The Middlebury people's press. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1841-1843, 1843-06-21

About the same time, the proprietor of field
on the opposite side of the lane, and above
the land of Mr.. T., commenced gardening
on a large scale, and formed an immense bed
of campost in the lane. This heap was
made up of animal and vegetable matters,
and from receiving constant additions is con-
titiually undergoing fermentation, and the
gases and vapors emanating from 1t are al
ways perceptible. Four years ago Mr.. T .
observed, that in some inexplicable way, his
land had become so fertile as to induce him
TO dispense with the use of manure, he has
not since used it, and is now fully persuaded
that its fertility is owing 10 certain vapors
arising from the heap and then defending on
his land. None of the soluble matters of the
heap are carried to Mr. T.'s field, no manure
has been applied, aud its fertility continue
ed."-.9ppendir to Liebie, %. 500.
.. Plaster has been observed to produce
but slight effects upon old, dry and hide
bound meadows. Says Liebig, (p. S7,l
g Water is absolutely necessary to effect
the decomposition of gypsum, and also to
assist in the absorption of the sulphate of
ammonia by the plants: hence it happens
that gypsum is not observable on dry fields
and meadows" To which may be adde d,
that but small quantity ofputrescent matter
existing IN such cases, the exhalations are
inconsderable {; and what is deposited from
the atmosphere by dews cannot be absobed by
the soil in consequence of its compact, i'm
penetrable surface. On old, and even dry
pasture lands, the effect is much greater,
there being ever present on their surface, a
portion of manure to serve as a basis for its
action.
a. 1t has been universally observed that
the most striking effect of plaster is on the
clover crop. Reason Red clover contains
double the quantity of nitrogen that common
hay does:"-Gray, p. 1853.
D. 1t has occurred in the experience of
different farmers, that where one part of the
field is sown with plaster Immediately before
thunder shower, and another directly after
the same shower, the portion sown first was
benefited IN far higher degree than the 9TH
er. Reason" Rain water must, at all
times, contain ammonia. though not always
IN equal quantity. Ii must be greater in
summer than in spring or winter, because
the intervals of time between the showers
are greater. The rain of a thunder show
er after long protracIed drouth contains the
greatest quantity which is conveyed TO the
earth at any one time. ''-Liebg. D. IS.
g. Considering the beneficial effects of
plaster at large, it has been observed that
they depend, in general, not so much on any
peculiarly IN the location, or composition of
soils, as on those physical conditions which
render the surface ofthe soil an easy medium
for the transition of soluble matter: all of
which must 60 to corroborate the theory in
question.
From the views thus presented, we are led |
to infer
/. That the atmosphere is an inexhaustible |
source of food for plants. 2. That the most |
available agent for securing the benefit of |
this food to plants is plaster. 8. That view
ed in this light, the value of plaster in agri- |
culture can hardly be over-rated. 4. Then
1t may be safely recommended Tor general |
use on all soils containing a portion of fer |
mentative matters, and not so compact or |
wet, as TO prevent tke process of exhalalion
AMI absorption. 8. That il should be ap-
piled to the surface of the soil, or at least |
within the influence of the atmosphere. |
That 1t should he sown at an early date in |
the season, before the period of the most |
dews and exhalations has COM |
menced. 7. That it should always accom- |
pany .manures used as top dressing, or on |
ly slightly buried in the soil: and 8. That |
il should be literally employed about our
barnyards, stables, vaults, manure heaps, |
compost beds, S-c.-not however in compost !
under the supposition that it will hasten the |
fermentation of the mass. "Davy has re-
futed this opinion by direct experiment pla- |
cling it beyond a doubt, that the mixture of !
plaster with manures, whether animal or |
vegetable, does not facilitate decomposition"
-Chaptal, p. "a.
The proper quantity to be used when sown |
broadcast upon the field, has been decided |
by experience, as also by chemical science,
to be frcm ore to one and a half bushels per |
acre.