The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1881-02-17

During the past few years there has
been much discussion among agricultural
writer's in regard to the application of
manure. Some have contended that 1t
should be buried in the soil in order to
prevent wastage, us we'll as to induce the
roots of plants to penetrate the earth to
a considerable distance. On the other
hand, many have contended that it should
he applied to the surface, where it will be
dissolved by the rain, and carried down
to the roots of the plants. The latter
hold that the manure that is not dissolved
remains on the surface and forms an ad-
mirahIe mulch. From time to time ac-
counts have been published showing the
superior advantages of applying manure
in both Of these ways. As is usually the
ease where experiments are performed
with a view Of establishing theory,
there was apparently conclusive evidence
that each method of applying manure
was productive of the best results.
The truth is, however, no general rule
can he given inregard to the best method
OF applying manure Whether it should
BE- uuried under the soil rs turned by the
i'RN t4iN w 'l tNAVN III l4Jt oOll DN iICbllS VI
q blow, cultiyat0r or harrow, OF spread
broadcast over the surface, will depend
partly on the character Of the soil and
partly ON the condition of the manure it.
SELF II the soil is quite compact. as is
the ease with those largely composed of
clay, and the manure is coarse as that
pitched from a barn yard in the spring,
there should be To question about the
l4funoT ot application 10 spread the
manure on the surface would result in
very littlc good, 1t needs to be rotted
helore it will help sustain plant growth,
and ii will rot to the best advantage if
covered quite deep in the soil If left on
the surface the soluble portion would
WASH away and the remainder remain to
hecaa Try 10y the sun and wind.
Compact soils are mechanically benefit
rd ol mixing any kind of manure with
Them. and the coalseT the manure the
greater viii be the benefits resulting. BY
Introducing ANY sort OF porous substances
into clayey soils means is afforded for
The cir ulation 0f the air, which helps de
rlmpo9e the soil and aids in rotting the
Substances that are introduced. \ sur
'ace dressing of amy kind is of very little
aQ vantage to "a claNey or other compact
~a.l During protracted rain the ma
mare VIII Tee iedched and the soluble por-
tuuS washed oJ1. Daring season ot
arouJh the manGre viii become very dry,
and portions d il wilt blow away The
best csaits. chemical as we'll as mechan-
iCaI, accordingly, follow Incorporating
manure with clayey or other compact
soils
a 1;,rl l..
ever the reverse is the ease. When the
ground is already toe loose pains should
he taken 10 render it more compact, if
possible. by applying manure to the
surface 0t these soils the best results are
secured. and no mechanical injury is pro-
dGcrd Is the manure is ltached by the
ldius AL the s0luble portions are carried
directly to The roots Of the plants. There
is uu danger Of their being washed away
Ihv portions that remain on the surface
are ol great value in forming d mulch
Light soils derive advantage from a
mulch which prevents 4 too rapid eyapo-
ration Of water. and which serves to keep
the ground permanently moist. BY de-
-Iec~ The portions Of the manure that do
not dissolve become rotted and aid in
rendering the soil more compact.
some special manureS should always be
applied to the surface. Among these are
salt and ashes, In the great majority Of
eases II is best 10 apply land plaster and
lime to the surface, For most soils it is
best to cover fine barn ward or stable
manure as we'll as the artificial fertilizers
slightly. On newly-plowed land they
may be scattered over the surface and the
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