EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETINvS 121 



leaf and stalk formation. If a light dressing (100 pounds per acre) was sown on the 

 wheattield the forepart of May, better heading out and more wheat might be the 

 result. 



Fl((i!<ljhates. — No plant can grow in the absence of phosphates, and these must 

 be found in the soil. They are necessary for every crop, but are specially beneficial 

 for certain crops— the clovers and other crops of this class, turnips and all root 

 corps, and grain crops of every kind. One special iutluence of phosphates, viz., the 

 early ripening of crops, makes this fertilizing element of special value to market 

 gardeners wlio raise melons, squashes, grapes, etc., that are liable to injury by frost 

 in the fall. A difference of two weeks in ripening may make the difference be- 

 tween profit and loss. 



Potash is in universal demand in plant life. It is in demand with potatoes and 

 other roots, the grasses and clover. Fruit trees require a large amount of potash. 

 The ash of grapevine contains 29 per cent and of the apple tree 12 per cent 

 of potash, and fruits are called "potash feeders." 



For keeping up the vigor and health of an orchard, a manure consisting of three 

 parts of wood ashes and one of bone meal will be useful. If wood ashes cannot 

 be had, then a mixture of two parts of muriate of potash and three of bone meal, 

 as recommended by Prof. Voorhees, may be substituted. 



The fertilizers given in the table of analyses comprise all the fertilizers that 

 have been licensed for sale in this State; the sale of any others is illegal, and the 

 seller is liable to tlie legal penalty. 



The analytical work for this Bulletin has been mainly performed by L. S. Munson, 

 B. S., the efficient chemist of the Experiment Station. 



R. C. KEDZIE, 

 Agricultural College, Mich., Chemist. 



June 25, 1898. 



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