitrogen to pro- 
 duce the necessary vigorous growth and an abundance of phos- 
 phoric acid and potash. When they follow crops that have been 
 well fertilized the amount to supply depends upon what is availa- 
 ble in the soil. With the cereals a rank growth of stalk is de- 
 sired so that fertilization is different from what is desirable 
 in the production of grain. More nitrogen is needed than for 
 grain production, phosphoric acid is important, and potash on 
 those soils deficient in this element. At seeding time small ap- 
 plications of nitrogen and phosphoric acid in available forms are 
 desirable. Some of the legumes as vetch and peas are often 
 grown with the cereals. The fertilization in such mixtures must 
 be ample to produce good crops. The nitrogen content may be 
 lessened somewhat, but phosphoric acid and potash should pre- 
 dominate and occasionally lime is necessary. 
 
 Sorghum. — When this crop is grown for forage it must be 
 fertilized differently than when grown for sugar. The needs of 
 this crop are similar to corn forage. Well rotted farm manure 
 or a leguminous green manure help to produce good sorghum 
 forage. Applications of available phosphoric acid and potash, 
 as muriate or kainit, are good supplements of farm or green 
 manure's. A light dressing of nitrate of soda or sulphate of 
 ammonia when the plants have started helps in early growth. 
 
 Formula for Sorghum Forage— 650-750 Pounds Per Acre. 
 Nitrogen 3-5-4-5 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5.5-6.5 per cent, from Acid phosphate 
 Potash 4-5 per cent, from { ^^^^f "^ P°tash, or 
 
 24 
 
356 SOIL FERTII,ITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Leguminous Crops. — These crops require liberal supplies of 
 
 potash, lime and phosphoric acid. As they are able to secure 
 
 nitrogen from the air, this element does not need to be furnished 
 
 except occasionally at seeding time, in a quickly available form. 
 
 When legumes follow crops that have been well fertilized they 
 
 often grow well without any additional fertilizer on rich land. 
 
 There seems to be a mistaken belief among some farmers, that 
 
 the legumes ought to grow well without any fertilizer, especially 
 
 when following a harvested crop. A little available nitrogen 
 
 when the plants start growth helps to produce a plant that is 
 
 better able to secure nitrogen from the air, and applications of 
 
 phosphoric acid and potash tend to increase the yields on most 
 
 soils. 
 
 Formulas for Legdmes— Alfalfa. 
 
 500 lbs. acid phosphate ] 
 
 100 lbs. sulphate of ammonia ! 
 
 350 lbs. muriate of potash [ " 
 
 Lime when needed j 
 
 Clovers. 
 
 300 lbs. acid phosphate ") 
 
 200 lbs. muriate of potash I 
 
 50 lbs. nitrate of soda f ^^ ^'^'^^• 
 
 Lime when necessary J 
 
 Clover and Legumes— 400-800 Pounds Per Acre. 
 Nitrogen ... per cent, from { ^fp^-^J^tn^^^^^ 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-8 per cent, from { Jifathlphatr^^'' "' 
 Potash 8-xo per cent, from { ^°°1 ^^f^ ^3, 
 
 Cowpea, Soy Bean and Vetch. 
 
 200 lbs. acid phosphate \ 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash j ^ 
 
 Nitrate of soda is sometimes beneficial to start vigorous 
 
 growth. 
 
 Velvet bean. 
 
 \ 
 
 so lbs. nitrate of soda, or 
 
 100 lbs. colton-seed meal . „„ „ 
 
 200 lbs. acid phosphate f *^ 
 
 100 lbs. sulphate of potash J 
 
 Scheme of Soiling Crops. — The New Jersey Experiment Station 
 has conducted a rotation of soiling crops which gives interesting 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 357 
 
 data on the kinds and amounts of fertilizers used to furnish plenty 
 of plant food for the production of satisfactory crops. 
 Scheme of Soiling Crops. 
 
 No. of Crop Time of Amount of ferti- Time of 
 
 acre rotation seeding lizer applied harvesting 
 
 Critnson clover, Aug. 11. '97 { '^ |^|: St'eTjof } ^^^ -- '^^ 
 
 iioo IDS. acta puospnate 1 
 50 lbs. ground bone [ Aug. 20, '98 
 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 I f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda ") 
 
 ] Barley and peas. Aug. 25, '98 < 100 lbs. acid phosphate ^Oct. 25, '98 
 L ( 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 ( Crimson clover, Aug. 24. '97 { '5°^ t^! S^^^'p^o^ ^^^ -' '^' 
 I f roo lbs. acid phosphate 'I 
 
 J Corn June 10, '98 -j 50 lbs. ground bone }■ Aug. 10, '98 
 
 ] I 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda ] 
 
 I Barley and peas, Aug. 25, '98 -j 100 lbs. acid phosphate \ Oct. 25, '98 
 [ I 5° lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 f f so lbs. nitrate of soda "1 
 
 00 lbs. acid phosphate | 
 50 lbs. ground bone 
 
 Corn May 20, '98 
 
 100 lbs. acid phosphate ,1 , o 
 
 50 lbs. ground bone \J^^y 2°. '9» 
 3-1 \, 5° ^^^- niuriate of pot. J 
 
 I 75 lbs. nitrate of soda | 
 
 Millet Aug. I, '98 -{ 150 lbs. acid phosphate )• Oct. i, '98 
 
 ( I. 75 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 f f 50 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 
 
 I Corn Mayxo,.98J7J^::-if„P^-P„\^»'=[^ 
 
 ( 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 I 25 lbs. nitrate of soda ] 
 Barley and peas, Aug. 10, '98 •{ 100 lbs. acid phosphate VOct. 10, '98 
 [ [50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 ( f 150 lbs. acid phosphate ] 
 
 Wheat Sept. 28, '97 I 50 lbs. ground bone > June 5, '98 
 
 i 25 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 ( 25 lbs. nitrate of soda "| 
 
 5 i Oatsandpeas...April20..98]-j^--^d^P^-^^^^^^^^ 
 
 [ 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 I Soybeans Aug. i, •98{ ^^^^^ L^^eTp^^! } Oct x. '98 
 
 f f 150 lbs. acid phosphate ^ 
 
 I Rye Sept. 29, '97 -I 50 lbs. ground bone |-Mayi, '98 
 
 I L 25 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 I f 75 lbs. nitrate of soda "l 
 
 I Millet May i, '^S'{ 150 lbs. acid phosphate fjuly i, '98 
 
 I 75 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 [ Cowpeas July 20, '98 { ^ {^^ St'e^o^ } ^^^'- -' '^ 
 
3S8 SOIL i'ERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Scheme op Soiling Qrovs.— (Continued) 
 
 No. of Crop Time of Amount of ferti- Time of 
 
 acre rotation seeding lizer applied harvesting 
 
 r f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 
 
 Oats and peas. . .April 10, ',, \ '- j^^ ^L^^d bot^^^ [ J"- -■ ''^ 
 
 [ 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 S>y beans July:, '98 { ^^ j^^; -j^^iS^/- } ^^P'" ^- '^^ 
 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 
 
 Barley and peas, Sept. i, '98^ 100 lbs. acid phosphate ^ Nov. i, '98 
 
 L 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda ] 
 Oats and peas- • . April i, -98 ] '~ '^ gt^^ffife^^^ [ June r, .98 
 
 |_ 50 lbs. muriate of pot. I 
 Cowpeas June ,5. '98 { ^^ '^^_ ^S^^f!^. ] ^"S. ^5, '98 
 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda ^ 
 Barley and peas, Aug. 20, '98 < 100 lbs. acid phosphate \ Oct. 20, '98 
 
 [ 50 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 
 Rye and vetch. -Sept. 10, '97 •( 150 lbs. acid phosphate |- May 5, '98 
 
 1_ 75 lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 f 100 lbs. acid phosphate \ 
 
 9 { Corn June I, '98 •( 50 lbs. ground bone } Aug. i, '98 
 
 L 50 lbs. muriate of pot. ) 
 f 25 lbs. nitrate of soda "1 
 Barley and peas. Aug. 15, '98-j 100 lbs. acid phosphate j^Oct. 15, '98 
 [ 15° lbs. muriate of pot. J 
 
 Rape is often used as a soiling crop. It is a vigorous feeder 
 
 and capable of obtaining food more readily than cereal crops. 
 
 Nitrogen in available forms helps this crop in early growth. 
 
 It requires phosphoric acid and abundant supplies of potash. 
 
 Formula for Rape. 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from { S llood°^^ 
 
 Avail, phos. acid, 4-5 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 Poush 4-5 per cent, from { ^^^^ °f V°^^^'^' °^ 
 
 Ensilage. — In the production of corn for ensilage the formation 
 of ears is desirable and the crop should be fertilized somewhat 
 the same as field corn. More nitrogen is needed however for 
 silage than for field corn, because a larger growth of stalk is re- 
 quired. Legumes are often mixed with corn and sorghum in 
 growing crops for ensilage. The legumes require liberal sup- 
 plies of phosphoric acid and potash. 
 
fertilizer formulas for crops 359 
 
 Formula for. Silage Corn. 
 
 450 pounds cotton-seed meal, or ] 
 250 pounds dried blood i 
 
 300 pounds acid phosphate | ^ 
 
 120 pounds muriate of potash j 
 
 Pasturage. — In applying fertilizers to pastures the main object 
 is to produce growth of legumes and grasses. If too much 
 nitrogen is supplied the grasses will crowd out the legumes. It 
 should therefore be better to encourage the growth of the leg- 
 umes as these furnish the richer feed. Mixtures of bone-meal, 
 acid phosphate, muriate of potash and kainit, are excellent for 
 pastures. An occasional dressing of lime is sometimes essen- 
 tial. 
 
 Hay and Grass Crops. — Grass crops do well when supplied with 
 complete fertilizers. Nitrogen is essential for vigorous growth 
 and a little nitrate of soda is very beneficial in helping grass to 
 recover from a severe winter. These crops feed close to the 
 surface and are unable to search and obtain mineral food unless 
 it is supplied. Phosphoric acid and potash help a great deal 
 in increasing the yields. Stable manure, ground bone and 
 muriate potash are very beneficial. 
 
 Formula for Grass Crops. 
 
 f Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen, 5-6 per cent, from { Dried blood, or 
 
 [ Raw bone-meal. 
 
 f Raw bone-meal, or 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-6 per cent, from \ Basic slag, or 
 
 [ Acid phosphate. 
 
 Potash 7-8 per cent, from | Ka°nk''^''"' °'' 
 
 Koots. — Turnips, fodder beets, rutabagas, mangels, carrots, 
 sugar-beets, etc., are grown for feeding live-stock. They as- 
 similate large amounts of plant food and liberal fertilization is 
 necessary for the production of large yields. Fodder beets, 
 carrots and sugar-beets need plenty of nitrogen and phosphoric 
 acid to keep up a rapid and continuous growth. Potash is re- 
 quired on soils deficient in this constituent and especially on 
 light soils. The nitrogen and phosphoric acid should be in readi- 
 ly available forms so as to help in early growth. Mangels are 
 perhaps the largest feeders and seem to be able to secure phos- 
 
360 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 phoric acid from the soil. Turnips cannot secure phosphoric 
 acid as well as mangels and they feed also more from the sur- 
 face soil. The turnip uses a great deal of potash. Nitrogen is 
 necessary for early, rapid, and continuous growth in all root 
 crops. 
 
 Irish and sweet potatoes when grown for stock feed require 
 the same fertilization as when produced for market. Usually 
 these crops are not fed to stock unless the market price is too 
 low to warrant shipping. 
 
 FoRMTOAS FOR Roots. Mangels— 400-800 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 5-6 per cent, from Nitrate of soda 
 
 , ., . -J ■ £ i. f / Dissolved bone-black, or 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-6 per cent, from | ^^j^ phosphate 
 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from Sulphate of potash. 
 
 Turnips (Rutabagas) — 300-800 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 .... , , , r I Nitrate of soda 
 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from | dissolved bone-meal 
 
 f Dissolved bone-meal, or 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-7 per cent, from -| Dissolved bone-black, or 
 
 (^ Acid phosphate. 
 
 T, . . i r ) Wood ashes, or 
 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from [ j^^^j^^^ „f ^^^^^^ 
 
 Fodder Beets and Sugar-Beets — 1,000 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrogen 4 per cent. 
 
 Available phosphoric acid 5 per cent. 
 
 Potash 10 per cent. 
 
 3. Market Garden and Truck Crops. 
 
 Requirements. — These crops require large applications of high 
 grade fertilizers because they are usually forced for an early 
 market. If these crops are late most of the profits are lost. 
 Many of these truck crops are grown on sandy, or light soils, 
 which are naturally deficient in fertility. Market garden crops 
 are often grown near cities on high priced land which necessitates 
 early and large yields to make them pay. An excess of all the 
 constituents should be furnished to be certain that enough plant 
 food is present. Part of the nitrogen in fertilizers for these 
 crops should be as nitrate to give the plants an early start as 
 these crops are often grown in the spring before the nitrate 
 forming organisms are active. 
 
FERTII<IZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 361 
 
 It will rarely ever pay to be too economical in the amount of 
 fertilizer to use. Less than 500 pounds per acre is not usually 
 sufficient and 1,000 to 2,000 pounds are often profitable in crop 
 returns. The following formulas are figured for applications of 
 2,000 pounds and the market gardener or trucker should use his 
 own judgment as to the amount to use. Those plants having 
 equal requirements are grouped together. 
 
 Formulas for Market Garden and Truck Crops. 
 Asparagus and Rhubarb. 
 Requirement — ammonia, 5 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 7 per 
 cent.; potash, 8 per cent. 
 
 700 lbs. cotton-seed meal 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda 
 
 \ 
 
 r 
 
 4.9 % ammonia 
 
 a,,^ iK„ ,,„;j „i,„„„i,„t« -^ a \ "ill yield -j 6.1 % avail, phos. acid 
 800 lbs. acid phosphate, 13 % I -^ ! 8.4 % potash 
 
 300 lbs. muriate of potash 
 2,000 lbs. 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from 
 
 Nitrate of soda and 
 Dried blood 
 [ Dissolved bone-meal 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-7 per cent, from { l^^^/Pj'^^P^"'^ """^ 
 
 » „ „„_ „„_.. *_„_, \ Wood ashes, or 
 7-9 per cent, from ^ ^^^^:^^ 
 
 Nitrate of soda and 
 Dried blood, or 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Potash 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric acid 
 Potash 
 
 4 per cent, from \ 
 
 8 per cent, from 
 
 \ Tankage 
 10 per cent, from Muriate of potash 
 
 1 
 
 400-800 
 lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
 r Superphosphate and 
 { Ground bone, or 
 
 1,000-1,500 
 lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
 J 
 
 Beans and Peas. 
 Requirement — ammonia, 3 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 7 per 
 cent. ; potash, 7 per cent. 
 
 100 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 f j ammonia 
 
 450 bs. cotton-seed meal jjj ; ,^ . ^ ^ ^ ^j j^ j^ 
 
 1,200 lbs. acid phosphate, \i Jc \ ■' \ t '- .1^ 
 
 250 lbs. muriate of poiash J 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen 1-2 per cent, from 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-9 per cent, from 
 
 Potash 
 
 I 6.9 % potash. 
 
 7-9 per cent, from 
 
 ' Nitrate of soda, or 
 ' Sulph. of ammo, and 
 
 Dried blood 
 
 Superphosphate 
 f Wood ashes, or 
 i Muriate of potash, or 
 [ Kainit 
 
 400-800 
 lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
362 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Beans and peas are leguminous crops and can secure nitrogen 
 from the air. Nitrogen should be added to allow of a long har- 
 vesting period and to produce quick and steady growth. 
 
 Beets and Lettuce. 
 Requirement— ammonia, 6 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 5 per 
 cent. ; potash, 8 per cent. 
 
 300 lbs. nitrate of soda I { ^ n 
 
 SCO lbs. cotton-seed meal .,, ■ ,. J ^-^^^ ''"'TT -A 
 
 600 lbs. acid phosphate, ,3 % [ "^" ^'^^^ \ 1? ^^ ^:;f' " P'^"^" ^'^"^ 
 
 300 lbs. muriate of potash J 
 
 8.5 % potash. 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda 
 800 lbs. fish scrap 
 700 lbs. acid phosphate, 11 
 300 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 7o\ 
 J 
 
 will yield 
 
 I 5.9 % ammonia 
 
 \ 5.4 % avail, phos. acid 
 
 I 7.8 Jo potash. 
 
 Lettuce. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 
 Potash 
 
 5-6 per cent, from 
 
 f Three forms 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 I 900-1,500 
 \ lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
 Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Sulph. of ammo, and 
 
 Organic nitrogen 
 
 5-6 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 
 o ^ r _ / Wood ashes, or 
 
 8-10 per cent, from | ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ j 
 
 Cabbasre, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Melojis and Brussel Sprouts 
 Requirement — ammonia, 6 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 5 
 cent.; potash, 7 per cent. 
 
 •;oo lbs. nitrate of soda 1 { c a 
 
 750 lbs. cotton-seed meal I ■„ ■ ,^ I ^S ^^ ^"TT -a 
 
 '•' - )■ will yield < 4.8 % avail, phos. acid 
 
 ' \ 7.1 Jc potash 
 
 per 
 
 700 lbs. acid phosphate, 11 fo 
 250 lbs. muriate of potash J 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Avail, phos. 
 Potash 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Avail, phos. 
 Potash 
 
 acid 
 
 acid 
 
 Cabbage and Cauliflower. 
 
 f Three forms 
 4-6 per cent, from \ Nitrate, ammonia and 
 
 (^ Organic 
 5-7 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 4 f _, f Wood ashes, or 
 7-9 per cent, from | Muriate of potash. 
 
 Cucumbej s. 
 
 f Three forms \ 
 
 4.5-5 per cent, from { Nitrate, ammonia and 
 
 [ Organic 
 
 5-6 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 
 , o , r f Wood ashes, or , 
 
 6-8 per cent, from [ ^^^.^^^ ^^ ^^^,^^^ J 
 
 800-2,000 
 • lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
 I 1,000-1,500 
 \ lbs. per 
 I acre. 
 
FERTllvIZER FOKMUIvAS FOR CROPS 
 
 363 
 
 Melons. 
 
 c 4 r I Nitrate of soda 
 
 5-6 percent. irom^^.^^^^^^^^^^^^_^^^^ SOO-1,500 
 
 \ Dissolved bone-meal, or lbs. per 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-6 per cent. from-{ Dissolved bone-black, or }• acre. 
 
 [ Acid phosphate 
 
 - „ „„, „»„+ f_«„ / Wood ashes, or I 
 
 7-9 per cent, from | j^^^j^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ j 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Potash 
 
 Celery. 
 Requirement — ammonia, 7 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 5 per 
 
 cent. ; potash, 8 per cent. 
 
