FIELD CROPS. 537 



The influence of artificial manures on the yield and malting' quality of 

 barley grain, C. Crowthkk {Univ. Leeds and Yorkshire (UtuneiJ Agr. Ed. 

 IPunipliiet] 75, 1909, pp. 36). — The results of 2 series of experiments conducted 

 from 1900 to 1903, and from 1904 to 1906, are reported. 



It is found that when barley succeeds a cereal, a satisfactory increase in grain 

 and straw may be secured by the use of commercial fertilizers supplying nitro- 

 gen. Nitrate of soda on wold land, except in very wet seasons, proved much 

 more effective than a dressing of sulphate of ammonia furnishing the same 

 quantity of niti'ogen. The use of complete applications of fertilizer containing 

 nitrogen in a soluble form is reconmiended. The use of guano was found less 

 profitable for the money expended than a suitable mixture of commercial 

 fertilizer. 



The malting value of the grain in general did not appear to be very much 

 influenced by the fertilizer applications, but rather as being controlled b.y the 

 climatic conditions during the ripening period. During the 7 years covered by 

 the experiments, the finest malting barley was grown when nitrate of soda, 

 superphosphate, and kainit liad been applied. 



Latest results with reference to the need of applying' fertilizer in barley 

 culture, J. Stoklasa (Dent. Landir. Pressr. 36 (1909). Nos. 27, pp. 295, 296; 

 28, pp. SOS, 309). — The results of investigations with barley are reported as 

 showing that for every 100 gm. of dry matter contained in the root, barley gives 

 off 7 gm. of carbon dioxid every 24 hours, oats 12.2 gm., wheat 9 gm., and rye 

 11.1 gm. The author points out that it is probably the low respiration capacity 

 of the root system of barley that causes its greater development as compared 

 with the other three cereals mentioned when soil conditions admit it. 



The data recorded show that about the beginning of July the greater portion 

 of the total food material has been taken up by tlie barley plant, and that for 

 this reason the farmer should aim to assist the plant through applications of 

 fertilizers early in the season. Potash is regarded as ranking first in impor- 

 tance, nitrogen second, and phosphoric acid third. The results also indicate 

 that where adequate quantities of phosphoric acid and potash have been applied, 

 a further application of nitrogen is not always necessary for barley when this 

 crop follows sugar beets to which nitrate of soda has been applied. The 

 author's observations for 20 years appear to show that the use of 250 kg. of 

 10 to 18 per cent superphosphate and 200 kg. of 40 per cent potash salt per 

 hectare gives an increase in the yield of grain of from 400 to 900 kg. (356 to 

 801 lbs. per acre). 



Germination tests indicated that the quantity of carbon dioxid given off in 

 the process of germination increases with the protein content of the seed. It 

 was found that a barley containing 10 per cent of protein loses approximately 

 10 per cent in substance, whereas one containing 12 per cent loses 15 per cent. 



Bermuda grass, Ij. A. Moorhousk, W. L. Burlison, and J. A. Ratcliff 

 (Okldhoinft >Sfa. Bid. 85, pp. 3-1 'f, figs. 6). — ^This bulletin reviews the work with 

 Bernuida grass done by tbe Oklahoma Station (E. S. R.. 17. p. 1062; 19, p. 332). 

 and gives general directions for the preparation of the soil, time and method 

 of planting, caring for the crop, and for its eradication. White clover sown on a 

 Bermuda grass lawn was observed to make a good growth, and it is concluded 

 from this fact that these 2 plants may possibly be used as a pasture mixture 

 with profit. 



Increasing the yield of corn, (J. W. Carver (Alnhaina Tiiskegee .s'/rt. Bui. 15, 

 PI). 5-11, figs. 5). — Methods of increasing tlie yield of corn are discussed and the 

 results 'of variety and fertilizer tests are briefly reported. Of 19 varieties, 

 Mosby I'rolific ranked first in both yield of graiu and fodder with 40.375 bu. 



