Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-04-24
Fertilizing Sweet
Corn Properly

OIOAOs AHIlI Goa bGW AALO VI
work is being started among the
farmers Of Maine by the Extension
Service announces A. K. Gardner.
crops specialist. That is the hold
ing Of demonstrations to teach the
proper method of fertilizing sweet
corn.
Names sweet corn industry is one
of the most important of agricultur-
al enterprises and at the same time
is increasing year by year. The
quality of Maine sweet corn Is
known everywhere. For the better
ment of this industry these new
demonstrations are being held in all
parts of Maine where corn is grown.
In speaking of the importance
of fertilizer for sweet corn, Mr..
Gardner says, Economical fertiliza-
ton of sweet corn involves the use
of manure and chemical fertilizers.
When manure is not available
chemical fertilizers may be substi-
tuted but manure should never be
used alone.
Ammonia, phosphoric acid and
potash should be added to the soil
supply which is inadequate to ans
wer the needs of the crop.
Ammonia is needed to insure rapid
grown, phosphoric acid Is needed
for rapid termination of the seed
and to hasten maturity and potash
is needed to develop high and de-
sirable sugar content.
Manure carries all three ele-
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acid in proportion to its ammonia
and potash. The ammonia is often
of too slow acting or too slowly
available to insure a rapid early
growth. When quickly available
ammonia and phosphoric acid is
added to manure very satisfactory
corn fertilizer is secured.
Most soils contains sufficient lime
for the needs Of the corn plant
which unlike legumes (clover.
alfalfa, soybeans) does not suffer in
medium acid soils.
water is a controlling factor In
profitable production of corn. From
a half to a barrel of water is evap-
Grated from single plant during a
growing season. Provided the soil
is deep and we'll supplied with
organic matter (rotted vegetable
and animal refuse) water is retained
else it Is lost in drainage or evapor-
alton. Manure is thus important to
corn in rendering the soil more re-
tentive of water.
weeds are also a limiting factor.
They steal plant food from the corn
and water as we'll Little or no corn
can develop If weeds are uncontrol-
led. Cultivation is worth more
from the standpoint of weed control
than from conservation of moisture
and should be so considered.
Materials to Use
IF manure is used supplements
may be either chemicals or mixed
goods. Chemicals have the advant-
age of known content. Nitrate of
soda and acid phosphate represent
desirable supplements in chemicals.
A 4-16-4. 3-12-3 and 2-12-4 are
suggested in mixed goods. There
should be an excess proportion of
phosphoric acid.
IF manure is not available the
nitrate of soda and acid phosphate
should be further supplemented with
muriate of potash, possibly sulphate
of ammonia and high grade tank
age or slow acting source of am
a 4-10-3 should answer for mixed
goods. The 5-10-5 will unquestion-
ably be the cheapest source.
Time of Application
Manure is commonly plowed
under for corn, preferably in the
fall. Part plowed under and part on
top will probably be less subject to
seasonal variations. With chemical
supplements some acid phosphate
should be added to the manure in
the spreader if the manure is APP
piled in the spring. Part of the
chemicals or mixed goods should be
broadcasted just before planting and
part (not over 400 lbs. per acre.
applied with the planter. One hun
dred pounds of nitrate may be APP
piled two to three weeks before
corn silks to hasten maturity"