 300 lbs. nitrate of soda "I f 
 
 800 lbs. fish scrap ! .,, • ,0 I 
 
 600 lbs. acid phosphate, 13 fo ( ^'"^ ^''^"^ 1 
 
 300 lbs. Muriate of potash J [ 
 
 6.9 fo ammonia 
 
 5.5 % avail, phos. acid 
 
 7.5 % potash. 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 1 
 
 250 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 1 ,■, ■ 
 
 6S0 lbs. dried blood .,, . , , J 7-2 % ammonia 
 
 850 lbs. acid phosphate, 13 % -'" y^'^ 5- % ^^a, • Phos. acid 
 300 lbs. muriate of potash J [ 7-5 Z" potash. 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 f Three forms "| 
 
 Nitrogen 5-6 per cent, from { Nitrate, ammonia and I 
 
 \ Organic 1 '•°°°',}, 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-6 per cent, from Superphosphate [ ''5°° '"s. 
 
 Potash • S-io per cent, from [ Wood ^shes, or P^"" "-• 
 
 ^ \ Munate of potash. J 
 
 .fil?"^ Plant and Tomatoes. 
 
 Requirement — ammonia, 5 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 6 per 
 cent. ; potash, 7 per cent. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda "j 
 
 700 lbs. cotton-seed meal I .,, - , , 
 
 840 lbs. acid phosphate, 13 % | ^'^' ^'^"^ 
 
 260 lbs. muriate of potash j 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 r 
 
 4.9 ^ ammonia 
 
 5.3 '/n avail, phos. acid 
 
 7.4 ^ potash. 
 
 Totnatoes. 
 
 Nitrogen 4-6 per cent, from { SVood°'' 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-4 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 
 c o „=, „„„f ( ^ f Wood ashes, or 
 
 6-8 per cent, from | ^^^.^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ 
 
 Potash 
 
 1 
 
 I 500-1,000 
 
 |- lbs. per 
 
 I acre. 
 
364 SOIL I-ERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Late Tomatoes. 
 
 400 lbs. nitrate of soda 1 
 
 700 lbs. bone tankage I 1,000 lbs. per acre 
 
 400 lbs. acid phosphate f on average soil. 
 
 500 lbs. muriate of potash J 
 
 500 lbs. nitrate of soda | 
 
 500 lbs. bone tankage i 1,000 lbs. per acre 
 
 400 lbs. acid phosphate f on poor soil. 
 
 600 lbs. muriate of potash J 
 
 Onions^ Onion Sets and Scullions. 
 
 Requirement — Ammonia, 5 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 5 per 
 
 cent. ; potash, 8 per cent. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda \ f a ■ 
 
 750 lbs. cotton-seed meal [ ... -,1 5- 1 % ammonia 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 Nitrogen 5-6 per cent, from Nitrate of soda ] 
 
 ».,„;i „, ^ „ -J ,£ „„, „„„^ t ^ ' Dissolved bone-black Qoo-1,800 
 
 Avail, pnos. acid 5-0 per cent, from s « j ■. •_ ^ ft, 
 
 ^ J ±- ^ Acid phosphate [ lbs. per 
 
 8.10 per cent, from { JJ[°,t -„^--„°U J -«• 
 
 Onion Sets and Scullions. 
 
 Nitrogen 5 per cent, from Organic sources "j .. 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5 per cent, from Bone or tankage ' ''°°° "^• 
 
 s 1 
 
 -e I '-^ 
 
 ;sh i P^' 
 
 Potash 10 per cent, from Muriate of potash j P^*^ acre. 
 
 A top dressing of 75 to 100 pounds of nitrate of soda, or 60 
 to 75 pounds of sulphate of ammonia is recommended to sup- 
 plement this last formula after the plants have started growth. 
 
 Pumpkins and Squashes. 
 Nitrogen 5-6 per cent, from { ^rf^^^^^n^odT ^"' \ 
 
 Avail, phos. add 5-6 per cent, from { |^,^";P,^4^P'""'^ [ fbTper°° 
 
 7-9 per cent, from { Etl1f"po°tIsh j '"'' 
 
 Radishes and Turnips. 
 
 Requirement — ammonia, 5 per cent.; available phosphoric acid.; 7 per 
 cent.; potash, 8 per cent. 
 
 250 lbs. nitrate of soda ") { c a 
 
 550 lbs. cotton-seed meal I .,, . , , 4-6 % ammonia 
 
 i^ lbs. acid phosphate, .3 % """ ^'^^^ ^^ ^" avail, phos. acid 
 
 5oolbs. muriate of potash J [ ^.j % potash. 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 365 
 
 Requirement — ammonia, 5 
 cent.; potash, 6 per cent. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda 
 650 lbs. fish scrap 
 950 lbs. acid phosphate, 14 
 230 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 Spinach. 
 per cent.; available phosphoric acid, 8 per 
 
 1 
 
 \ will yield 
 
 ] 
 
 5.2 % ammonia 
 7.7 % avail, phos. acid 
 potash. 
 
 1 6.0 
 
 I 
 
 2,oco lbs. 
 300 lbs. nitrate of soda 
 500 lbs. cotton-seed meal 
 
 1,000 lbs. acid phosphate, 14 fo 
 200 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 2,000 lbs. 
 
 r 
 
 •f vvill yield ^ 
 J [ 
 
 5.0 yo ammonia 
 
 7.6 % avail, phos. acid 
 
 5.6 % potash. 
 
 Applications of either of these formulas at the rate of 1,000 
 pounds per acre should be sufficient on average soils. 
 
 Strawberries — Florida. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda 
 
 300 lbs. dried blood 
 
 450 lbs. dissolved bone }■ per acre. 
 
 350 lbs. acid phosphate 
 
 600 lbs. sulphate of potash 
 
 The nitrate of soda should be applied when new growth starts 
 in the spring and the remainder after harvest. 
 
 Strawberries — General Fortnula. 
 
 100 lbs. dried blood, or equivalents 
 in nitrate of soda, or sulphate 
 of ammonia 
 
 100 lbs. ground bone 
 
 100 lbs. acid phosphate 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 500-Soo lbs. 
 per acre. 
 
 An addition of 100 pounds of nitrate of soda just before or 
 after the plants have blossomed is recommended. 
 
 Sweet Corn. 
 
 ( Nitrate of soda 
 .... 1 e I Cotton-seed meal, or 
 
 Nitrogen 4 per cent f rom ^ Dried blood, or ' 
 
 !_ Tankage 
 Avail, phos. acid 8 per cent, from Superphosphate 
 Potash 10 per cent, from Muriate of potash 
 
 500-1,000 
 lbs. per 
 acre. 
 
 Farm manure may be used and it should be supplemented with 
 phosphoric acid, potash, and available nitrogen. 
 
366 SOIL FERTILITY AXD FERTILIZERS 
 
 4. Fruits. 
 
 In fertilizing fruits the main object is to produce enough 
 growth of wood to make a strong vigorous tree or bush that will 
 give profitable yields of fruit. As fruits often remain on the 
 same land for years they exhaust the soil of fertility, which 
 makes it necessary to furnish large quantities of plant food at 
 the proper time to insure good yields. This may be well il- 
 lustrated by an experiment conducted at the New Jersey Ex- 
 periment Station with peaches. The soil was in good mechani- 
 cal condition; of average fertility, and suitable for peach grow- 
 ing. 
 
 Amount of Fertilizer Applied Per Acre Annually. 
 
 Pounds 
 
 Nitrate of soda 150 
 
 Dissolved bone-black 350 
 
 Muriate of potash 150 
 
 Amount of barnyard manure applied per acre annually . . 20 tons 
 I. The Yield Without Manure. 
 
 Baskets 
 per acre 
 
 1S84-1S91, inclusive, 8 years, average per year 65.7 
 
 1S84-1895, inclusive, 10 years, average per year 60.3 
 
 18S7-1S91, inclusive, (5 crop years) average per year 105.0 
 
 1887-1893, inclusive, (7 crop years) average per year 86. 2 
 
 2. The Yield With Complete Chemical Fertilizer. 
 
 1S84-1891, inclusive, S years, average per year 164.2 
 
 18S4-1S93, inclusive, 10 years, average per j'ear 1S3.4 
 
 1887-1891, inclusive, (5 crop years) average per year 262.8 
 
 1887-1893, inclusive, (7 crop years) average per year 262.0 
 
 3. The Yield With Barnyard Manure. 
 
 1884-1891, inclusive, 8 years, average per year i69-5 
 
 1884-1893, inclusive, 10 years, average per year 194.7 
 
 1887-1891, inclusive, (5 crop years) average per year 271.3 
 
 1887-1893, inclusive, (7 crop years) average per year 276.8 
 
 4. The Relative Yield in An Unfavorable Season. 
 
 1S89, unmanured 10.9 
 
 1SS9, fertilized 152.5 
 
 1889, manured 162.5 
 
 These results show that the yields were much larger when the 
 trees were fertilized. The effect of the fertilizer and the barn- 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 ■367 
 
 yard manure were practically the same, showing that both are 
 satisfactory for fertilizing peaches. 
 
 In many orchards cover crops of rye, oats, clover, or other 
 legumes are sown in the mid-summer which absorb the moisture 
 and assimilate the available plant food in the soil causing the 
 growth of the tree to cease and the buds to mature. Early in 
 the spring cover crops should be plowed under to add plant food 
 to the soil and to enable the trees to utilize it early enough so as 
 not to interfere with the forming of fruit. 
 
 As fruits are slow in growing the nitrogen may be supplied 
 chiefly from organic sources. Nitrate of soda or sulphate of 
 ammonia are sometimes necessary to help the trees in the spring 
 or at such times in the early summer when they lack vigor which 
 is indicated to some extent by the yellow color of the leaves. 
 Organic nitrogen applied from artificial fertilizing (materials 
 or from green manures should be applied or turned under in the 
 early spring so that the nitrogen will decompose and be utilized, 
 so as not to prolong growth and interfere with the formation 
 of fruit. Young trees and bushes require more nitrogen than 
 those that are mature or bearing. When legumes are plowed 
 under the fertilizer may consist of phosphoric acid and potash, as 
 sufficient nitrogen should be supplied by the green manure. 
 
 Steglich found that in every 100 parts of dry matter the fol- 
 lowing fertilizer constituents were required in pomaceous and 
 stone fruits. 
 
 For Pomaceous Fruits (Apples, Pears, Etc.). 
 
 Nitrog^en 
 
 Phosphoric 
 acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Roots 
 
 Trunk and branches- 
 Twigs (fruit bearing) 
 
 Leaves 
 
 Fruit 
 
 0-349 
 0-597 
 0.S92 
 0.719 
 0.410 
 
 o. loi 
 o 126 
 
 0.232 
 0.214 
 0.088 
 
 0.234 
 
 0-3I3 
 0.526 
 1. 194 
 1. 061 
 
368 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 For Stone Fruits (Peaches, Plums, Etc.). 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Phosphoric 
 acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 Roots 
 
 Trunk and branches. 
 Twigs (fruit bearing) 
 
 Leaves 
 
 Fruit 
 
 0.370 
 0.307 
 1.022 
 1.725 
 0-379 
 
 0.1 15 
 0.081 
 0.296 
 0-336 
 0.246 
 
 0.206 
 
 0.193 
 0.463 
 
 2.579 
 0.903 
 
 Trees ten inches in circumference require annually for their 
 growth the following amounts of the essential elements. 
 
 Nitrogen in 
 ounces 
 
 Phosphoric 
 acid in ounces 
 
 Potash in 
 ounces 
 
 Pomaceous fruits 
 Stone fruits 
 
 2.0 
 2.0 
 
 0.4 
 0.4 
 
 2.0 
 2.6 
 
 Stone fruits often are benefited by additions of lime. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Potash 
 
 400-700 
 lbs. per 
 acre 
 
 Formulas for Fruit Trees. 
 
 ^ c \ Nitrate of soda and 
 1.5-2 per cent, from j g^^^.^^^i 
 
 , Dissolved bone-black, or 
 Avail, phos. acid 7-9 per cent, from ^ Dissolved bone-meal, or 
 
 I Acid phosphate 
 r Wood ashes, or 
 10-12 per cent, from \ Kainit, or 
 
 [ Muriate of potash 
 
 For Apples and Pears, 10 Years Old. 
 
 250-500 lbs. bone-meal 1 
 
 50-150 lbs. nitrate of soda f- per acre. 
 
 100-300 lbs. sulphate of potash j 
 
 400-600 lbs. ground rock phosphate ] 
 
 100-300 lbs. nitrate of soda ^ per acre. 
 
 100-300 lbs. sulphate of potash j 
 
 Apples, Pears, Plums and Peaches. 
 
 100 lbs. bone-meal ] 400 lbs. per acre 
 
 100 lbs. acid phosphate of either formula 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash [ for young trees. 
 
 150 lbs. bone-meal 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 1,000-1,500 lbs. for 
 bearing trees. 
 
 These last two formulas are recommended for fruit crops on 
 average soils, but on light soils additions of more available nitro- 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 369 
 
 gen, phosphoric acid, and potdsh will be necessary. The first of 
 these formulas is preferable on poor soils. 
 
 Cherries and Apticots. 
 
 150 lbs. bone-meal ] 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash !■ medium applicatiou. 
 
 Lime when needed J 
 
 Peaches, Georgia. 
 
 150 lbs. cotton-seed meal 1 ,,„ii,„ „_ „^ „ 
 
 - iu 1 1. i r » 1. 350 lbs. or more 
 
 50 lbs. sulphate of potash I- ^^ 
 
 50 lbs. acid phosphate J ^^^ ^'^'^^■ 
 
 Peaches, Florida. 
 
 1-5 lbs. cotton-seed meal 
 4-10 lbs. acid phosphate 
 3-6 lbs. sulphate of potash 
 
 to each tree. 
 
 For pears, 1,000 pounds of this last formula per acre, fol- 
 lowed by 100 to 200 pounds of nitrate of soda when needed, 
 is recommended for Florida conditions. 
 
 The citrous fruits respond quickly to fertilizers especially in 
 Florida where much of the soil is very sandy. Potash in the 
 form of chloride is unsuitable and organic sources of this con- 
 stituent are also unsatisfactory. The fertilizers for citrous fruits 
 are applied in two or three applications. Cover crops are often 
 grown to conserve moisture and to furnish plant food. Dried 
 blood is occasionally employed. 
 
 Oranges, Lemons, Kumguats and Loquats — Florida. 
 
 Ammonium sulphate, 200 lbs. 1 ( 
 
 Nitrate of soda, 150 lbs. j : 1 j„ ! Nitrogen 4 % 
 
 Dissolved bone-black, or 500 lbs. \ „,„^;_ Jl„i ■! Avail, phos. acid 6 % 
 
 Acid phosphate 640 lbs. | Proximately , -p^^^^ j^ % 
 
 Sulphate of potash 360 lbs. J I 
 
 This should be applied per acre, or 20 pounds to a tree. It 
 may be applied in three dressings ; 1/4 in June, 1/4 in October 
 and 1/2 in February. 
 
 Oranges and Lemons. 
 
 ..,.^ . ^ c \ Nitrate of soda, or 
 
 Nitrogen 4-6 per cent, from | Sulphate of ammonia 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-8 per cent, from j SX^^Tj" ''=''■ °^ 
 Potash 8-10 per cent, from Sulphate of potash 
 
370 soil, FEUTIIvITY AND FERTIUZERS 
 
 C)apc Fruit. 
 lo lbs. nitrate of soda "j 
 
 4 lbs. acid phosphate ^ per bearing tree, 
 
 lo lbs. sulphate of potash J 
 
 Bush Fruits, — Potash is the most important fertihzer constit- 
 uent for bush fruits. The same principles of fertihzation apply 
 to this class as to pomaceous, stone and citrous fruits. 
 
 Raspberries, Blackberries, Gooseberries, Currants, Huckleberries 
 and Barben-ics. 
 ICO lbs. muriate of potash 
 
 loo lbs. nitrate of soda per acre. 
 
 150 lbs. acid phosphate J 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash 1 
 
 125 lbs. dried blood ' 
 
 250 lbs. ground rock phosphate, or f '^ 
 150 lbs. basic slag j 
 
 Blackberries— ^oo-Soo Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 -.,.,. . c ( Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen 2-3 per cent, from { j^^^ bone-meal 
 
 . ., , -J i 1 r f Dissolved bone-black, or 
 
 Avail, phos. acd 5-6 per cent, from { ^^^ bone-meal 
 
 _ , , 1 r f Wood ashes, or 
 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from | jr_;_;t 
 
 Raspben ies— 500-1,000 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 -,.. 1 r „ f Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen 2.5-3 per cent, from { ^^^ bone-meal 
 
 [ Dissolved bone-black, or 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-7 per cent, from >. Dissolved bone-meal, or 
 
 (^ Acid phosphate. 
 
 Potash 8-.0 per cent, from { St^'^"' "^ 
 
 Grape, because of the large yields, is an exhaustive crop and 
 requires liberal fertilization. Potash and phosphoric acid are 
 especially required. 
 
 Grapes — 500-joo Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 -... 1. r „ f Nitrate of soda and 
 
 Nitrogen 1.5-2 per cent, from { ^^^ bone-meal 
 
 f Dissolved bone-black, or 
 , ., , ., 1 f „ I Dissolved bone-meal, or 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 7-9 per cent, from ^ ^^^ bone-meal, or 
 
 (^ Acid phosphate 
 ( Wood ashes, or 
 Potash 10-12 per cent, from \ Muriate of potash, or 
 
 [-- • ■ 
 
 Kainit 
 1,000-2,000 lbs. 
 
 100 lbs. bone-meal 
 
 100 lbs. acid phosphate ^^^^ 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash J ^ 
 
 150 lbs. bone-meal j 1,000-2,000 lbs 
 
 100 lbs. muriate of potash I per acre. 
 
FERTmZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 37 1 
 
 On light soils a dressing of 200 pounds of nitrate of soda is 
 often desirable in the spring in addition to these last two 
 formulas. 
 
 Miscellaneous Fruits. — Other fruits which are grown in some 
 sections require special fertihzation and a few formulas are given 
 for reference. 
 
 Pineapples— 2,000-3,000 Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 ■-T. . c f Dried blood, or 
 
 Nitrogen 3 per cent, from { cotton-seed meal 
 
 { Ground bone, or 
 Phos. acid 7 per cent, from \ Basic slag, or 
 
 [ Dissolved bone-black 
 Potash 7 par cent, from Sulphate of potash 
 
 Apply in two dressings; one in February and the other in 
 
 July. 
 
