The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-11-17
Ghe 8armer,
A New Idea in Farming.
From the philadelphia Record.

fTOm lne InlhthtlElihh hSSoAN'
A German chemist, Her Hensel, has
startled the European farmers by the bold
claim that stone meal natural rocks ground
to minute fneness) is superior to all other
substances as a fertilizer, and he even at
tacks the use of manure and fertilizers as
being the sources of nearly all diseases
among the human family as well as among
animals. Although his theory is not ac-
cepted by many, and is yet to be given
greater tests, it is not out of place to pre-
sent his views for the information of those
who may be interested. 1t may be stated,
also. that he has succeeded in attracting
the attention of the leading agricultural
associations Of Germany to his theory, and
tests have also corroborated his claims, stone
meal having given better results than ma
nure or artificial fertilizers.
Hensel claims Gas is well KNOWN that
the disintegrated primary rocks contain
more or less of potash, soda, lime, magne-
sia, iron, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid,
chlorine, fuorine, silica and alumina and
that our soils are composed of such, the
earthly material from the primary rocks,
associated with gypsum and lime, in COM
bination with water and the atmosphere,
under the influence of the warmth and
light of the sun, producing the plants which
nourish man and beast. He states that
the ashes of plants show about as much
potash and-soda as lime and magnesia, and
that potash and soda are not only inter-
changeable but may also be replaced in
most plants to considerable extent by lime
and maenesia, which new theory he proves
by witnesses who have tested for the pur-
pose of demonstrating it as fact. He
also asserts that hydro carbons, through
the adiunction of earth and ammonia, be-
come albumen, and that albumen easily
undergoes a change into fat, as may be
seen in cheese, and as the meat OF the ham
passes into fat.
1t may be further surprise to be in
formed that it is unnecessary to apply nj
trogen in any form to the soil, but Hensel
asserts that nitrogen in the form of carbo-
nate is injurious to plants, and is unneces-
sary in the soil if the soil contains a sufii-
cheney of fixed basic substances (alkalies
and alkaline earths, as plants will easily
procure the needed nitrogen from the at
mosphere. He refutes the supposition that
stone meal is not soluble by referring to
the use of silica by plants, which is one of
the most insoluble substances entering into
the composition of plants, yet there is no
plant food which is more plentiful, or more
easily appropriated by plants, than silica,
and there is not root, a stem, leaf, or
fruit which does not contain silicie acid.
1t is claimed by Hensel that if farmers,
instead of removing their stones and rocks,
will grind them to an impalpable powder,
by heating the rocks and then breaking
them so as to easily grind them, will apply
from 500 to 1000 pounds per acre Cor
more, thus adding to the original soil, the
crops will be more abundant and of better
quality than when fertilizers are used, while
the cost will be much less. As these sub
stances are plentiful they are within the
reach of all. He admits that farmers will
receive his theory (Which, however, he
claims is not theory, but fact) with
doubt, but he calls upon them to test it for
themselves on small plot, by the side of
MANFRED land or on land to which ferti-
lizers have been applied, and satisfy them
selves without cost, or with but little ex-
pense. The views of Hensel cannot be
given fully on limited space, but the
above is presented for consideration of those
interested.