98 Agricultural Experiment Station, Itpaca, N. Y. 



To this amount should be added something for freight, mixing and 

 commissions. 



The application of these prices is intended to afford a means for 

 comparing the value of plant food derived from different sources 

 rather than the producing value of any particular brand of commercial 

 fertilizers. 



In a general way the following rules may be of some aid in apply- 

 ing plant food under ordinary conditions: 



Reclaimed lowland rich in vegetable matter is likely to be rich in 

 nitrogen but deficient in phosphoric acid. 



Well drained highland, particularly on exposed locations, is more 

 likely to be deficient in nitrogen than phosphoric acid. 



Where crops have made a small growth of leaf or stalk, under other- 

 wise favorable conditions, i.itrogen is likely to be deficient in the soil. 



A large yield of plump, bright grain from a small or moderate 

 growth of straw or stalks would indicate an abundance of phosphoric 

 acid and potash and a deficient amount of nitrogen. 



An abnormal growth of leaf or stalk with a small yield of light 

 grain would indicate an abundance of nitrogen and an insufficient 

 amount of phosphoric acid and potash. 



As a rule, plants having the greatest leaf development require the 

 most potash. 



Farm manures that have been well cared for contain about twice as 

 much nitrogen as phosphoric acid, and consequently land that has 

 received recent liberal applications of barn manures is not likely to be 

 deficient in nitrogen. 



High grade fertilizers generally give more plant food for their cost 

 than those of low grade. 



Pure sodium nitrate (Chili saltpetre) in 100 lbs. contain \6.5 lbs. of 

 nitrogen. 



Pure ammonium sulphate in 100 lbs. contains 21.2 lbs. of nitrogen. 



Pure chloride or muriate of potash in 100 lbs. contains 63.5 lbs. of 

 actual potash. 



Pure sulphate of potash in 100 lbs. contains 54 lbs. of actual potash. 



Kainit should contain in 100 lbs. about 12.5 lbs. of potash. 



The best results from sodium nitrate are secured by frequent appli- 

 cations of small amounts on the growing crop as a top dressing. 



GEORGE C. WATSON. 