 "I Cotton-seed meal, or ' 
 Nitrogen 5 per cent, from \ Dried blood, or 3,500-4,000 
 
 J. Castor pomace \ lbs. per 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 4 per cent, from Superphosphate acre 
 
 Potash 10 per cent, from Sulphate of potash 
 
 This last formula should be applied in three or four dressings. 
 When acid phosphate is used, lime at the rate of 750 pounds 
 per acre is necessary every two years, because acid phosphate has 
 an injurious effect on pineapples which lime corrects. 
 
 The banana plant requires a rich soil and some chlorine for 
 best development. Potash seems to be beneficial and 300 pounds 
 more than is included in the formula is sometimes helpful. The 
 potash should be supplied as chloride. 
 
 Banana Formulas. 
 
 200 lbs. nitrate of soda i 
 
 200 lbs. dried blood I per acre in two 
 
 500 lbs. acid phosphate [ applications 
 
 400 lbs. muriate of potash j 
 
 „.. . , f Nitrate of soda 1 
 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from { Cotton-seed meal ^^ g^ ^^^ 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 6-8 per cent, from { ^u jlft'os^hat'e °' P^"" «"^- '" 
 Potash 7-9 per cent, from Kainit ) 
 
 Japanese Persimmons. 
 
 5 lbs. to a tree. 
 
 Nitrogen 3 per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric acid 6 percent. 
 Potash 10 per cent. 
 
 25 
 
372 
 
 SOIL FERTIUTY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Most any of the fertilizer materials are acceptable for this 
 fruit. The nitrogen may be supplied from some leguminous 
 green manure. 
 
 Olives— 500-joo Pounds Per Acre. 
 
 Nitrate of soda, or 
 
 ' ammonia 
 
 500-700 
 
 Nitrogen 4-5 per cent, from { f^^^^^^, 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 5-7 per cent, from { ^^^j^^^^J"-^^^^^^ fbt^er 
 
 Potash 7-8 per cent, from {^^';;f^'«=°fP°*^^^'°^ 1^"^' 
 
 Figs, Avocada Pear and Guava. — There is not much known 
 about the requirements of these fruits but the following general 
 formula is recommended. 
 
 300 lbs. nitrate of soda. 
 500 lbs. acid phosphate. 
 200 lbs. sulphate of potash. 
 
 Figs in addition to the above fertilizer requires a dressing of 
 lime when the soil is deficient in this constituent. For guava, 
 600-1,000 pounds per acre of this formula are recommended. 
 
 Nuts. — Pecans do well on formulas furnishing : 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 Avail, phos. acid 
 
 Potash 
 
 6 per cent, from 
 
 Cotton-seed meal, or 
 Dried blood, or 
 Tankage and 
 . Nitrate of soda 
 f Acid phosphate, or 
 3 per cent, from \ ^^""^"^ rock phosphate, or 
 ^ '^ I Bone-meal, or 
 
 L Basic slag. 
 f Wood ashes, or 
 3 per cent, from \ Muriate of potash, or 
 [ Kainit. 
 
 Most of the nitrogen can be furnished from organic sources 
 with occasional applications of nitrate of soda or sulphate of 
 ammonia when growth is needed in early spring. Black wal- 
 nuts, chestnuts and other nuts may be fertilized similarly to 
 pecans. 
 
 Cocoanuts. — This tree visually grows near the seashore, and 
 seaweed may often be profitably utilized as a source of fertilizer. 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 373 
 
 Table Showing the Number of Pounds of a Fertilizer Required 
 TO Furnish One Pound of Any Element When the Per- 
 centage OF That Element Present in the 
 Fertilizer is Known.** 
 
 li. 
 
 i 
 
 V 
 
 OJ 
 
 a.- 
 
 i 
 
 Of 
 
 i 
 
 es H 
 
 "■S 
 
 S = 
 
 ^■s 
 
 CO « 
 
 «,% 
 
 m ;- 
 
 ^■s 
 
 
 •c S 
 
 
 ■c E 
 
 T, w 
 
 -o Z 
 
 
 ■O u 
 
 11 
 
 S3 
 off 
 
 So. 
 
 1 = 
 ^ 
 
 ii 
 
 U 
 
 u 
 
 n 
 
 ^ 
 
 m 
 
 (M 
 
 ft. 
 
 CLi 
 
 h 
 
 \\ °< 
 
 B. 
 
 O.I 
 
 1,000.00 
 
 4-4 
 
 ■ 22.73 
 
 8-7 
 
 11.49 
 
 13-0 
 
 7.692 
 
 0.2 
 
 500.00 
 
 4-5 
 
 22.22 
 
 8.8 
 
 11.36 
 
 '3-1 
 
 7-634 
 
 0-3 
 
 333-33 
 
 4.6 
 
 21.74 
 
 8-9 
 
 11.24 
 
 13.2 
 
 7-576 
 
 0.4 
 
 250.00 
 
 4-7 
 
 21.28 
 
 9-0 
 
 11. II 
 
 '3-3 
 
 7-512 
 
 0.5 
 
 200.00 
 
 4.8 
 
 20.83 
 
 9-1 
 
 10.99 
 
 13-4 
 
 7463 
 
 0.6 
 
 166.67 
 
 4-9 
 
 20.41 
 
 9-2 
 
 10.87 
 
 13-5 
 
 7.407 
 
 0.7 
 
 142.86 
 
 5-0 
 
 20.00 
 
 9-3 
 
 10.75 
 
 13.6 
 
 7-353 
 
 0.8 
 
 125.00 
 
 5-1 
 
 19.61 
 
 9-4 
 
 10.64 
 
 13-7 
 
 7-299 
 
 0.9 
 
 III. II 
 
 5-2 
 
 19-23 
 
 H 
 
 10.53 
 
 13-8 
 
 7.246 
 
 I.O 
 
 100.00 
 
 5-3 
 
 18.87 
 
 9-6 
 
 10.42 
 
 13-9 
 
 7- '94 
 
 1. 1 
 
 90.91 
 
 5-4 
 
 18.52 
 
 9-7 
 
 10.31 
 
 14.0 
 
 7-143 
 
 1.2 
 
 83-33 
 
 5-5 
 
 18.18 
 
 9.8 
 
 10.20 
 
 14. 1 
 
 7.092 
 
 1-3 
 
 76.92 
 
 5-6 
 
 17.86 
 
 9-9 
 
 iO.lO 
 
 14.2 
 
 7.042 
 
 1.4 
 
 71-43 
 
 5-7 
 
 17-54 
 
 lO.O 
 
 10.00 
 
 14-3 
 
 6-993 
 
 1-5 
 
 66.63 
 
 5-8 
 
 17.24 
 
 10. 1 
 
 9.901 
 
 14-4 
 
 6.944 
 
 1.6 
 
 62.50 
 
 5-9 
 
 16.95 
 
 10.2 
 
 9.804 
 
 14-5 
 
 6.897 
 
 1.7 
 
 58.82 
 
 6.0 
 
 16.67 
 
 10.3 
 
 9.709 
 
 14.6 
 
 6.849 
 
 1.8 
 
 55-56 
 
 6.1 
 
 16.. ^9 
 
 10.4 
 
 9-615 
 
 14.7 
 
 6.803 
 
 1-9 
 
 52-63 
 
 6.2 
 
 16.13 
 
 10.5 
 
 9524 
 
 14.8 
 
 6.757 
 
 2.0 
 
 50.00 
 
 6.3 
 
 15-87 
 
 10.6 
 
 9-434 
 
 14.9 
 
 6.711 
 
 2.1 
 
 47-62 
 
 6.4 
 
 15-63 
 
 10.7 
 
 9-346 
 
 15-0 
 
 6.667 
 
 2.2 
 
 45-45 
 
 6.5 
 
 15-38 
 
 10.8 
 
 9259 
 
 15- 1 
 
 6.623 
 
 2.3 
 
 43-48 
 
 6.6 
 
 1515 
 
 10.9 
 
 9-174 
 
 152 
 
 6-579 
 
 2.4 
 
 41.67 
 
 6-7 
 
 14-93 
 
 II. 
 
 9.091 
 
 15-3 
 
 6.536 
 
 2-5 
 
 40.00 
 
 6.8 
 
 14.71 
 
 11. 1 
 
 9.009 
 
 15-4 
 
 6.494 
 
 2.6 
 
 38.46 
 
 6.9 
 
 14-49 
 
 II. 2 
 
 8.929 
 
 iS-5 
 
 6.452 
 
 2.7 
 
 37-04 
 
 7-0 
 
 14.29 
 
 11-3 
 
 8.850 
 
 15.6 
 
 6.410 
 
 2.8 
 
 35-71 
 
 7-1 
 
 14.08 
 
 11.4 
 
 8.772 
 
 15-7 
 
 6.369 
 
 2.9 
 
 34-48 
 
 7-2 
 
 13-89 
 
 II-5 
 
 8.696 
 
 15-8 
 
 6.329 
 
 3-0 
 
 33-33 
 
 7-3 
 
 13-70 
 
 ir.6 
 
 8.621 
 
 15-9 
 
 6.289 
 
 3-1 
 
 32-26 
 
 7-4 
 
 13-51 
 
 11.7 
 
 8.547 
 
 16.0 
 
 6.250 
 
 3-2 
 
 31-25 
 
 7-5 
 
 13-33 
 
 II. 8 
 
 8.475 
 
 16. 1 
 
 6.211 
 
 3-3 
 
 3°-30 
 
 7-6 
 
 13.16 
 
 11.9 
 
 8.403 
 
 16.2 
 
 6.173 
 
 34 
 
 29.41 
 
 7-7 
 
 12.99 
 
 12.0 
 
 8-333 
 
 16.3 
 
 6.135 
 
 3-5 
 
 28.57 
 
 7-8 
 
 12.82 
 
 12.1 
 
 8.264 
 
 16.4 
 
 
 3-6 
 
 27-78 
 
 7-9 
 
 12.66 
 
 12.2 
 
 8.197 
 
 16.5 
 
 6^061 
 
 3-7 
 
 27-03 
 
 8.0 
 
 12.50 
 
 12-3 
 
 8.130 
 
 16.6 
 
 6.024 
 
 3-8 
 
 26.32 
 
 8.1 
 
 12-35 
 
 12.4 
 
 8.065 
 
 16.7 
 
 5.988 
 
 3-9 
 
 25.64 
 
 8.2 
 
 12.20 
 
 12.5 
 
 8.000 
 
 16.8 
 
 5-952 
 
 4.0 
 
 25.00 
 
 8.3 
 
 12.05 
 
 12.6 
 
 7-937 
 
 16.9 
 
 5-9'7 
 
 4.1 
 
 24-.39 
 
 8.4 
 
 11.90 
 
 12.7 
 
 7.874 
 
 17.0 
 
 5-882 
 
 4.2 
 
 23-81 
 
 8-5 
 
 11.76 
 
 12.8 
 
 7-813 
 
 17.1 
 
 5-848 
 
 4-3 
 
 23.26 
 
 8.6 
 
 11.63 
 
 12.9 
 
 7-752 
 
 17.2 
 
 5-814 
 
374 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Table. — ( Continued) 
 
 V 
 
 i. 
 
 V 
 
 V 
 
 &- 
 
 k 
 
 S- 
 
 i 
 
 Is 
 
 «1 
 
 
 -g'S 
 
 CO - 
 
 1" 
 
 ^1 
 
 3" 
 
 •g'S 
 
 
 =■ 
 
 u 
 
 °' 
 
 So. 
 
 n 
 
 So- 
 
 n 
 
 fi. 
 
 »< 
 
 h 
 
 a, 
 
 (L, 
 
 a< 
 
 0. 
 
 Ci. 
 
 17.3 
 
 5-780 
 
 22.0 
 
 4-545 
 
 26.7 
 
 3-745 
 
 31-4 
 
 3-185 
 
 17.4 
 
 5-747 
 
 22.1 
 
 4-525 
 
 26.8 
 
 3-731 
 
 31 5 
 
 3-175 
 
 17-5 
 
 5.7>4 
 
 22.2 
 
 4505 
 
 26.9 
 
 3-717 
 
 31-6 
 
 3-165 
 
 17.6 
 
 5.682 
 
 22.3 
 
 4.484 
 
 27.0 
 
 3-704 
 
 31-7 
 
 3 155 
 
 17.7 
 
 5-650 
 
 22.4 
 
 4.464 
 
 27.1 
 
 3.690 
 
 31-8 
 
 3-145 
 
 17.8 
 
 5.618 
 
 22.5 
 
 4.444 
 
 27.2 
 
 3.676 
 
 319 
 
 2-I3S 
 
 17.9 
 
 5-587 
 
 22.6 
 
 4-425 
 
 27-3 
 
 3-663 
 
 32.0 
 
 3-125 
 
 18.0 
 
 5-556 
 
 22.7 
 
 4405 
 
 27-4 
 
 3650 
 
 32.1 
 
 3-115 
 
 18. 1 
 
 5-525 
 
 22.8 
 
 4.386 
 
 27.5 
 
 3-636 
 
 32.2 
 
 3.106 
 
 18.2 
 
 5-495 
 
 22.9 
 
 4-367 
 
 27.6 
 
 3623 
 
 32.3 
 
 3.096 
 
 18-3 
 
 5-464 
 
 23.0 
 
 4-348 
 
 27.7 
 
 3.610 
 
 32.4 
 
 3.086 
 
 18.4 
 
 5-435 
 
 23-1 
 
 4329 
 
 27.8 
 
 3-597 
 
 325 
 
 3-077 
 
 18.5 
 
 5-405 
 
 23.2 
 
 4.310 
 
 27.9 
 
 3-584 
 
 32-6 
 
 3.067 
 
 18.6 
 
 5-376 
 
 23-3 
 
 4-292 
 
 28.0 
 
 3-571 
 
 32.7 
 
 3-058 
 
 18.7 
 
 5-348 
 
 23-4 
 
 4-274 
 
 28.1 
 
 3-559 
 
 32.8 
 
 3049 
 
 18.8 
 
 5-319 
 
 23-5 
 
 4.255 
 
 28.2 
 
 3-546 
 
 32.9 
 
 3.040 
 
 18.9 
 
 5-291 
 
 23-6 
 
 4-237 
 
 28.3 
 
 3-534 
 
 330 
 
 3-030 
 
 19 
 
 5-263 
 
 23.7 
 
 4.219 
 
 28.4 
 
 3-521 
 
 33-1 
 
 3.021 
 
 19.1 
 
 5-236 
 
 23.8 
 
 4.202 
 
 28.5 
 
 3-509 
 
 33-2 
 
 3.012 
 
 X9.2 
 
 5-208 
 
 23-9 
 
 4.184 
 
 28.6 
 
 3-497 
 
 33-3 
 
 3-003 
 
 i9 3 
 
 5-i8i 
 
 24.0 
 
 4.167 
 
 28.7 
 
 3-484 
 
 33-4 
 
 2-994 
 
 19.4 
 
 5-155 
 
 24.1 
 
 4.149 
 
 28.8 
 
 3-472 
 
 33-5 
 
 2.985 
 
 19-5 
 
 5-128 
 
 24.2 
 
 4.132 
 
 28.9 
 
 3-460 
 
 33-6 
 
 2.976 
 
 19.6 
 
 5- 102 
 
 24.3 
 
 4-115 
 
 29.0 
 
 3448 
 
 33-7 
 
 2.967 
 
 19.7 
 
 5.076 
 
 24.4 
 
 4.098 
 
 29.1 
 
 3-436 
 
 33-8 
 
 2-959 
 
 19.8 
 
 5-051 
 
 245 
 
 4.082 
 
 29.2 
 
 3-425 
 
 33-9 
 
 2.950 
 
 19.9 
 
 5-025 
 
 24.6 
 
 4.065 
 
 29-3 
 
 3-413 
 
 34-0 
 
 2.941 
 
 20.0 
 
 5.000 
 
 24.7 
 
 4.049 
 
 29.4 
 
 3.401 
 
 34-1 
 
 2.933 
 
 20.1 
 
 4-975 
 
 24.8 
 
 4.032 
 
 295 
 
 3-390 
 
 34-2 
 
 2.924 
 
 20.2 
 
 4-950 
 
 24.9 
 
 4.016 
 
 29.6 
 
 3-378 
 
 34-3 
 
 2-915 
 
 20.3 
 
 4-926 
 
 25.0 
 
 4.000 
 
 29.7 
 
 3-367 
 
 34-4 
 
 2.907 
 
 20.4 
 
 4.902 
 
 25-1 
 
 3984 
 
 29.8 
 
 3-356 
 
 34-5 
 
 2899 
 
 20.5 
 
 4.878 
 
 25.2 
 
 3.968 
 
 29.9 
 
 3-344 
 
 34-6 
 
 2.890 
 
 20.6 
 
 4.854 
 
 253 
 
 3-953 
 
 30.0 
 
 3-333 
 
 34-7 
 
 2.882 
 
 20.7 
 
 4.831 
 
 25-4 
 
 3.937 
 
 30.1 
 
 3-322 
 
 .^4-8 
 
 2.874 
 
 20.8 
 
 4.808 
 
 25-5 
 
 3-922 
 
 30.2 
 
 3-3II 
 
 34-9 
 
 2.865 
 
 20.9 
 
 4.785 
 
 25-6 
 
 3.906 
 
 30-3 
 
 3-300 
 
 35.0 
 
 2.857 
 
 21.0 
 
 4,762 
 
 25-7 
 
 3-891 
 
 30.4 
 
 3.289 
 
 35-1 
 
 2.849 
 
 21. 1 
 
 4-739 
 
 25-8 
 
 3.876 
 
 30.5 
 
 3-279 
 
 35-2 
 
 2.841 
 
 21.2 
 
 4-717 
 
 259 
 
 3.861 
 
 30.6 
 
 3.268 
 
 35-3 
 
 2.833 
 
 21.3 
 
 4.695 
 
 26.0 
 
 3-846 
 
 307 
 
 3-257 
 
 35-4 
 
 2.825 
 
 21.4 
 
 4.673 
 
 26.1 
 
 3-831 
 
 30.8 
 
 3-247 
 
 35-5 
 
 2.817 
 
 21.5 
 
 4.651 
 
 26.2 
 
 3-817 
 
 30.9 
 
 3-236 
 
 35-6 
 
 2.809 
 
 21.6 
 
 4.630 
 
 26.3 
 
 3.802 
 
 31,0 
 
 3-226 
 
 35-7 
 
 2.801 
 
 21.7 
 
 4.608 
 
 26.4 
 
 3-788 
 
 3I-I 
 
 3-215 
 
 35.8 
 
 2.793 
 
 21.8 
 
 4587 
 
 26.5 
 
 3-774 
 
 31.2 
 
 3-205 
 
 359 
 
 2.786 
 
 21.9 
 
 4-566 
 
 26.6 
 
 3-759 
 
 31-3 
 
 3-195 
 
 36-0 
 
 2.778 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 375 
 
 
 
 
 Table. - 
 
 (Continued) 
 
 
 
 &- 
 
 
 ^- 
 
 £ 
 
 a^ 
 
 i 
 
 a. 
 
 i 
 
 £ = 
 
 ,«■« 
 
 5c 
 
 -•O 
 
 -2 
 
 .,•0 
 
 -S ^ 
 
 ■.■o 
 
 S» 
 
 •Si! 
 
