The Composition and Use of Fertilizers. 275 



In warm, moist climate?, it makes much less difference whether 

 the manure is applied in fresh or rotted condition. In cold cli- 

 mates, however, the use of decomposed manure is preferable. 



Methods of Application:. — Three methods of applying man- 

 ure on the field are in common practice. AVe will briefly con- 

 sider each of these; 



(a) Applying in Heaps. 



By this method the manure is distributed in heaps over the field 

 and permitted to lie some time before being spread. This method 

 is objectionable for several reasons. The labor of handling is 

 increased; there is danger of loss from decomposition and leach- 

 ing; the' manure is not uniformly distributed, the spots beneath 

 the heaps being more thoroughly manured on account of the 

 leaching. Storing manure in very large heaps is less objection- 

 able, provided the heap is carefully covered with earth and not 

 allowed to lie too long. 



(6) Applying Broadcast. 



By this method the manure is spread more or less completely 

 and evenly on the field, being plowed in at once or allowed to lie 

 some time on the surface. This is preferably practiced on the 

 level field, where there is little danger from surface washing. 

 In late fall and early spring there is likely to be very little loss of 

 nitrogen. On a loose soil there may be loss from leaching, if the 

 manure is spread long before the crop is put into the soil; but in 

 average experience, this is not apt to be considerable. This 

 method has the advantage of uniform distribution, as the liquid 

 portion is evenly by degrees mixed with the soil. When the 

 manure is leached of its soluble nitrogen compounds it does not 

 decompose so readily. On this account it is well, in case of light 

 or porous soils; to plow the manure in as soon as spread. 



In regard to the depth at which manure should be plowed in, it 

 is safe to say that in very compact soils the depth should not be 

 greater than four inches, while in lighter soils the depth may be 

 increased. It is important that the manure be near enough the 

 surface to allow access of sufficient moisture and air, in order that 

 decomposition may not be too much delayed. 



It will probably be found most economical for the average far- 

 mer to draw the manure as produced directly to the field, and 



