The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1894-09-27

INV AlOo PlAaSC Ndo OSCO A4N0S. y ouu OOJ
at the rate of $40 pounds per acre. Di-
rectly compared with these two plats
were Nos. 8 and 80, with same amount
of Acid Phosphate. The two plats on
which Soft Phosphate was used gave
the best results in the entire list. to-wit:
A yield of green vines at the rate of
1876 pounds per acre, as the average
for the two platS, and 1905 bushels of
peas per acre; while the acid Phosphate
plats gave yieid per acre Of vines
amounting to 1876 pounds EXACTLY the
same as the yield for the Soft Phosphate
plats), but in peas the yield was only
IA. 10 bushels.
When the economic results were con-
sidered, the cost of the fertilizers form
ing the basis for calculation, the differ
ence was even more marked, resulting
IN an average profit per acre on the
Soft Phosphate plats of $1056 in peas,
and $25.07 in vines; while the Acid
Phosphate plats yielded profit of only
s.. ~ in peas and $22. 70 in vines.
These results led us to remark on
page 81: IAN unexpected result also
follows the use of Florida Soft Phos-
battle-ground rock untreated with
acid-and hence presume bly, holding its
phosphorus in a form less available for
speedy assimilation" And again on
page 1922 1T is to be regretted, in view
of the remarkable and unexpected re-
suits shown for Florida Soft Phosphate
that one ration $50 pounds) of this form
of phosphate was not used for purposes
of comparison with the single ration of
Acid Phosphate, as it is possible that the
double ration, like that of Acid Phos-
phate, overtops its maximum availa-
bility. A more extended test will be
made the next season. Meanwhile,
Soft Phosphate may be classed very
promising"
For 1894, therefore. elaborate schemes
were prepared for testing Soft Phos-
phate, and it has been pitted against
fAcid Phosphate in every conceivable
way, both separately and in combina-
ton with ammonia and potash. The
tests cover the three crops of Cow Peas,
Sweet Potatoes and Cotton.
1t is somewhat premature at this early
day-September Ito predict results,
and, indeed, for Sweet Potatoes and Cot
ton they are as yet not coAjecturable.
For Cow Peas, however, the result is
measurably clear. The tests for vines
have all been concluded and weights
ascertained. In every instance, whether
separately or in combination with other
elements of plant food, the Soft Phos-
phate plats fall behind the Acid Phos-
phate plats. In many instances badly
behind, hardly reaching so per cent. of
the yield of their rivals AS the yield
of peas has been found to parallel in
nearly every case the yield Of vines, the
general result for the Cow Pea CROP may
be considered pretty definitely ascer-
tanned. A few weeks will of course give
absolute results.
These details have been considered
necessary by reason Of the fact that we
have received many inquiries from Vir-
ginia and Maryland from parties who
have been misled by a circular issued
from Alexandria, Va. in the interest of
compound called Natural Plant
Food" the basis of which is stated to be
Soft Phosphate This circular, whether
Intentionally or not we are unable to
say, seriously distorts the facts relating
to our experiment with Soft Phosphate
as set forth in Bulletin No. 23, and is
calculated to do great deal of harm to
the unsuspecting public. "One swal-
low does not make summer" nor is
one experiment conclusive. We are en-
tirely unable as yet to explain the re.
suits of our 1898 experiment with Soft
Phosphate, which at the time we char
acterized as remarkable and upex-
pected." It is certain that the Soft
Phosphate, which last year we were in
duced to classify as very promising
can with equal propriety be this year
| styled very unpromising," and this,
too, after season unusually favora BILE
by reason of constant rains, to the Soft
/ Phosphate. Perhaps this fall, after the
results of the three crops of Corn, Pota,
! toes and Peas are tabulated, the explain.
alton and final decision may appear
more clear and definite.