 = S 
 
 
 £S 
 
 -sj; 
 
 c ^ 
 
 -sj; 
 
 11 
 
 i'^ 
 
 11 
 
 n 
 
 
 =•3 
 
 0°' 
 
 So. 
 
 11 
 
 p. 
 
 £ 
 
 n. 
 
 a, 
 
 a. 
 
 PU 
 
 h 
 
 b 
 
 36.1 
 
 2.770 
 
 40.8 
 
 2.451 
 
 45.5 
 
 2.198 
 
 50.2 
 
 1.992 
 
 36.2 
 
 2.762 
 
 40.9 
 
 2-445 
 
 45-6 
 
 2-193 
 
 50.3 
 
 1.988 
 
 36.3 
 
 2-755 
 
 41.0 
 
 2-439 
 
 45-7 
 
 2.lh8 
 
 50.4 
 
 1.984 
 
 36.4 
 
 2.747 
 
 41. 1 
 
 2.433 
 
 45.8 
 
 2.183 
 
 50-5 
 
 1.980 
 
 36.5 
 
 2.740 
 
 41.2 
 
 2.427 
 
 45.9 
 
 2.179 
 
 50.6 
 
 1.976 
 
 36.6 
 
 2.732 
 
 41.3 
 
 2.421 
 
 46.0 
 
 2.174 
 
 50.7 
 
 1.972 
 
 36.7 
 
 2.725 
 
 41.4 
 
 2.415 
 
 46.1 
 
 2.169 
 
 50.8 
 
 1.969 
 
 36.8 
 
 2.717 
 
 41.5 
 
 2.410 
 
 46.2 
 
 2.165 
 
 50-9 
 
 1-965 
 
 36.9 
 
 2 710 
 
 41.6 
 
 2.404 
 
 46-3 
 
 2- 160 
 
 51.0 
 
 1. 961 
 
 37.0 
 
 2.703 
 
 41-7 
 
 2.398 
 
 46.4 
 
 2.155 
 
 5I.I 
 
 1.957 
 
 37.1 
 
 2.695 
 
 41.8 
 
 2.392 
 
 46.5 
 
 2. 151 
 
 51-2 
 
 1-953 
 
 37-2 
 
 2.688 
 
 41-9 
 
 2.387 
 
 46.6 
 
 2.146 
 
 5[.3 
 
 1.949 
 
 37-3 
 
 2.681 
 
 42.0 
 
 2-381 
 
 46.7 
 
 2. 141 
 
 51-4 
 
 1.946 
 
 37.4 
 
 2.674 
 
 42.1 
 
 2-375 
 
 46.8 
 
 2-137 
 
 5 '.5 
 
 1.942 
 
 37-5 
 
 2.667 
 
 42.2 
 
 2.370 
 
 46.9 
 
 2-132 
 
 51.6 
 
 1.938 
 
 37.6 
 
 2.660 
 
 42.3 
 
 2.364 
 
 47.0 
 
 2.128 
 
 51.7 
 
 1-934 
 
 37-7 
 
 2-653 
 
 42-4 
 
 2-358 
 
 47.1 
 
 2-123 
 
 51.8 
 
 1. 931 
 
 37.8 
 
 2.646 
 
 42-5 
 
 2-353 
 
 47.2 
 
 2. 119 
 
 51.9 
 
 1.927 
 
 37-9 
 
 2.639 
 
 42.6 
 
 2.347 
 
 47.3 
 
 2. 1 14 
 
 52.0 
 
 1.923 
 
 38.0 
 
 2.632 
 
 42-7 
 
 2.342 
 
 47.4 
 
 2. no 
 
 52.1 
 
 1.919 
 
 38' 
 
 2.625 
 
 42.8 
 
 2.336 
 
 47.5 
 
 2.105 
 
 52.2 
 
 1.916 
 
 38.2 
 
 2.618 
 
 42.9 
 
 2.331 
 
 47.6 
 
 2.IOI 
 
 52-3 
 
 1. 912 
 
 38.3 
 
 2. 611 
 
 43-0 
 
 2.326 
 
 47-7 
 
 2.096 
 
 52-4 
 
 1.908 
 
 38.4 
 
 2.604 
 
 43-1 
 
 2.320 
 
 47.8 
 
 ^■°fi 
 
 52-5 
 
 1.905 
 
 3S.5 
 
 2-597 
 
 43-2 
 
 2.315 
 
 47.9 
 
 2.088 
 
 52-6 
 
 1.901 
 
 38.6 
 
 2.591 
 
 43-3 
 
 2.309 
 
 48.0 
 
 2.083 
 
 52-7 
 
 1.898 
 
 38.7 
 
 2.584 
 
 43.4 
 
 2.304 
 
 48.1 
 
 2.079 
 
 52.8 
 
 1.894 
 
 38.8 
 
 2-577 
 
 43-5 
 
 2.299 
 
 48.2 
 
 2.075 
 
 52.9 
 
 '■^§° 
 
 38.9 
 
 2-571 
 
 43-6 
 
 2.294 
 
 48.3 
 
 2.070 
 
 53.0 
 
 1.887 
 
 39-0 
 
 2.564 
 
 43-7 
 
 2.288 
 
 48.4 
 
 2.066 
 
 53.1 
 
 1.883 
 
 391 
 
 2.558 
 
 43-8 
 
 2.283 
 
 48.5 
 
 2.062 
 
 53-2 
 
 1.880 
 
 39-2 
 
 ^■551 
 
 43-9 
 
 2.278 
 
 48.6 
 
 2.058 
 
 53-3 
 
 1.876 
 
 39-3 
 
 2.545 
 
 44.0 
 
 2.273 
 
 48.7 
 
 2.053 
 
 53-4 
 
 1.873 
 
 39-4 
 
 2.538 
 
 44.1 
 
 2.268 
 
 48.8 
 
 2.049- 
 
 53-5 
 
 1.869 
 
 39- S 
 
 2.532 
 
 44.2 
 
 2.262 
 
 48.9 
 
 2.045 
 
 53-6 
 
 1.866 
 
 39-6 
 
 2.525 
 
 44.3 
 
 2.257 
 
 49.0 
 
 2.041 
 
 53-7 
 
 1.862 
 
 39-7 
 
 2.519 
 
 44.4 
 
 2.252 
 
 49.1 
 
 2.037 
 
 53-8 
 
 1.859 
 
 39-8 
 
 2-513 
 
 44.5 
 
 2.247 
 
 49.2 
 
 2.033 
 
 53-9 
 
 1.855 
 
 39-9 
 
 2.506 
 
 44.6 
 
 2.242 
 
 49-3 
 
 2.028 
 
 54-0 
 
 '•^52 
 
 40.0 
 
 2.500 
 
 44.7 
 
 2.237 
 
 49-4 
 
 2.024 
 
 54-1 
 
 1.848 
 
 40.1 
 
 2.494 
 
 44.8 
 
 2.232 
 
 49-5 
 
 2.020 
 
 54-2 
 
 1.845 
 
 40.2 
 
 2.488 
 
 44-9 
 
 2.227 
 
 49-6 
 
 2.016 
 
 54.3 
 
 1.842 
 
 40.3 
 
 2.481 
 
 45.0 
 
 2.222 
 
 49-7 
 
 2.012 
 
 54.4 
 
 1.838 
 
 40.4 
 
 2-475 
 
 45-1 
 
 2.217 
 
 49-8 
 
 2.008 
 
 54.5 
 
 1.835 
 
 40-5 
 
 2.469 
 
 45-2 
 
 2.212 
 
 49-9 
 
 2.004 
 
 54.6 
 
 1.832 
 
 40.6 
 
 2.463 
 
 45-3 
 
 2.208 
 
 50.0 
 
 2.000 
 
 54-7 
 
 1.828 
 
 40.7 
 
 2457 
 
 45-4 
 
 2.203 
 
 50.1 
 
 1.996 
 
 54-8 
 
 1.825 
 
376 
 
 SOII< FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Ta.'bvb.. — (Continued) 
 
 1- 
 
 1 
 
 a.- 
 
 Si 
 
 
 i 
 
 a^ 
 
 K 
 
 
 \l 
 
 
 ^1 
 
 2 s 
 £« 
 
 .si 
 
 Is 
 
 sl 
 
 U a! 
 
 fl 
 
 ^ 
 
 i'l 
 
 11 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 Il< c 
 
 L| 
 
 CLi 
 
 b 
 
 tv 
 
 0. 
 
 Pk ( 
 
 i< 
 
 54-9 I 
 
 821 
 
 59-6 
 
 1.678 
 
 64.3 
 
 1-555 
 
 69.0 I 
 
 449 
 
 55° I 
 
 818 
 
 59-7 
 
 1.675 
 
 64-4 
 
 1-553 
 
 69-1 I 
 
 447 
 
 55-1 1 
 
 815 
 
 59-8 
 
 1.672 
 
 645 
 
 1-550 
 
 69.2 I 
 
 445 
 
 55-2 I 
 
 812 
 
 59-9 
 
 1.669 
 
 64.6 
 
 1.548 
 
 69-3 1 
 
 443 
 
 55-3 I 
 
 808 
 
 60.0 
 
 1.667 
 
 64.7 
 
 1-546 
 
 69-4 1 
 
 441 
 
 55-4 I 
 
 805 
 
 60.1 
 
 1.664 
 
 64.8 
 
 1-543 
 
 69-5 I 
 
 439 
 
 55-5 I 
 
 802 
 
 60.2 
 
 1. 66 1 
 
 64.9 
 
 1-54' 
 
 69.6 I 
 
 437 
 
 55.6 1 
 
 799 
 
 60.3 
 
 J. 658 
 
 65.0 
 
 1-538 
 
 69.7 I 
 
 435 
 
 55-7 I 
 
 795 
 
 60.4 
 
 1.656 
 
 65.1 
 
 1.536 
 
 698 I 
 
 433 
 
 55-8 I 
 
 792 
 
 60.5 
 
 1.653 
 
 65-2 
 
 1.534 
 
 69.9 I 
 
 431 
 
 55-9 ' 
 
 789 
 
 60.6 
 
 1.650 
 
 65-3 
 
 1-531 
 
 70.0 1 
 
 429 
 
 56.0 I 
 
 786 
 
 60.7 
 
 1.647 
 
 65-4 
 
 1.529 
 
 70.1 1 
 
 427 
 
 56.1 1 
 
 783 
 
 60.8 
 
 1.645 
 
 65.5 
 
 1.527 
 
 70.2 1 
 
 425 
 
 56.2 I 
 
 779 
 
 60.9 
 
 1.642 
 
 65.6 
 
 1-524 
 
 70.3 ' 
 
 422 
 
 56-3 I 
 
 776 
 
 61.0 
 
 1.639 
 
 65-7 
 
 1-522 
 
 70.4 I 
 
 420 
 
 56.4 I 
 
 773 
 
 61. 1 
 
 1.637 
 
 65.8 
 
 1.520 
 
 70.5 I 
 
 418 
 
 56.5 I 
 
 770 
 
 61.2 
 
 1.634 
 
 65.9 
 
 1-517 
 
 70.6 1 
 
 416 
 
 56.6 I 
 
 767 
 
 61.3 
 
 1.63 c 
 
 66.0 
 
 1-515 
 
 70.7 I 
 
 414 
 
 56.7 J 
 
 764 
 
 6. .4 
 
 1.629 
 
 66.1 
 
 1-513 
 
 70.8 1 
 
 412 
 
 56.8 I 
 
 761 
 
 61.5 
 
 1.626 
 
 66.2 
 
 1.511 
 
 70.9 I 
 
 410 
 
 56.9 I 
 
 757 
 
 6r.6 
 
 1.623 
 
 66.3 
 
 1.508 
 
 71.0 I 
 
 408 
 
 57-0 I 
 
 754 
 
 61.7 
 
 1. 62 1 
 
 66.4 
 
 1.506 
 
 71.1 1 
 
 406 
 
 57-1 I 
 
 75' 
 
 61.8 
 
 i.6i8 
 
 66.5 
 
 1504 
 
 71.2 1 
 
 404 
 
 57-2 I 
 
 748 
 
 61.9 
 
 1. 616 
 
 66.6 
 
 1.502 
 
 71-3 I 
 
 403 
 
 57-3 I 
 
 745 
 
 62.0 
 
 1.613 
 
 66.7 
 
 1.499 
 
 71-4 I 
 
 401 
 
 57-4 I 
 
 742 
 
 62.1 
 
 1.610 
 
 66.8 
 
 1.497 
 
 71-5 I 
 
 399 
 
 57-5 I 
 
 739 
 
 62.2 
 
 1.608 
 
 66.9 
 
 1-495 
 
 71.6 I 
 
 397 
 
 57-6 I 
 
 736 
 
 62.3 
 
 1.605 
 
 67.0 
 
 1.493 
 
 71.7 1 
 
 395 
 
 57-7 J 
 
 733 
 
 62.4 
 
 1.603 
 
 67.1 
 
 1.490 
 
 7.8 1 
 
 393 
 
 57.8 I 
 
 730 
 
 62.5 
 
 1.600 
 
 67.2 
 
 1.488 
 
 71.9 1 
 
 391 
 
 57.9 I 
 
 727 
 
 62.6 
 
 1.597 
 
 67-3 
 
 1.486 
 
 72.0 1 
 
 389 
 
 58.0 I 
 
 724 
 
 62.7 
 
 1.595 
 
 67.4 
 
 1.484 
 
 72.1 I 
 
 387 
 
 58.1 I 
 
 721 
 
 62.8 
 
 1.592 
 
 67.5 
 
 1.481 
 
 72.2 1 
 
 385 
 
 58.2 I 
 
 718 
 
 62.9 
 
 1.590 
 
 67.6 
 
 1-479 
 
 72.3 1 
 
 383 
 
 58.3 I 
 
 7'5 
 
 63.0 
 
 1.587 
 
 67.7 
 
 1-477 
 
 72.4 1 
 
 381 
 
 58.4 I 
 
 712 
 
 631 
 
 1.585 
 
 67.8 
 
 1-475 
 
 72.5 I 
 
 379 
 
 58.5 I 
 
 709 
 
 63.2 
 
 1.582 
 
 67.9 
 
 1-473 
 
 72.6 I 
 
 377 
 
 58.6 I 
 
 706 
 
 633 
 
 1.580 
 
 68.0 
 
 1.471 
 
 72.7 I 
 
 376 
 
 58.7 I 
 
 704 
 
 63-4 
 
 1.577 
 
 68.1 
 
 1.468 
 
 72.8 1 
 
 374 
 
 58.8 I 
 
 701 
 
 63.5 
 
 1.575 
 
 68.2 
 
 1.466 
 
 72.9 1 
 
 372 
 
 58.9 I 
 
 698 
 
 63.6 
 
 1.572 
 
 68.3 
 
 1.464 
 
 730 1 
 
 370 
 
 59-0 I 
 
 695 
 
 63.7 
 
 I -570 
 
 68.4 
 
 1.462 
 
 73-1 1 
 
 368 
 
 59-1 I 
 
 692 
 
 63.8 
 
 1.567 
 
 68.5 
 
 1.460 
 
 73-2 1 
 
 366 
 
 59-2 I 
 
 689 
 
 63-9 
 
 1-565 
 
 68.6 
 
 1.458 
 
 73-3 1 
 
 364 
 
 59-3 I 
 
 686 
 
 64.0 
 
 1.563 
 
 68.7 
 
 1.456 
 
 73-4 1 
 
 362 
 
 59-4 I 
 
 684 
 
 64.1 
 
 1.560 
 
 68.8 
 
 1.453 
 
 73-5 1 
 
 361 
 
 59-5 I 
 
 681 
 
 64.2 
 
 1.558 
 
 68.9 
 
 1.451 
 
 73-6 I 
 
 359 
 
FERTILIZER FORMULAS FOR CROPS 
 
 377 
 
 
 
 
 Table.— 
 
 {Conii 
 
 nued) 
 
 
 
 V 
 
 ILI 
 
 V 
 tfw 
 
 t 
 
 a.- 
 
 V 
 
 &- 
 
 i 
 
 5? 
 
 «.'0 
 
 s = 
 
 .^•o 
 
 20 
 
 il-a 
 
 «c 
 
 ^"^ 
 
 R w 
 
 ■oK 
 
 e% 
 
 ■ss 
 
 £" 
 
 •SS 
 
 
 •SK 
 
 fcp. 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 c 
 
 u 
 
 U 
 
 U 
 
 n 
 
 CU 
 
 a. 
 
 ft( 
 
 ». 
 
 h 
 
 ai 
 
 P, 
 
 a. 
 
