The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1865-10-13
AgrleuItural.
Manuring Grass Land.


tho autumn is no longer subject OF doubtful
expediency among our best farmers. Well
conducted experiments have proved that IL Is
far better 20 keep manure housed. and apply
it, as top dressing late in autumn, to grass
land. than to apply II in the spring OF the
year, even IL well rooted. Coarse barn-yard
manure applied as top-dressiug to grass
land in the spring. will not increase the crop
half as much rs the same manure would in
crease i,,were it spread evenly over the sur
face in tho fall.
The true philosophy of this matter is here.
In autumn everything tends downwards into
the earth. Grass, stubble, leaves, and allsuch
substances return back to the soil. The
temperature of tho weather grows cooler and
cooler almost every day and the various
gases in the soil do not rise to promote vege-
tation Us they do IN the spring Of the year.
Therefore when manure is applied in late au
tumn almost the entire strength Of the ma
nurc is carried down into the soil, and there
retained as food for plants until the next
spring, when the new life OF plants begins
and long and warm days increase the tsmp-
erature OF the soil; aud thus those manurial
substanccs-gases and salts--which promote
the growth Of plants. IRE brought up to the
surface Of the soil, and taken by the roots Of
whatever Is allowed to grow upon tho soil.
Blu. when the manure is spread on the sur
face Of the coil in tho spring Of the year only
email proportion Of the salts and gases OF
tho manure ever enter the soil but they are
swept away upon every breeze, almost and
wholly lost in their efhcancy on the crops OF
him who claims those substances rs his own.
A thin sprinkling Of the scraping OF the
barn.yard and sheds. applied in November
TO grass land. will often incrciss the crop to
moro than twice tho amount. This | have
often tested. and never yet known /. to tail.
On the contary have never heeu able to
preceivo but little benefit from manuring
grass late in the spring. I have now my
mind on the moving Of a neghbor who gave
ono OF his meadows heavy dressing OF good
manure last April, and watched il until the
grass was moved, and | am compelled to ac
knowledge that could perceive little or no
benefit at all arising FROM the top-dressing.
Thegrass wasvery light. yielded, as Judged.
not more than one and a half tons OF hay per
acre. Had that quantity of manure been
applied in autumn no doubt the grass would
have yielded more than three tons of hay per
acre. . H
The experience Of those who have applied
top-drcssing on their grass lands at different
periods through autum, confirms the opinion
that the earlier application is made the great
or is tho benefit received, whether il BE- for
the present crop or for inyertins the sod dnexs
spring for corn.
When applied late in summer or early in
autumn, tho manure becomes more thorough
" diiused. and gives larger amount OF
vegetable matter, rs well as loosens the soil
byl the increased growth. Farmers who
have manure now on hand will please re-
member this iac. aud aet accordingly.
Another important fact in this connection
should be borne inmind. IL is better to ap'
ply tho manure duringa drought. not only
because the manure when dry can be more
evenly spread, but the soil. being like a dry
sponge, will readily absorb all liquid manure
which the firstrain washes down into it.