Fertilizers foe Timothy 595 



applied broadcast as a top-dressing on the sod each spring about 

 the time growth started, April 10 to May 1. No fertilizer was 

 applied to the grain crops that intervened between the two periods 

 of timothy. 



These results show that under the soil conditions here prevail- 

 ing nitrogen is most effective to increase the yield. On this soil 

 nitrogen alone as nitrate is not effective to maintain the yield 

 from year to year. These results are supported by the experience 

 of farmers that nitrogen alone will often give a large increase in 

 hay the first year, but a decrease in succeeding years. This, of 

 course, is related to the need for other elements. The use of nitrate 

 alone would be advisable on an old sod that is to be plowed up 

 the next season. 



The mineral elements, phosphorous and potassium, alone have 

 a relatively small effect that dwindles with the lengthening of the 

 period of growth. It should be remembered that the soil is natur- 

 ally well stocked with total phosphorous and potassium. Wlien 

 coupled with the mineral elements, the effect of nitrogen is cirniu- 

 lative and is greater in the second than in the first period. 



Doubling the phosphorous on this soil appears to decrease the 

 yield, although the result in the second period shows some doubt 

 on that conclusion. On most soils in the state it is not believed 

 any such effect need be anticipated. There is a regular increase in 

 yield with increase in the nitrogen added along with a standard 

 amount of minerals. This increase appears to be cumulative, as 

 it is greater in the second than in the first period. As a result of 

 the fertilizer treatment, a normally larger development of roots 

 and stubble leaves a larger residue of organic matter, which has a 

 double effect on the soil and the crop, as will be explained later. 



GENERAL FERTILIZER SUGGESTED FOR TIMOTHY 



As a result of this and other data, a commercial fertilizer top- 

 dressing to be applied in early spring is recommended for timothy 

 meadows. As has been indicated, the best mixture will vary with 

 the soils, but for the average upland deficient in organic matter the 

 following mixture is suggested : nitrate of soda 200 pounds, acid 

 phosphate 100 pounds, muriate or sulphate of potash, 50 pounds. 

 The suggestion of potash is based on normal prices that prevailed 