 73-7 
 
 1-357 
 
 78-4 
 
 1.276 - 
 
 83.1 
 
 1.203 
 
 87.8 
 
 1139 
 
 73-8 
 
 1-355 
 
 78.5 
 
 1-274 
 
 83.2 
 
 I 202 
 
 87-9 
 
 1. 138 
 
 73-9 
 
 1-353 
 
 78.6 
 
 1.272 
 
 83-3 
 
 1.200 
 
 88.0 
 
 1.136 
 
 74.0 
 
 1-351 
 
 78-7 
 
 1. 271 
 
 83-4 
 
 1.199 
 
 88.1 
 
 1 .135 
 
 74-1 
 
 1-35° 
 
 78.8 
 
 1.269 
 
 83-5 
 
 1. 198 
 
 88.2 
 
 I- 134 
 
 74.2 
 
 1-348 
 
 78.9 
 
 1.267 
 
 83.6 
 
 ..196 
 
 88.3 
 
 1-133 
 
 74-3 
 
 1.346 
 
 79.0 
 
 1.266 
 
 83-7 
 
 1-195 
 
 88.4 
 
 1.131 
 
 74-4 
 
 1-344 
 
 79.1 
 
 1.264 
 
 85.8 
 
 1-193 
 
 88.5 
 
 1.130 
 
 74-5 
 
 1-342 
 
 79.2 
 
 1.263 
 
 83-9 
 
 1. 192 
 
 88.6 
 
 1.129 
 
 74-6 
 
 1-340 
 
 79.3 
 
 1. 261 
 
 84.0 
 
 1:190 
 
 88.7 
 
 1,127 
 
 74-7 
 
 1-339 
 
 79.4 
 
 1-259 
 
 84.1 
 
 1.189 
 
 88.8 
 
 1. 126 
 
 74.8 
 
 1-337 
 
 79.5 
 
 1.258 
 
 84.2 
 
 1. 188 
 
 88.9 
 
 1-125 
 
 74-9 
 
 1-335 
 
 79.6 
 
 1.256 
 
 84.3 
 
 1.186 
 
 89.0 
 
 1. 124 
 
 75-0 
 
 1-333 
 
 79.7 
 
 1-255 
 
 84-4 
 
 1. 185 
 
 89.1 
 
 1.122 
 
 75-1 
 
 1-332 
 
 79.8 
 
 1-253 
 
 84.5 
 
 1.183 
 
 89.2 
 
 1. 121 
 
 75.2 
 
 1-330 
 
 79-9 
 
 1-252 
 
 84.6 
 
 1.182 
 
 89-3 
 
 1.120 
 
 75-3 
 
 1.328 
 
 80.0 
 
 1.250 
 
 84.7 
 
 i.i8[ 
 
 89.4 
 
 1.119 
 
 75-4 
 
 1.326 
 
 80.1 
 
 1.248 
 
 84.8 
 
 1.179 
 
 89-5 
 
 1.117 
 
 75-5 
 
 1-325 
 
 80.2 
 
 1.247 
 
 84.9 
 
 1.178 
 
 89.6 
 
 1. 116 
 
 75-6 
 
 1-323 
 
 80.3 
 
 1-245 
 
 85.0 
 
 1. 176 
 
 89-7 
 
 1. 115 
 
 75-7 
 
 1.321 
 
 80.4 
 
 1-244 
 
 85.1 
 
 I-I75 
 
 89.8 
 
 1. 114 
 
 75-8 
 
 1-319 
 
 805 
 
 1.242 
 
 85.2 
 
 1-174 
 
 89.9 
 
 1. 112 
 
 75-9 
 
 1.318 
 
 80.6 
 
 1. 241 
 
 85-3 
 
 1. 172 
 
 90.0 
 
 I. Ill 
 
 76.0 
 
 1-316 
 
 80.7 
 
 1-239 
 
 854 
 
 1. 171 
 
 90.1 
 
 1. 110 
 
 76.1 
 
 1-314 
 
 80.8 
 
 1.238 
 
 85-5 
 
 1.170 
 
 90.2 
 
 1.109 
 
 76.2 
 
 1-312 
 
 80.9 
 
 1.236 
 
 85.6 
 
 1.168 
 
 90.3 
 
 1. 107 
 
 76.3 
 
 1-311 
 
 81.0 
 
 1-235 
 
 85-7 
 
 1. 167 
 
 90.4 
 
 1.106 
 
 76.4 
 
 1-309 
 
 81. 1 
 
 1-233 
 
 85.8 
 
 1.166 
 
 90.5 
 
 1.105 
 
 76.5 
 
 1-307 
 
 81.2 
 
 1.232 
 
 85.9 
 
 1. 164 
 
 90.6 
 
 1. 104 
 
 76.6 
 
 1-305 
 
 81.3 
 
 1.230 
 
 86.0 
 
 1. 163 
 
 90.7 
 
 1.103 
 
 76.7 
 
 1.304 
 
 81.4 
 
 1.229 
 
 86.1 
 
 1.161 
 
 90.8 
 
 l.IOl 
 
 75.8 
 
 1.302 
 
 81.5 
 
 r.227 
 
 86.2 
 
 1.160 
 
 90.9 
 
 I.IOO 
 
 76.9 
 
 1.300 
 
 81.6 
 
 1.225 
 
 f^3 
 
 1.159 
 
 91.0 
 
 1.099 
 
 77.0 
 
 1-299 
 
 81.7 
 
 1.224 
 
 86.4 
 
 1. 157 
 
 91.1 
 
 1.098 
 
 77.1 
 
 1.297 
 
 81.8 
 
 1.222 
 
 86.5 
 
 1. 156 
 
 91.2 
 
 1.096 
 
 77.2 
 
 1-295 
 
 81.9 
 
 1. 221 
 
 86.6 
 
 1.155 
 
 91.3 
 
 1-095 
 
 77-3 
 
 1-294 
 
 82.0 
 
 1.220 
 
 86.7 
 
 1. 153 
 
 91.4 
 
 1.094 
 
 77-4 
 
 1.292 
 
 82.1 
 
 1. 218 
 
 86.8 
 
 1.152 
 
 91.5 
 
 1.093 
 
 77-5 
 
 1.290 
 
 82.2 
 
 1. 217 
 
 86.9 
 
 1. 151 
 
 91.6 
 
 1.092 
 
 77.6 
 
 1.289 
 
 82.3 
 
 1.215 
 
 87.0 
 
 1.149 
 
 91-7 
 
 1.091 
 
 77-7 
 
 1.287 
 
 82.4 
 
 1. 214 
 
 87.1 
 
 1. 148 
 
 91.8 
 
 1.089 
 
 77.8 
 
 1.285 
 
 82.5 
 
 1. 212 
 
 87.2 
 
 1.147 
 
 91.9 
 
 1.088 
 
 77-9 
 
 1.284 
 
 82.6 
 
 1. 211 
 
 87.3 
 
 1-145 
 
 92.0 
 
 1.087 
 
 78.0 
 
 1.282 
 
 82.7 
 
 1.209 
 
 87.4 
 
 1.144 
 
 92.1 
 
 1.086 
 
 78.1 
 
 1.280 
 
 82.8 
 
 1.208 
 
 87.5 
 
 1-143 
 
 92.2 
 
 1.085 
 
 78.2 
 
 1.279 
 
 82.9 
 
 1.206 
 
 87.6 
 
 1.142 
 
 92.3 
 
 1.083 
 
 78.3 
 
 1.277 
 
 83.0 
 
 1.205 
 
 87.7 
 
 1. 140 
 
 92.4 
 
 1.082 
 
378 
 
 soil, FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 
 
 
 TABtE.— 
 
 ( Concluded) 
 
 
 
 
 E 
 
 &- 
 
 £ 
 
 &- 
 
 £ 
 
 &- 
 
 i 
 
 «s 
 
 .-■o 
 
 2n 
 
 ,.■0 
 
 Sf 
 
 ■«'0 
 
 K 3 
 
 -.■o 
 
 s ^ 
 
 •SS 
 
 c ^ 
 
 
 " s 
 
 •oE 
 
 gs 
 
 •SE 
 
 *- a. 
 
 n 
 
 U 
 
 11 
 
 u 
 
 n 
 
 
 n 
 
 h 
 
 & 
 
 m 
 
 Ph 
 
 B. 
 
 0. 
 
 0. 
 
 B. 
 
 92-5 
 
 i.oSi 
 
 94-4 
 
 1-059 
 
 963 
 
 1.038 
 
 98.2 
 
 1.018 
 
 92.6 
 
 1.080 
 
 94-5 
 
 1.058 
 
 96.4 
 
 1-037 
 
 98-3 
 
 1.017 
 
 92.7 
 
 1.079 
 
 94.6 
 
 I -057 
 
 96-5 
 
 1.036 
 
 98.4 
 
 1.016 
 
 92.8 
 
 1.078 
 
 94-7 
 
 1.056 
 
 96.6 
 
 1-035 
 
 98-5 
 
 1.015 
 
 92.9 
 
 1.076 
 
 94.8 
 
 1-055 
 
 96.7 
 
 1034 
 
 98.6 
 
 1.014 
 
 93-0 
 
 I -075 
 
 94.9 
 
 1054 
 
 96.8 
 
 1-033 
 
 98.7 
 
 1.013 
 
 93-1 
 
 1.074 
 
 95 -o 
 
 1-053 
 
 96.9 
 
 1.032 
 
 98.8 
 
 1.012 
 
 93-2 
 
 1-073 
 
 95-1 
 
 1.052 
 
 97-0 
 
 1.031 
 
 98.9 
 
 i.oir 
 
 93-3 
 
 1.072 
 
 95-2 
 
 1.050 
 
 97.1 
 
 1.030 
 
 99.0 
 
 l.OIC 
 
 93-4 
 
 1.071 
 
 95-3 
 
 1.049 
 
 97.2 
 
 1.029 
 
 99.1 
 
 1.009 
 
 93-5 
 
 1.070 
 
 95-4 
 
 1.048 
 
 97.3 
 
 1.028 
 
 99.2 
 
 i.oo8 
 
 93-6 
 
 1.068 
 
 95-5 
 
 1.047 
 
 97-4 
 
 1.027 
 
 99-3 
 
 1.007 
 
 93-7 
 
 1.067 
 
 95-6 
 
 1.046 
 
 97-5 
 
 1.026 
 
 994 
 
 1.006 
 
 93-8 
 
 1.066 
 
 95-7 
 
 1.045 
 
 97.6 
 
 1.025 
 
 99-5 
 
 1.005 
 
 93-9 
 
 1.065 
 
 95-8 
 
 1.044 
 
 97-7 
 
 1.024 
 
 99.6 
 
 1.004 
 
 94.0 
 
 1.064 
 
 95-9 
 
 1-043 
 
 97-8 
 
 1.022 
 
 99-7 
 
 1.003 
 
 94.1 
 
 1.063 
 
 96.0 
 
 1.042 
 
 97-9 
 
 I.021 
 
 99.8 
 
 1.002 
 
 94.2 
 
 1.062 
 
 96.1 
 
 1.041 
 
 98.0 
 
 1.020 
 
 99-9 
 
 1. 001 
 
 94-3 
 
 1.060 
 
 96.2 
 
 1.040 
 
 98.1 
 
 1.019 
 
 lOO.O 
 
 1. 000 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 THE AGRICULTUKAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS. 
 
 Alabama — 
 
 College Station : Auburn. 
 
 Canebrake Station : Uniontown. 
 
 Tuskegee Station : Tusbegee Insti- 
 tute. 
 Alaska — Sitka. 
 Arizona — Tucson. 
 Arkan s as — Fayetteville. 
 California — Berkeley. 
 Colorada — Fort Collins. 
 Connecticut — 
 
 State Station : New Haven. 
 
 Storrs Station : Storrs. 
 Delaware — Newark. 
 Florida — Gainesville. 
 Georgia — Experivtent. 
 Guam — Island of Guam. 
 Hawaii — 
 
 Federal Station : Honolulu. 
 
 Sugar Planters' Station : Honolulu. 
 Idaho — Moscow. 
 Illinois — Urbana. 
 Indiana — Lafayette. 
 Iowa — Ames. 
 Kansas — Manhattan. 
 Kentucky — Lexington. 
 Louisiana — 
 
 State Station : Baton Rouge. 
 
 Sugar Station : Audubon Park, 
 New Orleans. 
 
 North Louisiana Station : Calhoun. 
 
 Rice Experiment Station : Crow- 
 ley. 
 Maine — Orono. 
 Maryland — College Park. 
 Massachusetts — Amherst. 
 Michigan — Bast Lansing. 
 Minnesota — University Farm, St. 
 
 Paul. 
 Mississippi — Agricultural College. 
 
 Missouri — 
 
 College Station : Columbia. 
 
 Fruit Station : Mountain Grove. 
 Montana — Bozeman. 
 Nebraska — Lincoln. 
 Nevada — Reno. 
 New Hampshire— Uwr/iam. 
 New Jersey — New Brunswick. 
 New Mexico — Agricultural College. 
 New York — 
 
 State Station : Geneva. 
 
 Cornell Station : Ithaca. 
 North Carolina — 
 
 College Station : West Raleigh. 
 
 State Station : Raleigh. 
 North Dakota— Agricultural Col- 
 lege. 
 Ohio — Wooster. 
 Oklahoma — Stillwater. 
 Oregon — CorvalHs. 
 Pennsylvania — 
 
 State College. 
 
 State College: Institute of Animal 
 Nutrition. 
 Porto Rico — Mayaguez. 
 Rhode \s,^a-sxd— Kingston. 
 South Carolina— C/^mwom College. 
 South Dakota — Brookings. 
 T^NHtssTiZ—Knoxville. 
 Texas — College Station. 
 Utah — Logan. 
 Vermont — Burlington. 
 Virginia — 
 
 Blacksburg. 
 
 Norfolk: Truck Station. 
 Washington — Pullman. 
 West Virginia — Morgantown'. 
 Wisconsin — Madison. 
 Wyoming — Laramie. 
 
380 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 How to Collect an Exhibit of Fertilizer Materials. 
 
 If the teacher wishes to make this subject more interesting 
 an elaborate exhibit of the different fertiHzer materials and 
 mixed fertilizers should be secured. The mixed fertilizefs 
 may be obtained on the local market during late winter or early 
 spring, or perhaps from your state chemist. For special ma- 
 terials you may be able to obtain them from the following ad- 
 dresses. When you write for any of these materials, state that 
 you wish to use them in class work. The farmer or consumer 
 cannot expect to receive a collection of these materials. 
 
 Stassfurt potash salts, German Kali Works, 93 Nassau St., New York 
 City. 
 
 Nitrate of soda. Nitrate Agencies Co., 64 Stone St., New York City. 
 
 Calcium cyanamid, American Calcium Cyanamid Co., Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Sulphate of ammonia, American Coal Products Co., New York City. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal, American Cotton Oil Co., New York City. 
 
 Linseed meal, American Linseed Co., Chicago, 111. 
 
 Acid phosphate, from any Fertilizer Co. 
 
 Rock phosphate, (Florida land pebble). The Phosphate Mining Co., 92 
 Williams St., New York City. 
 
 Rock phosphate, (Florida hard rock), Camp Phosphate Co., Ocala, 
 Florida. 
 
 Rock phosphate, (Tennessee), Tennessee Blue Rock Phosphate Co., 
 Mt. Pleasant, Tenn. 
 
 Rock phosphate, (Tennessee), Williams Phosphate Co., Mt. Pleasant, 
 Tenn. 
 
 Basic slag and Peruvian Guano, Coe-Mortimer Co., New York City. 
 
 Tankage and Bone Products, Swift and Co., or Armour and Co., 
 Chicago, 111. 
 
 Blood, Armour and Co., Chicago, 111. 
 
 Azotin, J. B. Sardy, Chicago, 111. 
 
 Bone-black, American Agricultural Chemical Co., New York City. 
 
 Carbonate of potash, Peters, White and Co., New York City. 
 
 Concentrated superphosphate, Virginia-Carolina, Chemical Co., Rich- 
 mond, Va. 
 
 Concentrated tankage. Heller, Hirsh & Co., New York City. 
 
APPENDIX 381 
 
 Dried fish scrap, White & Co., Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Garbage tankage. Heller, Hirsh & Co., New York City. 
 
 Ground tobacco stems and dust, Kentucky Tobacco Product Co., Louis- 
 ville, Ky. 
 
 Hair, all kinds. White and Co., Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Hoof meal and peat, J. B. Sardy, Chicago, 111. 
 
 Pyrites, Naylor & Co., New York City. 
 
 Potassium nitrate; obtain this in a general store, or at a drug store. 
 
 Whale guano, Hollingshurst & Co., New York City. 
 
 Foreign imported materials, H. J. Baker & Bro., William St., New 
 York City, or, E. J. Walter Co., Baltimore, Md. 
 
 It must be understood that there are several parties who handle 
 fertilizer materials and if you are unable to secure what you de- 
 sire by writing to the one mentioned here, kindly ask the concern 
 you write, to furnish you with some addresses of people who are 
 liable to have the desired material or materials in stock. 
 
 The following table, the work of American and foreign in- 
 vestigators will acquaint the student with the fertilizer constit- 
 tients in feed stuffs : 
 
382 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Fertilizing Constituents in A.merican Feed Stuffs 
 
 Name of feed 
 
 Water 
 
 Ash 
 
 Nitrogen 
 
 per cent. 
 
 per cent 
 
 percent 
 
 14.30 
 
 2.48 
 
 1. 51 
 
 8.00 
 
 .S.40 
 
 1.60 
 
 6. 98 
 
 6. IS 
 
 3.05 
 
 75 o' 
 
 1.00 
 
 0.89 
 
 14.10 
 
 3.40 
 
 1.63 
 
 14.10 
 
 2.00 
 
 1.44 
 
 14.70 
 
 1.40 
 
 i.l8 
 
 10.88 
 
 1.53 
 
 1.82 
 
 9.10 
 
 1.30 
 
 1.63 
 
 S.96 
 
 1.50 
 
 1.41 
 
 10.30 
 
 3.50 
 
 3.13 
 
 9.90 
 
 6.82 
 
 6.64 
 
 14.80 
 
 3.20 
 
 3-33 
 
 8.00 
 
 1.70 
 
 4.50 
 
 9.20 
 
 4.20 
 
 3-61 
 
 9.70 
 
 4.30 
 
 3.'8 
 
 12.20 
 
 0.60 
 
 1.89 
 
 12.00 
 
 2.00 
 
 2.89 
 
 8.10 
 
 1.30 
 
 2.65 
 
 8.59 
 
 0.73 
 
 5.03 
 
 8.50 
 
 1.70 
 
 3-84 
 
 5.80 
 
 2.80 
 
 4.98 
 
 11.10 
 
 2.50 
 
 1.63 
 
 11.00 
 
 2.50 
 
 1.66 
 
 11.30 
 
 3.80 
 
 4.07 
 
 8.88 
 
 6.08 
 
 5.43 
 
 7-77 
 
 5-37 
 
 5.78 
 
 10.38 
 
 5.72 
 
 3-55 
 
 14.00 
 
 3-30 
 
 2.04 
 
 20.80 
 
 10.60 
 
 1.46 
 
 22.40 
 
 9.30 
 
 0.47 
 
 11.00 
 
 3.00 
 
 2.06 
 
 650 
 
 6.90 
 
 2.16 
 
 7.70 
 
 3.70 
 
 1.72 
 
 7.90 
 
 2.00 
 
 2.35 
 
 10.70 
 
 4.90 
 
 7.56 
 
 10.50 
 
 2.60 
 
 308 
 
 10.00 
 
 7.90 
 
 4.96 
 
 12.80 
 
 0.70 
 
 1.08 
 
 9.90 
 
 13.00 
 
 0.71 
 
 10.30 
 
 3.50 
 
 1.97 
 
 11.60 
 
 1.90 
 
 1.76 
 
 11.60 
 
 4.60 
 
 2.32 
 
 9.30 
 
 590 
 
 1.84 
 
 10.80 
 
 4.70 
 
 5-30 
 
 12.80 
 
 2.10 
 
 1.48 
 
 8.60 
 
 2.60 
 
 2.28 
 
 10.80 
 
 6.70 
 
 5.55 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 per cent. 
 
