Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-11-22

of planting cotton about 800 pounds to
the acre. The result is wonderful; it
is the finest crop ever grown on the
land. We had some test rows on which
we used double the amount of a 9-3-3
goods where the ammonia was from
cotton seed meal, and we can not tell
the difference. 1t seems to me thai
proper preparation of the soil. a bal
anced plant food and scientific cultiva-
ton means millions to the south.
1t is very gratifying to learn thai
the suggestions made concerning the
preparation Of a formula for your cot
ton proved so helpful. The formula used
was a very good one, though we believe
you would have secured even better
results probably from a larger applica-
ton. OF course, the use of nitrate of
soda as the only source of nitrogen is
somewhat risky. This is due to the
condition in which the nitrate is held
IN this material being Immediately
available to plants, ard therefore, moro
likely to be leached from the soil in
wet season, or on ground inclined
to be leachy. There is less danger of
Ioss' or course, on red clay land than
on some other types. and when grow
ing plants can occupy the soil they as
nitrogen which comes within the reach
of their roots. Probably you would
have found the application of nitrate
or soda more desirable than proved To
be the case this year.
Undoubtedly, better methods OF soil
cultivation and a more rational use of
fertilizers than now pertains will add
millions to the revenue of our state.
and make our people much more pros
=
! time. To advise the farmer success
fully, however, will call for an agricul-
tural survey OF the state, one feature
OF which should include a chemical soil
survey. We hope to secure funds from
the next legislature for this purpose, and
hope that every farmer in the state. for
all are interested, will call upon his rep
resentative In person, and ask him to
support this measure in order that we
may undertake this fundamental work at
the earliest possible moment With an
addition to our extension department
we will be able to put the data accu-
mulated through these Investigations be-
fore thousands Of our people.
With regard to your inquiry concerning
lime we are only able to report test
for one year. The soil on which this
experiment was made is a heavy clay
and caustic lime was used. It was
placed In small piles and covered with
earth and allowed to Stake, and then dis
tributed uniformly over the ground. We
are inclined to think that finely ground
limestone rock used at the rate of two
to three tons per acre would prove as
satisfactory in many respects as the
caustic lime, and IL should not cost
very much more, and can be applied with
much greater ease than in the caustic
form. The value of lime, of course, de-
ponds somewhat on its composition, and
one should be certain of the analysis
when purchasing. Better results will
come from the use Of finely ground lime
stone rock on soils that contain a con-
siderable quantity of vegetable matter;
for lands in very bad physical condi-
ton, like some of our heavy red clay
soils, the caustic lime will prove the
most satisfactory. When these soils are
restored by the use of green crops, how
ever caustic lime should not be used
as 1t is liable to cause a loss of a con-
siderable amount of nitrogen.
On the plat receiving no lime and no
fertilizer a yield of 1890 bushels Of corn
was secured; where 400 pounds Of acid
phosphate was used the yield was 1854
bushels. On the plat receiving lime and
no fertilizer the yield was 44.77 bushels
of corn: where 400 pounds of acid phos-
plate was used the yield was 53.65 BUSH
els. Please bear in mind that these re-
suits only cover one years test, and
may be modified by further investigation.
1t should also be remembered that the
same results might not be secured on
different soils or with other crops These
results indicate, however, a great field
Of usefulness for lime, though 1t must
be used with intelligence and discretion
for 1t can be made the means Of doing
much injury to the land.
ORGANIZING NEIGHBORHOOD
CLUBS.
w. G. NJ, Walden, Ga, writes:
would like to have all the information
you can give me in regard to organizing
neighborhood clubs, and what is your
opinion Of them?
Neighborhood clubs may be made to
serve a very useful purpose in any COM
munity, affording a degree of social life
for the rural districts which is very
helpful and beneficial as well. Probably
the best way to organize a neighborhood
club is as follows:
First determine on the number of
members desirable; then the time and
place of meeting; outline a program; Sc
cure a set of such rules and regulations
as are necessary, and you are then ready
to proceed with the development of your
plan. AS a rule, not over six to twelve
congenial families should be members of