The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-20
The Soil and Potatoes.

Philadelphia Record.
Farmers are familiar with the various
methods Of planting potatoes for they are
grown not only in eN cry section OF this
country, but over nearly the whole civilized
world. They are the best of all crops
yielding largely. and also being among the
standard articles of food. So familiar are
farmers with the growing ofapotatoes that
they have been content TO put them In the
ground with a single manuring and good
cultivation, trusting to the favorable season
and proficiency of the manure for a bounti-
full harvest. But the potato. like every
thing else, has its choice of food. There is
time in its cultivation when even manure
will not make good crop of potatoes. but
that Is owing to the quality and condition
OF the manure: An application of fresh
manure may injure the tubers. 1t must be
well and thoroughly rotted, in fine condition
and carefully applied.
Potash IS the principal plant food pre-
ferred by the potato crop, and phosphoric
acid is likewise an indispensable necessity;
that IL, so far tubers are concerned
But the tops are also ito be made, for with
out good growth of vine the difficulty of
producing a large yield of tubers will be
increased, potash existing largely in the
vines. The manure, as stated should be
well rotted, as In that condition 1t becomes
more available as plant food. Fresh ma
nure. as all should know, interferes with
the keeping qualities of the tubers en-
rendering disease and decay, not only while
lney dTe IN the ground ana growing. but
also after being harvested and stored away.
Chemical fertilizers are better for potatoes
than for any other crop, as such fertilizers
are surer and cheaper i'm the end and fur
nish better quality of tubers. For an acre
or potatoes a fair proportion would be
about 20 pounds nitrate OF soda 200 pounds
muriate of potash and 200 pounds super
phosphate; but these proportions must be
varied to suit the soil. If the soil is fertile
less quantities will suffice and in other
cases the nitrate might be increased, if
\,
casted on the surface. after the land has
been made ready, and after the potatoes
have been covered up. Then go over all
with a light harrow, and before the Young
plants are very high healthy appearance
will denote the telling effects of the fer
tiliZer but the use of fertilizer i'm the hills
or rows is preferred by many Before
planting the tubers cut and roll them in
plaster. Cut a week before planting and
they will sprout the sooner for il. In using
Paris green for the bugs let it be mixed
with plaster Wood ashes may also be used
literally on potatoes, broadcasted over the
surface. Keep down the grass and weeds.
as they rob the potatoes of moisture in the
dry times. Give plenty of room to each
plant in which to grow, and keep the Gull
tieator busy.
Manure that has been well decomposed
can be used in connection with ashes. pot
ash salts, Underground bone or super
phosphate. Potatoes are very different to
their mode of growth from corn, and are
expected to keep we'll during the winter. 1t
is not necessary to mention how and when
potatoes should be planted in a detailed
manner, for every farmers experience has
taught him how such work should be per
formed, but there are certainly methods
OF manuring that have been in custom for
years which would be changed entirely if
the farmer would consider the needs and
requirements of his crop while il is ex-
pected 10 produce what he wishes The
surest plan, then, is to experiment on small
plots in several ways and each grower
will then better understand the condition
of his soil. Formerly ii was supposed that
an applca ton of lime would benefit the
potato crop. but in recent years il has
been discovered that lime favors the condi-
tions for scab and that TO avoid disease
care should be exercised in procuring seed
from locality free from diseases affecting
the potato crop. while ii is also an adj
vantage to change TO a new location for
potatoes every year.