Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-28
Application of ManureS,

When 1t was the prevailing opinion that
it required but little more than strong
physical powers to till the soil successfully.
manures were applied without much
thought us to how or what portion of them
would be taken up by the growing crop,
but since it has been found that the profits
of farming depend mainly on how the
physical forces are directed by the mental
powers, we find it necessary to inquire
how plants grow, and where and when to
apply manure SO as to produce the best
results, The old custom of our grandGath-
ers of blowing in one-half of the manure,
and placing the other half in the drill, is
found by modern experience to be II
wastelul practice. That which is plow-
ed under lies undisturbed through the
season, and most of it fails to produce on
the soil that action necessary TO prepare it
to receive the growing roots, and but
small portion of it enters into that soluble
state required 10 furnish food to growing
plants. That which is placed in the hill
also lies undisturbed, and unless fine and
well decomposed is al unfit substance for
the growing roots to pass through and in
dry seasons is oftentimes positively in
furious. The land, to be in proper
condition to produce luXuriant growth
of vegetation, should be well pulverized
and full of fine rich particles, containing
plant food.
Modern experience has demonstrated
that the principal portion of the manure
should be applied where it will be stirred
and mixed with the soil every time the
crop is cultivated; this produces chemi-
cal action which lightens the soil and also
prepares Il material which is soluble, and
which the first rain will change TO just the
right material for growing plants.
Formerly it was supposed to be a great
waste to apply manure to the surface and
leave it exposed to the action of the sun
and air; but carfully tried experiments
show that manure spread on the surface
in the autumn is quite as beneficial us if
plowed in as soon as applied.
While for various reasons it is undoubt-
edly best, as Il rule, to apply most Of the
manure near the surface before planting
in gardens, it is very beneficial to apply
fine rich fertilizers to running vines at the
first and second hoeings a small quantity
Of well pulverized but not too strong ferti-
lizer may be applied in the hill to advant-
age, but the principal portion of all fertii
zers for hoed crops should be put on the
surface and narrowed in; by so doing it
will be placed in Il position where it will
be within the reach of the cultiyator and
the hoe, during the first part OF the season,
and when the ground is covered with
vegetation and cultivation ceases, the soil
is light and porous and in good condition
TO receive the growing roots, and the
manure has passed through that change
which prepares it for plant feed bat if
the manure is applied in Il manner so that
it remains undisturbcd during the season,
the ground will bake and dry hard, and
when cultivated break up in Jumps; then
the ground is unfit for growing crops both
on the surface where no manure is found
and below the point of cultivation where
the manure lies undisturbed and in too
crude state to assist the growth of plants.
1t was formerly believed that manure
caused the soil TO dry up but now intclli-
gent farmers have learned that large
quantities may be applied, so to keep the
land in better condition to retain moist
ure than if none is applied. Every year
is bringing to light new ideas in regard
to the application of manures; there can
be but little doubt that there are yet many
important facts 10 learn.
Farmers should observe closely the
results of the different methods, and by
experiments Of their own satisfy them
selves what method is best for their partic-
ular soil. We do not only need to know
how it is best TO apply fertilizers, but we
should also know the best time to apply
them to the various crops; this can only
be done by study, by careful observation
and repeated experiments covering 4
series of years. While it is well to consult
the opinion of others, we must not close
our eyes TO the practical lessons which
can be learned upon our own farms.
Massachusetts R0uqtnid9.