The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1911-11-24

where the land is rolling and subject
to washing as the rye roots help to
bind the soil, and it is an easy matter
to pillow in the young rye when culti-
walton of the cane begins.
Fertilizer.
Fertilization is an important point
for a successful crop. The necessary
plant foods must be supplied in proper
proportions to get the best results.
The analysis of the sugar cane crop
shows that it is a heavy feeder on
ammonia and potash. It does not re-
difficult matter to set down a rigid
formula to be observed IN all cases.
because every farmers soil differs
from those of his neighbors in So
many ways, in moisture, or in chemi-
cal and physical conditions, that con-
siderable latitude must be allowed.
Under ordinary conditions, on soil
plowed not less than ten inches deep.
we would apply not less than one
thousand pounds per acre of a fer
tilizer analysing 8 per cent ammonia.
4 per cent phosphoric acid and 10 per
cent potash. In the application of
this fertilizer care should be exercised
70 apply it broadcast on freshly
worked soil as uniformly as possible,
and to mix it thoroughly with the soil
by harrow, weeder or cultivator. This
had better be done a week or so be-
lore the S6eu canes. Inc
composition of this fertilizer should be
along the lines of slow availability
particularly the ammonia ingredients
of it. High-grade cottonseed meal is
really the most suitable raw material
for the purpose: because, being an or
ganic fertilizer, it takes longer in
forming the necessary plant food, and
as the cane crop is a long season crop
this suits It best. The source of pot
ash should be the sulphate, because the
| chlorine in muriate and kainit Injuries
the flavor of the syrup to a certain ex-
tent. The method in general use OF
applying the fertilizer in the furrow
is not to be recommended, because in
so doing the fertilizer is all in one
place, which prevents the healthy ac-
ton of the root system of the cane
Our farmers in most cases overlook
the fact that the root system of every
crop is the foundation Oh which the
crop is made. and if the method of fer
/ tiliZer application is towards the re-
tarding OF the root system, the results
in production will not be so satisfa G
tory as If the fertilizer was broad
| casted all over the soil and thoroughly
mixed in before planting the seed cane
We therefore urge upon farmers the
necessity Of broadcasttng all the fer
| tilizer.
Planting.
When ready to plant the crop. lay
| off burrows six inches deep, six feet
apart. In these burrows plant the
! canes, cut in three to four Joint lengths
/ laying them in the furrow so as to laI
| a few inches. Cover slightly at first
I gradually working soil in to this fur
/ row in further cultivation. If the SEED
1 cane is covered deeply at first, as is
! often done, the probability of gettine
! a good stand is lessened: though {
/ deep furrow should be made, so as tt
/ insure as far as possible the deep root
/ ing of the crop. This prevents its
| blowing down in wind storms late IL
| the season, when the canes are heavy
and high winds prevail. One of the
| best tools is a weeder. run across The
rows, thus filing in the seed furrov
/ gradually. In the further cultivation
/ of the crop, shallow running tools are
! necessary, because the roots FEED
| quite close to the surface and a deer
running tool would injure them CON
! siderably. IN the first stages the
weeder is the best tool for the pur.
pose, and il an adjustable one is USED
| il can Go the work successfully all the
way through. Il, weeder is not avail.
| able, a sweep to run very shallow il
/ the next best. After the crop is hal
grown, a tap dressing Of about 20t