 Potassium 
 
 oxide 
 per cent. 
 
 Concentrates 
 
 Barley 
 
 Beet pulp (dried ) 
 
 Brewers' grains (dried) 
 
 Brewers' grains (wet) 
 
 Broom corn seed 
 
 Buckwheat 
 
 Buckwheat middlings 
 
 Corn (grain) 
 
 Corn bran 
 
 Corn and cob meal 
 
 Cotton-seed (raw) 
 
 Cotton-seed meal 
 
 Cowpea seed 
 
 Distillers' dried grains 
 
 Flax-seed 
 
 Flour (dark feeding) 
 
 Flour (high grade) 
 
 Flour ( low grade } 
 
 Germ meal 
 
 Gluten meal ■ 
 
 Gluten feed ■ 
 
 Grano-gluten 
 
 Hominy chops 
 
 Hominy meal 
 
 Horse bean 
 
 Unseed meal (old process) 
 Linseed meal ( new process) 
 
 Malt sprouts 
 
 Millet seed 
 
 Molasses (beet) 
 
 Molasses (cane, blackstrap) 
 
 Oats 
 
 Oat dust 
 
 Oat feed (shorts) 
 
 Oat meal 
 
 Peanut meal 
 
 Peas 
 
 Rape-seed meal 
 
 Rice (clean) 
 
 Rice brail (impure) 
 
 Rice polish 
 
 Rye 
 
 Rye bran 
 
 Rye shorts 
 
 Soja.(soy) bean 
 
 Sorghum seed 
 
 Sun flower seed 
 
 Sunflower seed cake 
 
 0.79 
 0.16 
 1.26 
 0.31 
 
 0.44 
 0.68 
 0.70 
 1.21 
 
 0.57 
 1.27 
 2.68 
 
 0.61 
 
 1-39 
 2.14 
 0.22 
 0.56 
 0.80 
 
 033 
 o 41 
 0.51 
 0.98 
 
 1.25 
 1.20 
 1.66 
 1.83 
 1-43 
 0.85 
 0.05 
 0.14 
 0.82 
 
 0.91 
 
 1.31 
 0.82 
 2.00 
 0.18 
 0.29 
 0.30 
 0.82 
 2.28 
 1.26 
 1.87 
 0.81 
 1.22 
 2.15 
 
 0.53 
 
 1.50 
 0.99 
 1.30 
 0.09 
 0.24 
 0.71 
 
 0.54 
 1.40 
 0.81 
 1.99 
 0.42 
 0.56 
 1. 17 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 383 
 
 FERTiLtztNG Constituents in American Feed Stuffs. — {Continued) 
 
 Name of feed 
 
 Water 
 per cent. 
 
 Ash 
 per cent. 
 
 NitroRen 
 per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 
 per cent. 
 
 Potassium 
 
 oxide 
 per cent. 
 
 Concentrates— ( Continued ) 
 
 Wheat (grain ) 
 
 Wheat bran 
 
 Wheat middlings 
 
 Wheat screenings 
 
 Wheat shorts 
 
 Waste Products (low grade) 
 
 Buckwheat hulls 
 
 Corn cob 
 
 Cotton-seed hulls 
 
 Oat hulls 
 
 Rice hulls 
 
 Green Fodders 
 
 Alfalfa 
 
 Apple pomace silage 
 
 Canada field pea 
 
 Clover (alsike) 
 
 Clover (red) 
 
 Clover (scarlet) 
 
 Clover (white) 
 
 Corn silage 
 
 Corn and soy bean silage 
 
 Cowpea 
 
 Flat pea 
 
 Horse bean 
 
 Italian rye grass 
 
 Lupine (white) 
 
 Lupine (yellow) 
 
 Millet (common) 
 
 Millet ( Hungarian grass) 
 
 Millet (Japanese) 
 
 Millet (silage"! 
 
 Millet and soy bean silage. - 
 
 Oat fodder 
 
 Oats and vetch ( i-i ) 
 
 Orchard grass 
 
 Pasture gra.sses ( mixed ) 
 
 Perennial rye grass 
 
 Prickly comfrey 
 
 Rape 
 
 Rye fodder 
 
 Serradella 
 
 Soja (soy I bean 
 
 Sorghum fodder 
 
 Timothy 
 
 Vetch (common ) 
 
 Hay and Dry Coarse Fod 
 
 DERS 
 
 Alfalfa 
 
 10.50 
 1 1. go 
 12.10 
 11.60 
 11.80 
 
 13.20 
 10.70 
 II. 10 
 
 7-30 
 9.00 
 
 75-3° 
 75.00 
 85.00 
 81.80 
 80.00 
 82.50 
 81.00 
 79.10 
 76.00 
 78.81 
 71.60 
 84.20 
 74.S5 
 85-3S 
 83-15 
 62.58 
 71 10 
 80.00 
 74.00 
 79.00 
 «3 36 
 80.00 
 
 73- '4 
 63.12 
 75.20 
 84.36 
 85.00 
 76.60 
 
 82.59 
 75. to 
 79.40 
 66 90 
 84.50 
 
 8.40 
 
 1.80 
 6.30 
 
 3-30 
 2.90 
 4.60 
 
 2.20 
 1.40 
 2.80 
 6.60 
 18.30 
 
 2.25 
 1.05 
 1.20 
 1-47 
 '•45 
 1.42 
 
 1.40 
 2.40 
 1.47 
 1-93 
 
 0.96 
 1.20 
 1.70 
 1. 10 
 
 2.80 
 
 i-3i 
 1.80 
 2.09 
 
 327 
 2.60 
 
 2.45 
 
 2. 10 
 1.82 
 2.60 
 
 l.IO 
 
 2-15 
 
 1.94 
 
 7.40 
 
 2.36 
 2.67 
 2.63 
 2.44 
 2.82 
 
 0.49 
 0.50 
 0.69 
 0.52 
 0.58 
 
 0.72 
 
 0.32 
 0.50 
 0.44 
 0.53 
 0.43 
 0.56 
 0.28 
 0.79 
 
 0.27 
 
 I-I3 
 0.68 
 
 0.54 
 0.44 
 0.51 
 0.61 
 O..S9 
 0.53 
 0.26 
 0.42 
 0.49 
 0-43 
 0.43 
 0.91 
 0.47 
 0.42 
 0.34 
 0.33 
 0.41 
 0.29 
 0.23 
 0.48 
 0.59 
 
 2.19 
 
 0.79 
 2.89 
 
 0.95 
 1. 17 
 
 1-35 
 
 0.07 
 0.06 
 0.25 
 0.24 
 0.17 
 
 0.13 
 0.15 
 0.12 
 o. II 
 0.13 
 
 0.13 
 0.20 
 0.1 1 
 0.42 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.18 
 
 0-33 
 0.29 
 
 0.35 
 0.1 1 
 0.19 
 0.16 
 0.20 
 0.14 
 o. II 
 0.13 
 0.14 
 0.16 
 0.23 
 0.28 
 0.1 1 
 
 O.IO 
 
 015 
 
 0.14 
 
 0.15 
 
 0.09 
 0.26 
 
 1. 19 
 
 0.51 
 
 0.50 
 1. 61 
 0.63 
 0.84 
 0.59 
 
 0.52 
 0.60 
 1.02 
 
 0.52 
 0.14 
 
 0.56 
 0.40 
 
 0.38 
 
 0.20 
 0.46 
 
 0.49 
 
 o 24 
 
 037 
 0.44 
 
 0.31 
 0.5S 
 
 1-37 
 1. 14 
 '■73 
 0.15 
 0.41 
 0.55 
 0-.34 
 0.62 
 
 0.44 
 0.38 
 0.30 
 0.76 
 
 0.75 
 1. 10 
 
 0.75 
 0.78 
 
 0.73 
 U.42 
 
 0-53 
 0.23 
 0.76 
 0.70 
 
 1.68 
 
384 
 
 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 Fertilizing Constituents in American Feed Stuffs.— (Conitn tied ) 
 
 Name of feed 
 
 Water 
 per cent. 
 
 Ash 
 per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 per cent 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 
 per cent. 
 
 Potassium 
 
 oxide 
 per cent. 
 
 Hay AND Dry Coarse Fod 
 DERS— (Continued) 
 
 Branch grass 
 
 Broom corn stalks (waste) ■ ■ . 
 
 Blue melilot 
 
 Carrot tops (dry) 
 
 Clover (alsike) 
 
 Clover (Bokhara) 
 
 Clover (crimson) 
 
 Clover (mammoth red) 
 
 Clover (red ) 
 
 Clover (white) 
 
 Corn fodder (with ears) 
 
 Corn fodder (without ears) .. 
 
 English hay (mixed grasses) - 
 
 Fox grass 
 
 Italian rye grass 
 
 Japanese buckwheat 
 
 Kentucky blue grass 
 
 Meadow fescue grass 
 
 Meadow foxtail 
 
 Millet ( common ) 
 
 Millet ( Hungarian grass ) 
 
 Millet (Japanese) 
 
 Mixed grasses 
 
 Oat fodder 
 
 Orchard grass 
 
 Oxeye daisy 
 
 Perennial rye grass 
 
 Red top 
 
 Rowen ( mixed ) 
 
 Sainfoin 
 
 Serradella 
 
 Spanish moss 
 
 Soybean (whole plant) 
 
 Sulla 
 
 Tall meadow oat grass 
 
 Teosinte 
 
 Timothy 
 
 Vetch and oats ( i-i ) 
 
 White daisy 
 
 Straw 
 
 Barley straw 
 
 Barley chaff 
 
 Millet straw 
 
 Oac straw 
 
 Rye straw 
 
 Soja bean 
 
 16.00 
 10.00 
 8.22 
 9.76 
 9-94 
 7-43 
 9.60 
 
 1500 
 15-00 
 
 7.85 
 
 9.12 
 
 14.00 
 
 16.00 
 
 8.71 
 
 572 
 
 lo..^5 
 
 8.89 
 
 15.35 
 
 9-75 
 
 7.69 
 
 10.45 
 
 11.99 
 
 15.00 
 
 8. 84 
 
 965 
 
 9- '3 
 
 7.71 
 
 16.60 
 
 12.17 
 
 7-39 
 1500 
 H.30 
 
 9-39 
 15.35 
 
 6.06 
 13.20 
 1.5.00 
 10.30 
 
 14.20 
 13.08 
 15.00 
 9.20 
 7.10 
 10.10 
 
 6.40 
 
 5.80 
 
 5.10 
 3.20 
 5.80 
 
 1.06 
 0.87 
 l.q2 
 3.13 
 2.34 
 1.98 
 2.05 
 2.14 
 2.07 
 
 2-75 
 1.76 
 1.04 
 
 1-34 
 1.18 
 1. 19 
 1.63 
 1.19 
 0.99 
 
 1.54 
 1.28 
 1.20 
 I. II 
 1. 41 
 1.90 
 
 1-31 
 0.28 
 
 1.23 
 
 1. 15 
 i.6i 
 2.63 
 2.70 
 0.61 
 2.32 
 2.46 
 
 1. 16 
 1.46 
 1.26 
 1.80 
 0.26 
 
 1. 31 
 
 l.OI 
 
 0.68 
 0.62 
 0.46 
 1.75 
 
 0.19 
 0.47 
 
 0.54 
 0.61 
 0.67 
 0.56 
 0.40 
 0.52 
 0.48 
 0.52 
 
 0.54 
 0.29 
 0.32 
 0.18 
 0.56 
 0.85 
 0.40 
 0.40 
 
 0.44 
 0.49 
 
 0.35 
 0.40 
 0.27 
 0.65 
 0.41 
 
 0.44 
 0.56 
 0.36 
 
 0.43 
 0.76 
 0.78 
 0.07 
 0.67 
 
 0.4s 
 032 
 
 0.55 
 0.53 
 0.60 
 0.41 
 
 0.30 
 0.27 
 0.18 
 0.20 
 0.28 
 0.40 
 
 0.87 
 1.87 
 2.80 
 4.88 
 2.23 
 1.83 
 
 1-3' 
 1.80 
 2.20 
 1. 81 
 0.89 
 1.40 
 1. 61 
 
 0.95 
 1.27 
 
 3-32 
 1-57 
 2.10 
 1.99 
 1.69 
 1.30 
 1.22 
 
 1-55 
 1.90 
 1.88 
 
 1.25 
 
 1-55 
 1.02 
 1.49 
 2.02 
 0.65 
 0.56 
 1.08 
 2.09 
 1.72 
 3.70 
 0.90 
 1.27 
 1. 18 
 
 2.09 
 0.99 
 
 1.73 
 1.24 
 0.79 
 1-32 
 
APPENDIX 
 
 385 
 
 Fertilizing Constituents in American Feed Stuffs. — (Continued) 
 
 Name of feed 
 
 Water 
 per cent, 
 
 Ash 
 per cent. 
 
 Nitrogen 
 per cent. 
 
 Phosphoric 
 
 acid 
 
 per cent 
 
 Potassium 
 
 oxide 
 per cent. 
 
 Straw— (Continued) 
 
 Wheat straw 
 
 Wheat chaff 
 
 Roots, Tubers, Etc. 
 
 Artichoke 
 
 Beet ( mangel ) 
 
 Beet (red) 
 
 Beet ( sugar) 
 
 Beet (yellow fodder) . . . 
 
 Carrot 
 
 Mangold 
 
 Parsnip 
 
 Potato (Irish) 
 
 Radish (Japanese) 
 
 Rutabaga 
 
 Turnip (flat) 
 
 Dairy Products 
 
 Butter 
 
 Buttermilk 
 
 Colostrum (cows' milk) 
 
 Skim milk ^centrifugal) 
 
 Skim milk (gravity) . . . 
 
 Whey 
 
 Whole milk 
 
 Miscellaneous 
 
 Apples 
 
 Cabbage 
 
 Dried blood 
 
 Dried fish 
 
 Meat scrap 
 
 Pumpkin (garden) 
 
 Spurry 
 
 Sugar beet leaves 
 
 9.60 
 14.30 
 
 78.00 
 
 90.9 
 
 88.50 
 
 86.50 
 
 89.00 
 
 88.60 
 
 88.00 
 
 86.30 
 
 78.90 
 
 93.00 
 
 88.60 
 
 90.50 
 
 12.50 
 90.10 
 74.60 
 90.60 
 90.40 
 93.80 
 87.20 
 
 78.00 
 90.50 
 8.50 
 10.80 
 10.70 
 86.80 
 75.60 
 88.00 
 
 4.20 
 9.20 
 
 1. 00 
 l.io 
 1. 00 
 0.90 
 
 1.20 
 
 0.70 
 1. 00 
 
 1.20 
 0.80 
 
 0.70 
 I 50 
 0.70 
 o 70 
 0.40 
 0.60 
 
 1.40 
 4.70 
 29.20 
 4.10 
 0.90 
 4.00 
 2.40 
 
 0.59 
 0.79 
 
 0.26 
 0.19 
 0.24 
 0.22 
 0.23 
 0.15 
 0.15 
 0.18 
 0.21 
 0.08 
 0.19 
 0.18 
 
 0.19 
 0.48 
 2.82 
 0.56 
 0.56 
 0.15 
 0.53 
 
 0.12 
 0.3S 
 
 13-50 
 7-75 
 
 1J.39 
 0.1 1 
 0.38 
 0.41 
 
 0.12 
 0.70 
 
 0.14 
 0.09 
 0.09 
 o.io 
 o. n 
 0.09 
 0.14 
 0.20 
 0.07 
 
 0.05 
 0.12 
 
 O.IO 
 
 0.17 
 0.66 
 0.20 
 0.20 
 0.14 
 0.19 
 
 O.OI 
 O. II 
 
 1-35 
 12.00 
 0.70 
 0.16 
 0.25 
 0.15 
 
 0.51 
 0.42 
 
 0.47 
 0.38 
 0.44 
 0.48 
 0.56 
 0-5I 
 0-34 
 0.44 
 0.29 
 0.40 
 0.49 
 0-39 
 
 0.16 
 
 O.II 
 
 0.19 
 0.19 
 0.18 
 0.18 
 
 0.17 
 
 0-43 
 0.77 
 0.20 
 0.10 
 0.09 
 
 0-59 
 0.62 
 
NOTES. 
 
 1. Bowker, Plant-Food. 
 
 2. Heni-y, Feeds and Feeding. 
 
 3. Clark, Bulletin Philos. Soc, Washington, XI, 227, from Ingle, 
 Manual of Agricultural Chemistry. 
 
 4. Hinrichs, Conipt. Rend., 1900, 131, 442, from Ingle, Manual of 
 Agricultural Chemistry. 
 
 5. Halligan, Elementary Treatise on Stock Feeds and Feeding. 
 
 6. Stockbridge, Rocks and Soils. 
 
 7. Jordan, The Feeding of Animals. 
 
 8. Bulletin 201, Ohio Experiment Station. 
 
 9. Hall, Fertilizers and Manures. 
 
 10. Bulletin 91, Louisiana Experiment Station. 
 
 11. Fletcher, Soils. 
 
 12. Bulletin 47, Minnesota Experiment Station. 
 
 13. Lyon and Fippin, Soils. 
 
 14. Hall, from Whitson, Notes on Soils. 
 
 15. Loughbridge, from Lyon and Fippin, Soils. 
 
 16. Hall, The Soil. 
 
 17. Roberts, The Fertility of the Soil. 
 
 18. Snyder, Soils and Fertilizers. 
 
 19. Hopkins, Soil Fertility and Permanent Agriculture. 
 
 20. Bulletin 53, Minnesota Experiment Station. 
 
 21. Bulletin 89, Minnesota Experiment Station. 
 
 22. Bulletin 1 10, Ohio Experiment Station. 
 
 23. Yearbook, 1895, United States Department of Agriculture. 
 
 24. Aikman, Manures and Manuring. 
 
 25. Morton's Cyclopedia of Agriculture, Vol. II. 
 
 26. Made by the author. 
 
 27. Deherain, from Hall, Fertilizers and Manures. 
 
 28. Cornell Experiment Station. 
 
 29. Yearbook, 1908, United States Department of Agriculture. 
 
 30. Lanborn, Cotton-Seed Products. 
 
 31. American Fertilizer. 
 
 32. American Fertilizer Handbook, 1910. 
 
 33. Chile of To-Day. 
 
 34. Report, 1894, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
NOTES 387 
 
 35. Report, 1896, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 36. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, July, 1910. 
 
