Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1867-01-24

The above analysis proves that Pacific Guano
| is very valuable fertilizer.
1t contains in the first place, supply of organ
ic matter, which, in the course of decomposition,
evolves considerable quantity of ammonia, as
well the organic acids which act solvents of
the mineral salts There is therefore continuous
| supply of both these important classes of agents
during the entire cou Sc of decomposition. 1t is
we'll known that the tendency of ammonia is to
promote vigorous growth, especially of the
woody fibre and the structure materials of the
plant. We have then, in this ingredient of the
manure under examination, the means of promo
ting q rapid development Of the plant at the COM
mencement of the season.
Such development, however, if unsupported
by sufficient mineral matter, is apt to bring about
loose, watery stalk, which is unable to resist the
early droughts of a Southern summer. Recent
experiments have shown this tendency On the part
of ammOnacal manures to increase the quantity
of water in stems and leaves. This difficulty is
remedied by the second notable constituent of this
Guano the soluble phosphoric acid existing in
the form of bi.pho>phate of lime. Intimately
mingled with the b-phosphate is the sulphate of
the same base which supplies lime in q soluble
form and in abundant quantity to the growing
plant Now phOsphoric acid, whether in free
state or in its soluble salts, has decided influence
in forcing growth, while at the same time, it fur
nishes inorganic nutriment. A combination of
ammonia and soluble phosphate may therefore be
expected not only to hasten more active growth,
but also to give vigor and solidity to the stem,
and, to that extent, to protect the plant against
the effects of drought. The other soluble ele-
ments of vegetable food present in this fertilizer
still further invigorate the growing crop.
1t is however, the fate of all soluble manures
rapidly to exhaust themselves. The greater their
solublity, the shorter their action. A manure,
then, which is intended for general use, should
have reserve fund of less soluble constituents,
which can be drawn on during the whole growing
season. This is found in the bone phosphate of
lime which is here present in sufficient quantity,
not only for the demands of the CROP but also for
a store of phosphoric acid to be accumulated in
the soil for future
A soluble phosphate is speedily disposed of.
1t is either appropriated by plants. decomposed
by the soil, or washed down into the subsoil by
rains. Its influence, therefore, can only be fully
exerted during the early stages of the develop
ment of the crop. A bone phosphate, if init
matelv mingled with abundance of animal mat
ter, is gradually brought into solution long
there are any organic compounds to decompose
into solvents and the more intimate the admix-
ture the more complete and thorough will be this
solution. A manure, therefore, which contains q
soluble phosphate only, will act for but short
time ut the beginning Of the growing season.
One containing nothing but bone phosphate and
organic matter will too slow for the demands
of the plant. The needful amount of phosphOric
acid is furnished too grudgingly to the crop, and
while the soil is permanently improved, little or
immediate advantage is derived by the farmer.
The combination of the two leaves nothing to be
desired as medium of supplying this necessary
element Of fertility.
A SNowDEN PIGGor, M. D.,
AnaiWicak and Consulting Chemist.