FIELD CROPS. 833 



The results of observations arc given on seediiio-, eultivatino-. har- 

 vesting, and threshing Katir corn, and the danger to stock whengi-az- 

 ing on second growth, and other objections to Katir corn arc discussed. 

 Statistical maps of the Stat§ are shown, and from the facts presented 

 advice is given on growing Katir corn in differ(Mit parts of the State. 



Fertilizer experiment with potatoes, II. J. Wheeler and J. A. 

 TiLLiNGHAST {Rhode Island Sta. Bui. 65, pj^. W-13]Pi.~W\% object 

 of the experiment was to compare the effect upon the yield of potatoes 

 of similar amounts of nitrogen applied alone and in combination in 

 the form of nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, and dried blood; 

 also to test the influence of potash applied as sulphate and as muriate 

 and a comlnnation of equal amounts of the two. The fertilizers were 

 applied in the drill at the rate of 1,500 lbs. per acre, containing nitrogen, 

 4.7 per cent; potash, 1>.3 per cent; and phosphoric acid, 9.3 per cent. 



As the sole source of nitrogen for potatoes, dried blood ranked first, 

 followed by nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia. The best com- 

 bination for nitrogen appears to be either two-thirds dried blood and 

 one-third nitrate of soda, or else equal parts of the three fertilizers 

 mentioned. Experiments at this station have shown that on extremely 

 acid soils dried blood is only about one-half as assimilable as it should 

 be. Such soils should be limed in order to get the full benefit of 

 this fertilizer. 



As a Source of potash, the high grade sulphate proved somewdiat 

 superior to the muriate. There was a net gain f roni using the sul- 

 phate even after deducting the higher cost. How^ever, better results 

 at less expense were obtained bj^ applying the potash in equal amounts 

 of sulphate and muriate. 



Soil inoculation for soy beans, H. M. Cottrell, D. H, Otis, and 

 J. G. Haney {Ka/i.s((s St(/. Bid. 96, pp. 97-116, pis. 6, dgins. 2). — The 

 preliminary experiments reported herewith on root tubercles and their 

 production by inoculation have been abstracted from another source 

 (E. S. R., 10, p. 119). This earlier work showed that inoculating soil 

 for soy beans was entirely practicable. Experiments were therefore 

 undertaken to extend the work under field conditions. Beans were (1) 

 inoculated with a water extract of infected soil; (2) with the mud 

 which remained after the extract had been decanted; (3) were drilled 

 in with 150 to 750 lbs. of inoculating soil per acre; and (-1) planted 

 and inoculated soil sown broadcast over the field, both before and 

 after seeding, at rates of 100 to 1,000 lbs, per acre. "The only 

 satisfactory results were obtained by drilling the infected soil with 

 the seed." No tubercles developed when the infected soil was sown 

 broadcast. "In a plat inoculated with Massachusetts soil 2 3'ears 

 before, 20 plants bore 136 tubercles, ... In another plat inoculated 

 Massachusetts soil was spread thickly in the bottom of the drilled fur- 