 37. Annual Report, 1899-1900, Pennsylvania State College. 
 
 38. Griffiths, Treatise on Manures. 
 
 39. Wiley, Principles and Practice of Agricultural Analysis, Vol. II. 
 
 40. Basic Slag and Its Uses, 1906. 
 
 41. Bulletin 100, Ohio Experiment Station. 
 
 42. Bulletin 68, Maryland Experiment Station. 
 
 43. Farmers' Bulletin 77, United States Department of Agriculture. 
 
 44. Bulletin 13, Florida Experiment Station. 
 
 45. Fourteenth Annual Report, Hatch Experiment Station. 
 
 46. Voorhees, First Principles of Agriculture, from Voorhees, Fertilizers. 
 
 47. Journal of the Franklin Institute. 
 
 48. Journal of the American Chemical Society. 
 
 49. Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Paris, from Wiley, Principles and 
 Practice of Agricultural Analysis, Vol. II. 
 
 50. Bulletin 1 14, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 5r. Bulletin Ij8, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 52. Potash, German Kali Syndicate, igo6, from Wiley, Principles and 
 Practice of Agricultural Analysis, Vol. II. 
 
 53. Annual Report, 1888, Hatch Experiment Station. 
 
 54. Annual Report, 1889, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 55. Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 56. Annual Report, 1902, Hatch Experiment Station. 
 
 57. Storer, Agriculture, Vol. I. 
 
 58. Bulletin 2r, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 59. Voorhees, Fertilizers. 
 
 60. Bulletin 119, Hatch Experiment Station. 
 
 61. Bulletin 163, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 62. Bulletin 124, New Jersey Experiment Station. 
 
 63. Wolff and Lehmann. 
 
 64. Handbook of Experiment Station Work. 
 
 65. Bulletin 28, Office of Public Roads. 
 
 66. Bulletin 129, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 67. Bulletin 104, Bureau of Plant Industry, United States Department of 
 Agriculture. 
 
 68. Storer, Agriculture. 
 
 69. Bulletin 30, Minnesota Experiment Station. 
 26 
 
588 SOIL FERTILITY AND FERTILIZERS 
 
 70. Bulletin 163, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 71. Annual Report, 1895, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 72. Annual Report, 1896, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 73. Annual Report, i8g8, Rhode Island Experiment Station. 
 
 74. United States Census Report. 
 
 75. Florida Experiment Station. 
 
 76. Connecticut Experiment Station Report. 
 
 77. Bulletin 99, Vermont Experiment Station. 
 
 78. Bulletin 49, Georgia Department of Agriculture. 
 
 79. Bulletin 143, Vermont Experiment Station. 
 
 80. Bulletin 140, Kentucky Experiment Station. 
 Si. Bulletin 41, Georgia Department of Agriculture. 
 
 82. Annual Report, 1906, Connecticut Experiment Station. 
 
 83. Bulletin 46, Georgia Department of Agriculture. 
 
 84. Bulletin 49, Georgia Department of Agriculture. 
 
 85. Bulletin 113, Louisiana Experiment Station. 
 
 86. Bulletin 96, Texas Experiment Station. 
 
 87. Farmers' Bulletin 388, United States Department of Agriculture. 
 
 88. Bulletin 169, Kansas Experiment Station. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 Acid phosphate, 147; color of, 158; 
 
 manufacture of, 147, 148, 149. 
 Acidity of soils, 231, 239; how to 
 
 find out when soils are acid, 
 
 231. 
 Acidity of upland soils, 238, 239, 
 
 240, 241, 242, 243. 
 Acids and bases, 13. 
 Adulteration of fertilizers, defini- 
 tion of, 268. 
 Aerobic fermentation, 65. 
 Agricultural experiment stations, 
 
 379. 
 Agricultural salt, 224. 
 Agricultural values of fertilizers, 
 
 277. 
 Air, composition of, 6. 
 Air slaked lime, 228, 231. 
 Aluminum, 5. 
 Ammonium chloride, 227. 
 Ammonium nitrate, 221. 
 Ammonium sulphate, 87 ; composi- 
 tion and availability of, 91 ; 
 
 manufacture of, 87, 88, 89, 90- 
 Anaerobic fermentation, 66. 
 Apatite, Canadian, 139. 
 Apple, fertilizer formula for, 367, 
 
 368. 
 Apricot, fertilizer formula for, 369. 
 Ashes, see wood ashes, coal ashes, 
 
 etc. 
 Ash in plants, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 
 
 per cent, of in vegetable sub- 
 stances, 15. 
 Asparagus, fertilizer formula for, 
 
 361. 
 Available phosphoric acid, 155. 
 Avocado pear, fertilizer formula 
 
 for, 372. 
 Azotin, 82. 
 
 Bacteria, number in soil, 31 ; aero- 
 bic and anaerobic, 65, (A. 
 
 Banana, fertilizer formula for, 371. 
 
 Barberries, fertilizer formula for, 
 370. 
 
 Basic slag, 140, 141, 142; phosphate, 
 14s, 146. 
 
 Bat guano, 87; analyses of, 60. 
 
 Beans, fertilizer formula for, 361. 
 
 Bedding for litter, 54; absorptive 
 power of, 55 ; kind and amount 
 used, 54. 
 
 Beet molasses ash, 198. 
 
 Beet refuse, 105, 114. 
 
 Beets, fertilizer formula for, 362. 
 
 Blackberries, fertilizer formula for, 
 370. 
 
 Blood, dried, 80. 
 
 Bone-ash, 126. 
 
 Bone-black, 125, 126. 
 
 Bone-dust, 125. 
 
 Bone-meal, raw, 123, 125 ; steamed, 
 124, 125. 
 
 Bone phosphates, 144. 
 
 Bone tankage, 127. 
 
 Bones, 123 ; mechanical composition 
 of, 125. 
 
 Brand and trade names of fer- 
 tilizers, 326. 
 
 Brick kiln ashes, 219. 
 
 Brussel sprouts, fertilizer formula 
 for, 362. 
 
 Cabbage, fertilizer formula for, 362. 
 
 Calcium, 4 ; sulphate of, 149, 244. 
 
 Calcium cyanamid, 100; composition 
 of, loi ; fertilizing value of, 
 102 ; properties of, 102. 
 
 Calcium nitrate, 98; output and 
 value, 99; process of manufac- 
 ture, 98. 
 
390 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Calculation of amounts from known 
 percentages, 318. 
 
 Calculation of percentages from 
 known amounts, 317. 
 
 Caliche, 94. 
 
 Capillary water, 29; amounts of 
 held by soils, 29 ; how to in- 
 crease upward movement of, 
 30; how to prevent loss of, 29. 
 
 Carbon, 3. 
 
 Carbonate of lime, 228, 229. 
 
 Carbonate of potash, 197. 
 
 Carbonic acid, 228. 
 
 Castor pomace, 79. 
 
 Cauliflower, fertilizer formula for. 
 362. 
 
 Celery, fertilizer formula for, 363. 
 
 Chemical analyses, interpretation 
 of, 275 ; examples of, 275, 276, 
 277. 
 
 Chemical elements, i. 
 
 Chemical symbols, i. 
 
 Cherries, fertilizer formula for, 369. 
 
 Chlorine, 5. 
 
 Coal ashes, 217. 
 
 Cocoanut, fertilizer formula for, 
 372. 
 
 Commercial fertilizers, chapter on, 
 250; approximate output of 
 fertilizer factories, 255 ; basis 
 of purchase, 259; causes for 
 large consumption, 252 ; classi- 
 fication of, 256, 257, 258, 239 ; 
 distribution of by states, 251 : 
 fertilizing materials used by 
 manufacturers, 254; how to 
 lessen use of, 253 ; ton basis, 
 260; unit system, 259. 
 
 Commercial values, 278 ; how to 
 calculate, 282. 
 
 Compost, 207. 
 
 Conversion factors, 271. 
 
 Corn, fertilizer formula for, 344 ; 
 for sweet corn, 363. 
 
 Corn cob ashes, 218. 
 
 Cotton, fertilizer formula for, 344, 
 345, 346. 
 
 Cotton-seed, yield of products from, 
 78. 
 
 Cotton-seed hull ashes, 196. 
 
 Cotton-seed meal, TJ ; commercial 
 classification of, 78, 79 ; com- 
 position of, 78 ; how manufac- 
 tured, "/■] ; value of, 79. 
 
 Cow manure, 57 ; analysis of, 57, 60. 
 
 Cucumbers, fertilizer formula for, 
 362. 
 
 Currants, fertilizer formula for, 
 370. 
 
 Denitrification, 33 ; loss of nitrogen 
 by, 40. 
 
 Diversification of crops, 42. 
 
 Double sulphate of potash and mag- 
 nesia, 188. 
 
 Double superphosphate, 157; com- 
 position of, 159. 
 
 Drainage, 29: losses from, 36. 
 
 Drainage waters, composition of, 
 
 37, 39. 
 Dry matter, composition of in 
 
 plants, 10. 
 Duck manure, composition of, 59; 
 
 produced per year, 60. 
 Egg plant, fertilizer formula for, 
 
 363- 
 
 Elements sometimes lacking in the 
 soil. 21 ; distribution of in 
 earth's crust and air, 5 ; dis- 
 tribution of mineral elements 
 in plants. II ; obtained from air 
 and water, 22 : present usually 
 in sufficient amounts, 21 ; that 
 make up plants, 10. 
 
 Ensilage, fertilizer formula for, 
 358. 
 
 Erosion, 35 ; ways to check, 35, 36. 
 
 Essential elements. 21 ; replacing of, 
 22. 
 
INDEX 
 
 391 
 
 Fallowing, 38; losses from, 39. 
 
 Farm manures, chapter on, 52; 
 amount to apply, 73; amount 
 produced by different kinds of 
 fowl, 60; analyses of, 60; 
 bacteriological effect of, 72 ; 
 benefits grass land, 72 ; care, 
 preservation and use of, 64; 
 commercial value of, 62; com- 
 position of covered and uncov- 
 ered, 69; composition of fresh 
 and rotted, 67 ; composition of 
 gases in heaps of, 66; compost- 
 ing, 67; conditions affecting 
 value of, 52; effect of fresh 
 and exposed manure on crop 
 production, 72 ; effect of during 
 dry seasons, 70, 71 ; effect on 
 kind and amount of bedding 
 used on value of, 54; effect of 
 kind of animal and kind of 
 work on value of, S3 ; effect of 
 on mangolds with other fer- 
 tilizers, 71 ; effect of leaching 
 on, 64, 6s ; effect of nature and 
 amount of feed on 61 ; fer- 
 mentations in, 6s, 66; how to 
 apply, 73 ; how to calculate 
 amount produced, 60; improves 
 the texture of soil, 71 ; influ- 
 ence of age and use of animal 
 on value of, S2 ; keep manure 
 moist, 66; kinds of manure, S2; 
 lasting effect of, 62, 63 ; phys- 
 ical effects of, 69; preserva- 
 tives, 69; prevents mechanical 
 loss by winds, 72 ; produces a 
 better moisture condition, 69 ; 
 store manure under cover, 68 ; 
 time to apply, 72; waste of, 64. 
 
 Feather waste, los. 
 
 Feed stuffs, fertilizer constituents 
 in, 382, 383, 384, 385- 
 
 Feldspar, 221, 222, 223. 
 
 Fermentations, kinds of, 65, 66. 
 
 Fertility, loss by exclusive grain 
 farming and stock farming, 49, 
 50 ; removed by farm produce, 
 48; restored by some plants, 
 247. 
 
 Fertilizers, chapter on, 2So; a few 
 remarks about, chapter on, 326; 
 agricultural values of, 277; 
 amount to use, 339; brand and 
 trade names of, 326; calcula- 
 tions on, 317, 318, 319; cheap 
 grades often demanded, 294; 
 commercial values of, 278 ; 
 comparison of grades of, 302; 
 complete analyses of 30s, 306; 
 cost of different grades, 294; 
 cost as between manufacturers, 
 301 ; cost from standpoint of 
 cost, 294; cost from standpoint 
 of value, 297 ; deterioration on 
 storage, 333; flower, 212; high, 
 medium and low grade, chapter 
 on, 292; how applied, 337; how 
 to purchase, 329; incompatibles 
 in, 334; is it profitable to use, 
 338; liquid, 212; production of 
 by packing houses, 82; rebates 
 on, 31S, 316, 317; recipes or 
 patent formulas of, 331 ; sell- 
 ing prices of, 310; tentative 
 definitions of, 268 ; time to 
 apply, 335 ; trade values of, 
 279; valuation of, chapter on, 
 
 275- 
 
 Fertilizer formulas for crops, chap- 
 ter on, 340. 
 
 Fertilizer laws, 260; comparison of 
 requirements of, 262 ; model 
 law, 264. 
 
 Fertilizer materials, low grade, 
 value of, IIS; basis of pur- 
 chase, 259; how to collect an 
 exhibit of, 380; how to mix at 
 
392 
 
 INDEX 
 
 home, 314; how to purchase, 
 314; sometimes sold on purity, 
 273; used by manufacturers, 
 254- 
 
 Figs, fertilizer formula for, 372. 
 
 Filler, 292; how to avoid paying 
 freight on, 293. 
 
 Fillerine, 114. 
 
 Fish, dry ground, 83, 127. 
 
 Fish scrap, fresh, 213. 
 
 Flax, fertilizer formula for, 353. 
 
 Flower fertilizers, 212. 
 
 Fowl manure, composition of, 59. 
 
 Garbage tankage, 107. 
 
 Gas lime, 243. 
 
 Geese manure, amount produced 
 per year, 60; composition of, 
 
 59- 
 Gooseberries, fertilizer formula for, 
 
 370. 
 
 Grape, fertilizer formula for, 370. 
 
 Grape fruit, fertilizer formula for, 
 370. 
 
 Green manures, 245 ; classes of, 
 246 ; deep rooted plants val- 
 uable, 249; leguminous crops 
 preferable for, 246; the best 
 time to grow, 249 ; the best time 
 to plow under, 248. 
 
 Guanos, how deposited, 83; nitro- 
 genous, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 ; phos- 
 phatic, 143, 144- 
 
 Guarantee of fertilizers, 270, 271, 
 272, 273 ; examples of, 273 ; fer- 
 tilizers should reach their guar- 
 antees, 330 ; interpretation of, 
 270; meaning of, 270; study the 
 guarantee, 329. 
 
 Guava, fertilizer formula for, 372. 
 
 Gypsum, 149, 244. 
 
 Hair and fur waste, 105. 
 
 Hay and grass crops, fertilizer for- 
 mula for, 359. 
 
 Hen manure, 59; analysis of, 59, 
 60. 
 
 Hog manure, 57, 58 ; analysis of, 58, 
 60. 
 
 Home mixtures, chapter on, 308; 
 acquaints the farmer with the 
 materials used, 31 1 ; analyses 
 and valuations of, 313 ; calcu- 
 lations of percentages and 
 amounts in fertilizers, 317, 318; 
 definitions, 308 ; does away with 
 the purchase of unnecessary 
 constituents, 312; examples of, 
 320 ; manufacturers allow credit, 
 309 ; manufacturers claims, 308 ; 
 mechanical condition of factory 
 and home mixed fertilizers, 
 309 ; mixed fertilizers com- 
 pounded for the crop, 309; 
 mixed fertilizers more easily 
 purchased, 309; plant food 
 obtained at a lower price, 309, 
 310; reasons for and against 
 the use of, 308. 
 
 Hops, fertilizer formula for, 353 ; 
 spent, 220. 
 
 Horn and hoof meal, steamed, 82; 
 untreated, 106. 
 
 Horse manure, 56; analysis of, 56. 
 
 Huckleberries, fertilizer formula 
 for, 370. 
 
 Humus, 17 ; effect of rotation on 
 supply of, 46. 
 
 Hydrated lime, 228, 230. 
 
 Hydrochloric acid, i. 
 
 Hydrogen, i. 
 
 Hygroscopic moisture, 8. 
 
 Incompatibles in fertilizers, 334. 
 
 Inorganic matter, 17. 
 
 Insoluble phosphoric acid, 149. 
 
 Irish potatoes, fertilizer formula 
 for, 349, 350. 
 
 Iron, 4. 
 
 Iron sulphate, 223. 
 
INDEX 
 
 393 
 
 Ivory dust, 219. 
 
 Japanese persimmons, fertilizer for- 
 mula for, 371. 
 Kainit, 182, 183, 184. 
 King crab, 83, 215. 
 Kumquats, fertilizer formula for, 
 
 369. 
 
 Lawns, fertilizer formula for, 354. 
 
 Leaching, 64. 
 
 Leather meal, dissolved, 104; raw, 
 104; treated, 104, 114. 
 
 Leather scrap ashes, 219. 
 
 Leaves for bedding, 54; composi- 
 tion of, 54. 
 
 Legumes, fertilizer formula for, 
 356. 
 
 Lemons, fertilizer formula for, 369. 
 
 Lettuce, fertilizer formula for, 362. 
 
 Lime, 228; amount in soils, 236; 
 amount to apply, 233 ; amount 
 removed by crops, 235; car- 
 bonate of, 228; decreases many 
 fungus diseases, 238; experi- 
 ments with, 232, 233, 238, 239, 
 240, 241, 242, 243; forms of, 
 228; form to use, 232; how to 
 apply, 232 ; how to find out 
 when soils need lime, 231 ; 
 mechanical action of, 236; 
 phosphates of, 149; renders 
 plant food available, 237; re- 
 sults with legumes, 234. 
 
 Limestone, 229, 230. 
 
 Lime-kiln ashes, 217. 
 
 Linseed meal, old and new process, 
 
 79- 
 Lobster shells, 214. 
 Loquats, fertilizer formula for, 369. 
 Liquid fertilizers, 212. 
 Magnesium, 5 ; carbonate of, 227 ; 
 
 sulphate of, 225. 
 Manganese, 5; salts of, 227. 
 Manures, pulverized, 213 ; see farm 
 
 manures. 
 
 Marl, 210. 
 
 Meat meal, 82. 
 
 Melons, fertilizer formula for, 362, 
 
 363- 
 
 Mineral elements in plants, distri- 
 bution of, II; occurrence of, 
 16; per cent, of in vegetable 
 substances, 15. 
 
 Miscellaneous fertilizer materials, 
 chapter on, 207. 
 
 Model fertilizer law, 264; com- 
 ments on, 266. 
 
 Mora meal, 105, 114. 
 
 Muck, 107. 
 
 Muriate of potash, 186. 
 
 Mussels, 214. 
 
 Nitrate of soda, 92, 93; composi- 
 tion and properties of, 96; 
 deposits and shipments of, 93, 
 
 94- 
 
 Nitrification, 31, 32, 33. 
 
