Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1880-04-30

velOp more Wnere IL lies, IL 10 buop osii'
we should not oblige them to huddle to-
gether in one place, but should rather en-
courage them to spread around, where,
with the increased capacity the fertilizer
gives them, they can get the more from
the soil. Roots Join with other natural
agents in rendering inert stores OF plant
food available
Above all, do not let the fertilizers
come too close to the seed. A coarse, di-
lutte material like yard manure may dc
the plants no harm, but such concentra-
ted fertilizers as guano, potash salts.
dried blood, or high grade superphos-
pilates may kill them"
Some of the best results in the expert
ments have come where the fertilizer
were spread broadcast over a space
eighteen inches or two feet wide along
the row. If they are to be put in the hill
or drill they ought to be first mired ~ith
three or four times their bulk Of mettow
earth. Ii the latter is rich in vegetable
mould, SO much the better. Moist saw
dust or muck may be used in place OF
the earth, if more convenient.
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Mr.. d. b. Wheelock. of Barre, has
Joined with neighbor in buying sulphste
of ammonia, superphosphate and mu-
riate of potash. They inquire:
l. "Is any other chemical needed with
these ?" Answer, no. These furnish
nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash
and make complete fertilizer" But
unless you have found that your soil
wants all of these ingredients you may
be using some at loss.
9. "Shall We apply them separately or
mixed ?" As is most convenient. Pro-
badly labor will be saved by mixing we'll
upon the barn floor before applying.
Only if large amount of the potash salt
is to be used it would be well to apply
it some weeks or months before the seed
Is put in, so that it may get well diffused
through the soil.
3. "How much Of each shall we use
per acre." As said above, 100 to 15O
pounds of sulphate of ammonia, 200 to
400 pounds superphosphate and 100
to 200 pounds muriate of potash. are fair
amounts. Use more if the soil is run
down than if it is in good condition, and
less of such material when all are applied
together than if it were used alone. For
grain crops, let nitrogen and phosphorio
acid, sulphate of ammonia and super
phosphate, predominant for corn. use
phosphoric acid and potash freely, and
little if any nitrogen for potatoes all
three literally.
4. Would it be we'll to mix all with
plaster, muck or earth ?" Yes, if conve-
nient. especially if You apply in the hill
OF drill. Plaster is well, if cheap and
your experience promises profit. Muck
is excellent if well weathered and dry.
Otherwise good mellow earth to dilute
the fertilizers.
Mr.. Wheelock' plan OF clubbing with
his neighbor, buying the materials and
mixing them is very sensible. They get
them probably for 20 per cent less than
they would cost mixed in complete fer
tilizers;" :" by purchasing in large amounts
they get some discount, and if they pay
cash, still more and finally they know
what they are about, can mix at dis
cretior, and use with profit.
s--A questions 81 fhsse are very pertinent and
Assist the writer in making his directions cirar
practical Inquiries addressed to mo will be for
waried for answer N. ii. BUCEHAn.