No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 841 



same that arises in connection with the use of any fertilizer, and 

 that is as to the consideration of the particnhir soil in question 

 and its requirements. 



The cause for small returns from laud is not always a lack of plant 

 food, consequently this is the first point to be considered. Often 

 the plant sutlers from either one or a combination of the following 

 troubles: 



1st. Gets thirsty from an insufficient supply of water. 



2d. The soil is not properly aerated. 



3d. From an insufficient porosity of the soil, whereby root develop- 

 ment is checked. 



4th. From caking of the soil, which works harmfully and locks 

 up plant food. 



5th. From the soil being impenetrable, which makes the soil wet, 

 with all of its attendant evils. 



6th. From lack of humus or organic matter and, hence, the soil 

 is heavy and lifeless. 



7th. From the soil being acid, which prevents normal plant de- 

 velopment and especially the growth of the beneticial micro-organ- 

 isms of the soil. 



8th. Occasionally in the east, and often in the west, the soil is 

 overcharged with soluble salts, which prove harmful. 



In short, there are many physical and chemical relations of the 

 soil or unfavorable conditions of the health of the plant which exert 

 an injurious influence on the proper development of the plant, and, 

 hence, cut down the yield. 



In such cases, the plant seldom has need of a large addition of 

 food, and the first step toward an improved yield is to seek the 

 difficulty and correct that before considering what plant food to 

 supply and how to supply it. 



There are many ways open to correct the difficulties enumerated 

 above, such as irrigation, drainage, deep culture, better plowing, 

 more thorough harrowing and pulveri^cation, mucking, liming, marl- 

 ing, etc. It is only by fully utilizing these means that the land 

 will be in shape to receive artificial applications of plant foods, and 

 that crops may use and benefit by such applications. In fact, apply- 

 ing artificial plant foods under many of these adverse conditions 

 actually works harm instead of good. Deep, well-tilled, well-drained, 

 non-acid loam containing a fair amount of organic matter or humus, 

 and under good weather conditions, offers the best circumstances for 

 a sure effect from the application of phosphates or any other plant 

 food, and every means which improves these conditions will con 

 tribute towards the success of such applications. 



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