Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-02-09

from Rabun county. This soil contained
$500. pounds Of nitrogen, 1000 pounds of
phosphoric acid, 1880 pounds OF potash
and 1900 pounds of lime. Fifty to 100
years of cultivation has undoubtedly re-
duced a number of our soils once as
rich as those Of Rabun county to the
condition indicated by some of the
analyses quoted 1t is not surprising that
when our soils were in virgin condition
that the use of fertilizers was not
considered essential. 1t is equally certain
that many of our soils can not now be
farmed advanta geously without the use
Of liberal applications of plant food.
To some 1t may seem strange that
formulas containing to per cent Of
nitrogen, to 8 per cent of phosphorio
acid and to per cent Of potash are
advocated for a number of north Geor-
gia soils. 1t should not be forgotten,
however, that while a few of these soils
compare favorably with the requirements
of a normal soil and several of them
would be ranked as fair soils with re-
gard to the total food supply, that the
application of the formula mentioned has
proven profitable for the simple reason
that our soils are in bad physical condi-
ton, and the method of blowing followed,
coupled with a failure to rotate crops
and the practice of clean cultivation
have not been calculated to set free in
the proportion needed by crops the plant
food elements which the soil nat lrally
contains. The data bear out and en-
phasize the necessity of putting the soil
in proper relation to the plant, as al
ready discussed. The intelligent and sue
cessful use of fertilizers is based on a
better knowledge of the soil and its
more caref IL and thorough preparation
and cultivation. Crop rotation and diver
ufH essential
economic welfare of the farmer, but for
the building up of his soil so that he
may secure the proper benefit from the
large amount Of CONNIE 'cial plant food
which he must inevitably use TO supply
the natural deficiency of his soil In
plant food materials.
In the northwestern part of Georgia the
soils contain more or less lime and some
Of those examined are quite we'll supplied
with all the essential elements of plant
food. There is much variation, however,
in the composition Of the soils Of this
section Of the state, but most of them
are so deficient in lime as those in the
areas described and they are also more
literally supplied with phosphorus and
potash. In Barlow county, for instance,
a red clay was found to contain $500
pounds of nitrogen, 1000 pounds of phos-
phoric hcid. $4,000 pounds of potash and
10 400 pounds of lime In Catoosa coun-
ty a dolomite soil contained 2,400 pounds
of nitrigen, $500 pounds of phosphoric
acid, $500 pounds of potash and 5000
pounds Of lime. These soils would be
classed as fair soils with the exception
of potash and lime in the case OF the
Barlow soil. They should ordinarily be
benefited by applications of fertilizer
ranging in composition from an 1929 to
9-3-4. The necessity of using high per-
centagel formulas on most Georgia soils
is therefore not based on theory, but in
part on deductions made from an exam
ination of the soil. The advisability of
using the formulas suggested is borne
out by the experience of practical farm
ers.