The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1878-04-06

eAPER NO.

PAPER NO 5.
In experiments IN water culture we have seen
when any Of the essentials potash, lime. phos-
phorie acid. &e. were wanting plants could not
attain any degree Of perfection.
From this il follows that all ordinary soils natur-
ally must contain all the essentials OF plant food
otherwise they could not mature any plants al all
gredents II Is mostly In insufficient quantities, OF
else IL is in an insoluble condition and therefore
fails to produce profitable crop. When the yield
falls below remunerative crop we say the soil is
more or less exhausted, and needs the application
of some restorative manure.
Barnyard manure is the principal source 20 which
most farmers here look TO repienish their exhausted
lands, but unfortunately there is not enough of IT,
and the enterprsing farmer is forced 20 look else
where to supply what he lacks in homemade ma
nure. He naturally turns 70 the commercial ferti-
zers in the market and asks, what shall buy ?
the cash have 10 spare Brother farmers we have
all been puzzled at this question II is a difficult
question % solve but not insurmountabe. Science
is giving the solution now and IL we will only be
guided by its light we can settle this important ques-
ton TO our satisfaction.
From various investigations at experiment sta
tons in Germany. England and our own country, it
has been discovered that almost all soils contain
adequate amount of silica, chlorine and iron, for
the wants of growing plants; that lime, magnesa
and sulphuric acid are generally. though not al
Mass ssoppieu IN suIhclent quahttlss IN SOILS Inc
ingredients which are most frequently lacking in
worn out soil are nitrogen, phosphorie acid and
potash These faets, science combined with expert
ments, mas fuily demonstrated. Here then we have
the number OF essentials which we must supply 10
the soil narrowed down % three articles Now most
of the commercial fertilizers In the market in their
composition, are based upon the belief that these
ingredients, nitrogen, potash and phOsphoric acid
are the ones most needed. Hence We have super
phosphates ammoniated phOsphates potash salts
&c. When these are genuine articles they are real
fertilizers to that soil which Is deficient in the par
ticular ingredients which they furnish but not
otherwise That Is, soil rich in phosphates but
poor in potash, would not be benefited By an appl-
cation of superphosphate OF bone any equivalent
manure. II Il Is potash that is wanting we must
supply potash. IL II Is nitrogen then we must fur
nish manure TO the soil that will supply the nitro.
gen. As a striking illustration of the effects o,
different fertilizers on different soils will instance
the experiments of Prof Storer at the BusSey Insti-
tuition at Harvard University and Iaves q Giibert
OF England Lawes Gilbert i'm a series of field ex.
periments, conducted for years upon the various
grains and grasses grown in England. found potash
applications of no value TO crops there. In sum
ming up the results thirty years experience Iawes
says: The only two substances really required
IN artificial manures are LIST nitsogen ID phosphate
of lime The best possible manure for wheat bar
ley maize oats sugar cane. rice and pasture grass
IS mixture of snperphosphate of lime and nitrate
of soda Potash Is generally found in sufficient
quantities IN soils and the artificial supply is not
required
Prof storer conducted his experiments ON the
same general plan but not for 50 long a time In
giving the results of his experience he SAYS at /,
plain that the soil here and thousands OF acres In
New England needs fertilizers that are rich in pot
ash, and that under the existing condition of thing
no advantage can be gained by applying mere phOs
phatic and heterogeneous mannres to the land i
only potash enough be given 70 this soil the latter
can Of itself supply all the other ingredients thai
compose the food of plants, at least for term o.
years"
The lesson should learn from this is study the
wants of our soils When we know what is lacking
/ in our land then prepared to make an intel
| ligent selection of manure for t.
The next difficulty that hesets us Is to know wher,
20 get genuine article of fertilizer such we want
/ In some of the eastern states they have what 4
called control system, There the manufacturer oil
fertilizer is compelled to have his article analvzed
and the per cent of nitrogen. phosphoric acid pot
ash, &c, that Il contains branded upon every sach
or barrel. The seller guarantees to the buyer the
amount so represented and is liable TO prosecution
for misrepresentation. If had in this State suci
/ q control system 1t would be worth thousands o.
/ dollars 10 the farmers. IL would drive poor AM
fraudulent articles out of the market and encour
age honest dealers 70 make better articles and pro
/ greSsiye farmere TO buy more and more every wear
I BY this means the much needed regulation of the
trade in commercial fertilizers can be brought about
Brother farmers would IL not be worth an effort Z,
agiiate this matter and accomplish, If possible th
much needed reform2