Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-11-19
SIdnurcS.

!. Or ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MASUREs-
Decaying animal ana vogc,2b.o substances aro by
far the most useful class of manuros. We shall
consider The theory Of their operation, their spo-
cfc kinds, thor preservation and application to
the soil.
We have already stated as a general principle,
that no solid substance can pass into the Orga rs
Of plants in solid state. And it is equally cor
tain, that tho proper food of plants is either such
substances soluble, or such capable
Of being converted into ;eriform matter.
1t has been found by universal experienced that
animal and vegetable substances deposited in 4
soil, consumed during tho process of vegeta
ton, and they can only noursh tho plant by
nffordng Substances capable of being dissolved
by water. gaseous substances pass into :hc
atmosphere, aud therefore must produce bat Il
small effect. they soon mixed " iii the sur
rounding air. Tho. great object then, III tho np-
plication Of mnnures, should be to mako them af-
ford as much soluble matter possible to the roots
Of vegetables, in slow and gradual manner, SO
that 1t may be entirely consumed by tho plant in
forming its orgnnlzable parts.
There arc but few vegetable substances which
IN their natural state soluble therefore, thoy
must undergo some change TO fit them for the
food of plants.
lfany fresh vegetable matter which contains
sugar, mucilage. starch, or other vegetable com
pound, which is soluble in water, be moistcned
air, oxygen gas will be absorbed, and carbonic
acid gas (fxcI airy will be given out; heat will
DO generated, and then several kinds of gases will
be evolved and sour bitter dark coIored liquid
will be formed; and if tho process continue sutiici-
emily long, nothing solid will remain, except
earhy and saline matter In proportion there
moro matter soluble in water. other clrcum-
stances being equal, will the process be more
rapid. Ii is in this that all vegetable sub
81 f,r boo 81,
Hood of plants-in other words, rotted. Pure
woody fibre undcrgoes this change but slowly un.
less mixed with some substances which are very
liable TO change and rot. Every known vegeia-
bic substance may thus be reduced to othor sub
stances which soluble in water, aud therefore
may DO used manure. Animal matters are
more liable to these changes than vegetable sub
Stances: oxygen is absorbed and fixed air ammonia
thartshorn) ar given out during tho process. The
produce. is vol known. various fe,id gases,
dark-colored acid and oily liquids.
From the above consideration. 1t Is evident
'hat whenever manure consists already of mat
Ter soluble in water. it should not DO permitted
10 fermcnt. as farmers express it, it should not
Be allowed TO heat; and the only cases in which
hcsc processes can be useful, are, when the mat
ers consist principally of substances which are
not soluble in water. such wood. To prevent,
manurcs from decomposing or heating. they should
be KEEP; from water as much possible; hence
The utility Of manure sheds, which are beginning
iocomc into fashion: manuros should also be kept
as free as possible from the air. and cool. Com
mon salt and spirits it is we'll known, will pre-.
serve meat and vegetable substances. because
they attract the moisture from them and proven,
The dccomposng effects of water.
OF THE SPECIFIC KINDS OF ANIMAL AND NEGETA.
ALsE MANuRE.-The difference between tho vari-
Gus kinds of manure is of very great importance