 Nitrogen, 2 ; amounts lost on bare 
 soils and wheat land, 39; 
 amounts removed by crops, 
 38, 120; amount secured from 
 air, 248; available, 108, 109, no, 
 III, 112, 113; excessive nitro- 
 gen invites disease, 122; for 
 large crops and building up 
 the soil, 117; for soils well sup- 
 plied and long growing crops, 
 117; forms of, 75, 76; func- 
 tions of, 119; how lost from 
 the soil, 36, 37, 38, 39, 4o; 
 organisms that gather, 2, 34; 
 the fixation of, 248; utilization 
 of from air, 98; value of in 
 increasing wheat yields, 121. 
 
 Nitrogen cycle in the soil, 32. 
 
 Nitrogenous materials, high grade, 
 chapter on, 75 ; low grade, 
 chapter on, 104; availabihty of, 
 107, 113; composition of, 103; 
 field experiments with, 108; 
 
394 
 
 INDEX 
 
 for immediate results, 117; 
 kinds to use, 116; statistics of, 
 118, 119; use of low grade 
 increasing, 116; value of low 
 grade, 115; vegetation and 
 laboratory experiments with, 
 108, 109, no. III, 112, 113. 
 
 Odorless phosphate, see basic slag. 
 
 Olives, fertilizer formula for, 372. 
 
 One crop farming, effect on fer- 
 tility, 40, 41. 
 
 Onions, fertilizer formula for, 364. 
 
 Onion sets, fertilizer formula for, 
 364. 
 
 Oranges, fertilizer formula for, 369. 
 
 Organic matter, 17. 
 
 Organic nitrogen, 75, 76. 
 
 Oxygen, 2. 
 
 Pasturage, fertilizer formula for, 
 359. 
 
 Patent formulas, 331. 
 
 Peaches, fertilizer formula for, 368, 
 369. 
 
 Peanuts, fertilizer formula for, 353. 
 
 Pears, fertilizer formula for, 367, 
 368. 
 
 Peas, fertilizer formula for, 361. 
 
 Peat, 107 ; for bedding, 55 ; absorp- 
 tion of, ss; dried, 211. 
 
 Pecan, fertilizer formula for, 372. 
 
 Phosphates, chapter on, 123; 
 amounts of acid to dissolve, 
 152; amount used for manu- 
 facturing, 159; availability of, 
 14s ; available deposits of, 133 ; 
 classification of, 144; degree of 
 fineness, 146; development and 
 production of, 133 ; estimated 
 life of, 133 ; field experiments 
 with nine phosphates on limed 
 and unlimed plots, 167 to 177; 
 how they occur, 123 ; influence 
 of soil on availability of, 145 ; 
 Florida phosphates, 136; for- 
 
 eign, 134; foreign shipments 
 of, 131 ; form to use and kind 
 to use, 145; mineral, 128; 
 organic, 123; production of, 
 129, 130; South Carolina phos- 
 phates, 13s ; Tennessee phos- 
 phates, 137, 138; utilization of, 
 134; Western deposits of, 131; 
 world's production of, 132. 
 
 Phosphatic fertilizers, crop returns 
 from, 166, 167. 
 
 Phosphoric acid, 147 ; absorption of, 
 163 ; amount in soils, 160 ; 
 amount removed by crops, 160, 
 161 ; available, 155 ; difference 
 between phosphates and super- 
 phosphates, 154; difference of 
 the forms of in superphos- 
 phates, 156; effect of on barley, 
 164; effect of on wheat, 165; 
 fixation of, 162 ; functions of, 
 164 ; insoluble, 149 ; loss of, 40 ; 
 reversion of, 153; reverted, 150 ; 
 soluble, 149; value of reverted, 
 
 153- 
 
 Phosphorus, 4. 
 
 Physiological water, 8. 
 
 Pigeon manure, composition of, 59; 
 amount produced per year, 60. 
 
 Plant food, amount available in 
 soils, 21 ; amount in American 
 soils from different States, 18: 
 amount removed by crops, 19. 
 
 Plants, acids and bases in, 13; 
 amounts of water used by, 8; 
 ash in, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; ash 
 of young and mature, 16 ; com- 
 position of, 7, 10; distribution 
 of ash in, 16; dry matter of, 9; 
 elements that make up, 13 ; 
 food of, 7 ; how benefitted by 
 open soils, 28 ; how they feed, 
 7 ; must have room, 28 ; occur- 
 rence of mineral elements in. 
 
INDEX 
 
 395 
 
 1 6 require oxygen, 28; salts in, 
 13 ; variation of ash in, 13, 14, 
 IS ; variation of water in, 8 ; 
 water in young and mature, 9. 
 
 Plums, fertilizer formula for, 368. 
 
 Pineapple, fertilizer for, 371. 
 
 Potash, amounts removed by crops, 
 igg, 200; benefits legumes, 204; 
 chloride of, 186; discovery of, 
 182; effects maturity, 206; 
 effects the leaves, 205 ; favors 
 carbohydrate formation, 204 ; 
 favors seed and straw forma- 
 tion, 20s ; fixation of, 203 ; 
 forms of, 199; from organic 
 sources, 192 ; functions of, 203 ; 
 helps to neutralize plant acids, 
 206; in soils, 199; loss of, 40; 
 sometimes checks insect pests 
 and plant diseases, 206; sul- 
 phate of, 188. 
 
 Potash fertilizers, chapter on, 178; 
 materials used in, 198. 
 
 Potash-magnesia carbonate, 189. 
 
 Potash manure, high grade, 114. 
 
 Potash manure salts, 189. 
 
 Potash salts, 182; composition of, 
 190; crop producing value of, 
 201, 202, 203 ; importations of, 
 191 ; production of, 191. 
 
 Potassium, 3. 
 
 Potassium nitrate, 221. 
 
 Powder waste, 225. 
 
 Preservatives for farrti manures, 
 69. 
 
 Pulverized manures, 213. 
 
 Pumpkins, fertilizer formula for, 
 364- 
 
 Quick-lime, 228. 
 
 Radishes, fertilizer formula for, 
 364. 
 
 Rape, fertilizer formula for, 358; 
 meal of, 80. 
 
 Raspberries, fertilizer formula for, 
 370. 
 
 Rebates on fertilizers, 315, 316, 317. 
 
 Reverted phosphoric acid, 150. 
 
 Rice hull ashes, 218. 
 
 Rock phosphates, 128. 
 
 Rodunda phosphate, 139. 
 
 Roots, fertilizer formula for, 359. 
 
 Rotations, advantages of, 42; con- 
 serves moisture, 49 ; definitions 
 of, 42 ; effects of on humus 
 supply, 46; furnishes a regular 
 income, 44; furnishes feed for 
 live-stock, 44; helps check 
 insect and plant diseases, 44; 
 helps distribute farm labor, 44; 
 keeps down weeds, 43 ; legumes 
 profitable in, 43 ; make up of, 
 42; practiced in different sec- 
 tions of the United States, 47; 
 prevents losses of fertility, 45 ; 
 regulates humus supply, 46; 
 saves fertilizer expenditure, 46; 
 utilization of deep and shallow 
 rooted plants, 45; utilizes plant 
 food more evenly, 45. 
 
 Rhubarb, fertilizer formula for, 
 361. 
 
 Salt, common, 224, 225. 
 
 Salts in plants, 13. 
 
 Sawdust and shavings for bedding, 
 54, ss ; absorptive power of 
 sawdust, 55 : composition of, 55. 
 
 Scullions, fertilizer formula for, 
 364. 
 
 Scutch, 106. 
 
 Seaweed, 208, 209. 
 
 Sewage, 215, 216. 
 
 Sewage sludge, 216, 217. 
 
 Sheep manure, 58 ; analysis of, 59, 
 60. 
 
 Shoddies, etc., 106. 
 
 Shrimp waste, 215. 
 
 Silicate of potash, 221, 222, 223. 
 
396 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Silicon, 4. 
 
 Slaked lime, 228. 
 
 Sodium, 5 ; chloride of, 224 ; sul- 
 phate of, 225, 226, 227. 
 
 Soil fertility, chapter on, 17; fac- 
 tors influencing, 17; limiting 
 factors in, 23 ; loss by one crop 
 farming, 40, 41 ; loss by system 
 of farming, 49, 50; maintain- 
 ing, chapter on, 35 ; revolving 
 fund of, 18. 
 
 Soil grains, surface area of, 26. 
 
 Soiling crops, 355; scheme of, 357, 
 358. 
 
 Soils, biological condition of, 30; 
 cracking of, 2T, composition 
 of, 17; from different states, 
 18; how to determine require- 
 ments of, 320; how soil may 
 be analyzed by the farmer, 322 ; 
 inoculation of, 34; lumpy, 2T, 
 mechanical composition of, 25 ; 
 movement of water in, 29, 30 ; 
 nitrogen cycle in, 32 ; percent- 
 age of water in effected by 
 manure, 69, 70 ; plant food sup- 
 ply of, 18, 19, 20; puddling of, 
 28 ; physical condition of, 23 ; 
 relation of chemical and me- 
 chanical composition of, 27; 
 temperature of, 23, 24, 25 ; 
 thawing and freezing of, 28. 
 
 Soluble organic nitrogen, 114. 
 
 Soluble phosphoric acid, 149. 
 
 Soot, 220. 
 
 Sorghum, fertilizer formula for, 
 
 352. 3SS- 
 Spinach, fertilizer formula for, 363. 
 Squash, fertilizer formula for, 364. 
 Stable manure mixed, composition 
 
 of, 60. 
 Straw as bedding, 54; absorptive 
 
 power of, 55 : amount necessary 
 
 to absorb liquid portion of 
 
 horse manure, 56; composition 
 of, 54- 
 
 Strawberries, fertilizer formlua for, 
 36s. 
 
 Street sweepings, 221. 
 
 Sugar beet, fertilizer formula for, 
 352. 
 
 Sugar cane, fertilizer formula for, 
 348, 349. 
 
 Sulphate of potash, 188. 
 
 Sulphur, 4. 
 
 Sulphuric acid, 147; manufacture 
 of, 147- 
 
 Superphosphates, chapter on, 147; 
 composition of, 159; favoritism 
 for bone superphosphates, 157: 
 how to make at home, 159 1 
 manufacture of, 147, 148 ; names 
 applied to, 154; no free acid in, 
 158; the difference between 
 phosphates and superphos- 
 phates, 154; the difference of 
 the forms of phosphoric acid 
 in, 149, 150, 151, IS5- 
 
 Sweet potatoes, fertilizer formula 
 for, 351. 
 
 Sylvinit, 184. 
 
 Tan bark ashes, 218. 
 
 Tankage, 81 ; grades of, 81 ; varia- 
 tion in, 81. 
 
 Tartar pomace, 114. 
 
 Thomas phosphate powder, see 
 basic slag. 
 
 Tobacco, fertilizer formula for, 347, 
 348. 
 
 Tobacco stems and stalks, 194, 196. 
 
 Tomatoes, fertilizer formula for, 
 363, 364. 
 
 Total phosphoric acid, 156. 
 
 Trade values of fertilizers, 279, 280, 
 281 ; discussion of table of, 284; 
 how obtained, 280. 
 
 Tubercles, 3. 
 
INDEX 
 
 397 
 
 Turkey manure, amount produced 
 per year, 60. 
 
 Turnips, fertilizer formula for, 364. 
 
 Tygert tankage, 115. 
 
 Unit system of purchase of fer- 
 tilizers, 259. 
 
 Valuation of fertilizers, chapter on, 
 27s ; comments on, 284 ; in other 
 states, 289; objections to, 286; 
 show cost of plant food, 285 ; 
 some favor, 288. 
 
 Values, agricultural and commer- 
 
 cial, 277, 278, 289, 290, 291 ; 
 
 trade, 279. 
 Vegetable substances that furnish 
 
 nitrogen, "jy. 
 Water in plants, 7, 8, 9 ; movement 
 
 of in soils, 30; percentage of in 
 
 soils effected by manure, 70. 
 Wine residues, 198. 
 Wood ashes, 193; composition of 
 
 from different kinds of wood, 
 
 195; value of, 194. 
 Wool waste, shoddies, etc., 106; 
 
 treated, 106. 
 
SCIENTIFIC BOOKS PUBLISHED BY 
 THE CHEMICAL PUBLISHING CO., EASTON, PA. 
 
 BENEDICT— Elementary Organic Analysis. Small 8vo. Pages VI + 82. 
 IS Illustrations $1.00 
 
 BERGEY— Handbook of Practical Hygiene. Small Svo. Pages 164.. $1.50 
 
 BILTZ — The Practical Methods of Determining Molecular Weights. 
 (Translated by Jones). Small Svo. Pages VIH + 245. 44 Illus- 
 trations $2.00 
 
 BOLTON— History of the Thermometer. i2mo. Pages 96. 6 Illus- 
 trations $1.00 
 
 CAMERON— The Soil Solution, or the Nutrient Medium for Plant Growth. 
 Svo. Pages VI + 136 $1.25 
 
 COLBY— Reinforced Concrete in Europe. 8vo. Pages X + 26a.... $3-5° 
 
 EMERY— Elementary Chemistry. i2mo. Pages XIV + 666. 191 Il- 
 lustrations $'-50 
 
 ENGELHARDT— The Electrolysis of Water. Svo. Pages X + 140. 90 
 Illustrations $1.25 
 
 GILMAN — A Laboratory Outline for Determinations in Quantitative 
 
 Chemical Analysis. Pages 88 $0.90 
 
 GUILD — The Mineralogy of Arizona. Small i2mo. Pages 104. Il- 
 lustrated $1.00 
 
 HALLIGAN— Elementary Treatise on Stock Feeds and Feeding. Svo. 
 Pages VI -f 302. 24 Figures I2.50 
 
 HALLIGAN— Fertility and Fertilizer Hints. Svo. Pages VIII + 156. 12 
 Figures |i.25 
 
 HANTZSCH— Elements of Stereochemistry. (Translated by Wolf). 
 i2mo. Pages VIII + 206. 26 Figures $1.50 
 
 HARDY — Infinitesimals and Limits. Small i2mo. Paper. Pages 22. 
 6 Figures $0.20 
 
 HART— Chemistry for Beginners. Small i2mo. Vol. I. Inorganic. Pages 
 VIII + 214. 55 Illustrations, 2 Plates $1.00 
 
 HART— Chemistry for Beginners. Small i2mo. Vol. II. Pages IV -f 
 98. II Illustrations $0.50 
 
 HART — Chemistry for Beginners. Small i2mo. Vol. III. Experiments. 
 Separately. Pages 60 $0.25 
 
 HART — Second Year Chemistry. Small i2mo. Pages 165. 31 Illus- 
 trations $1.25 
 
 HART, R. N.— Welding. Svo. Pages XVI + 182. 93 Illustrations. $2.50 
 
 HEESS— Practical Methods for the Iron and Steel Works Chemist. 
 Pages 60 $1.00 
 
 HILL — Qualitative Analysis. i2mo. Pages VI + 80 Ji.oo 
 
 HINDS— Qualitative Chemical Analysis. Svo. Pages VIII + 266.. $2.00 
 
 HOWE — Inorganic Chemistry for Schools and Colleges. Svo. Pages 
 VIII + 422 $3.00 
 
 JONES — The Freezing Point, Boiling Point and Conductivity Methods. 
 12 mo. Pages VII -I- 64. 14 Illustrations $1.00 
 
 LANDOLT — The Optical Rotating Power of Organic Substances and Its 
 Practical Applications. Svo. Pages XXI -f 751. S3 Illustra- 
 tions $7-50 
 
LEAVENWORTH— Inorganic Qualitative Chemical Analysis. 8vo. Pages 
 VI + 153 $1.50 
 
 LE BLANC— The Production of Chromium and Its Compounds by the Aid 
 of the Electric Current. 8vo. Pages 122 $1.25 
 
 MASON— Notes on Qualitative Analysis. Small izmo. Pages 56 ?o.8o 
 
 MEADE — Portland Cement. 2nd Edition. 8vo. Pages X + 512. 169 
 Illustrations $4.50 
 
 MEADE—Chemists' Pocket Manual. i2mo. Pages XII + 444. 39 
 Illustrations $3.00 
 
 HOISSAN — The Electric Furnace. 8vo. Pages 10 + 305. 41 Illus- 
 trations $2.50 
 
 NIKAIDO— Beet-Sugar Making and Its Chemical Control. 8vo. Pages 
 XII + 354- 65 Illustrations $3.00 
 
 NISSENSON— The Arrangement of Electrolytic Laboratories. Svo. Pages 
 81. 52 Illustrations $1.25 
 
 NOYES — Organic Chemistry for the Laboratory. 2d Edition, revised 
 and enlarged. Svo. Pages XII + 292. 41 Illustrations $2.00 
 
 NOYES AND MULLIKEN— Laboratory Experiments on Class Reactions 
 and Identification of Organic Substances. Svo. Pages Si $0.50 
 
 PARSONS— The Chemistry and Literature of Beryllium. Svo. Pages 
 VI -f 180 $2.00 
 
 PFANHAUSER— Production of Metallic Objects Electrolytically. Svo. 
 Pages 162. 100 Illustrations $1.25 
 
 PHILLIPS— Methods for the Analysis of Ores, Pig Iron and Steel. 2nd 
 Edition. Svo. Pages VIII + I70- 3 Illustrations $1.00 
 
 SE6ER — Collected Writings of Herman August Seger. Papers on Manu- 
 facture of Pottery. 2 Vols. Large Svo $7.50 a vol. or $15.00 a set 
 
 STILLMAN— Engineering Chemistry. 4th Edition. Svo. Pages X -f 
 744. 174 Illustrations $5-00 
 
 TOWER— The Conductivity of Liquids. Svo. Pages 82. 20 Illus- 
 trations $1.50 
 
 VENABLE— The Development of the Periodic Law. Small i2mo. Pages 
 VIII + 321. Illustrated $2.50 
 
 VENABLE— The Study of the Atom. i2mo. Pages VI -f 290 $2.00 
 
 VXILTE AND GOODELL— Household Chemistry. 2nd Edition. i2mo. 
 
 Pages VI -f 190 ?i-25 
 
 WILEY— Principles and Practice of Agricultural Chemical Analysis. Vol. 
 
 I. Soils. Pages XII + 636. 55 Illustrations. 17 Plates $4.00 
 
 WILEY— Principles and Practice of Agricultural Chemical Analysis. Vol. 
 
 II Fertilizers and Insecticides. Pages 6S4. 40 Illustrations. 7 
 
 Plates ^50 
 
 WYSOR— Metallurgy, a Condensed Treatise for the use of College 
 
 Students and Any Desiring a General Knowledge of the Subject. 
 
 Patres 308. 88 Illustrations $300 
 
 WYSOR— Analysis of Metallurgical and Engineering Materials,— a 
 
 Systematic Arrangement of Laboratory Methods. Pages 82. 
 
 Illustrated ?2.oo