FIELD CEGPS. 



439 



using small, inforior stocks, and the conclusion is reached that it will 

 be most profitable to plant large, strong, and vigorous canes for seed. 

 The composition of the roots, stalks, leaves, and tips of Louisiana 

 sugar cane was investigated, with the following result: 



Analyses of sugar cane {ivater-free materials). 



The roots and stubble of cane are usually left in the soil, but it is a 

 common practice in Louisiana to burn the tops and leaves. "A ton of 

 purple cane as grown in Louisiana with its accompanying trash burnt 

 in the field will thus remove 2.98 lbs. of nitrogen, 1.04 lbs. of phos- 

 phoric acid, 1.22 lbs. of potash, and 0..52 lb. of lime. A ton of striped 

 cane, under similar conditions, will remove 2.38 lbs. of nitrogen, 1.30 

 lbs. of phosphoric acid, 2.34 lbs. of potash, and 0.58 lb. of lime." 



The results of extended nitrogen, potash, and phosphoric acid experi- 

 ments with sugar cane are given in detail. Earlier work with these 

 fertilizers has been previously noted (E. S. E,., T, p. 078). Nitrogen not 

 to exceed 48 lbs. per acre has been found profitable, and the best 

 results followed when it was used in combination with phosphoric acid 

 and potash. vSulphate of ammonia was found to be the best form of 

 nitrogen for this crop, with cotton-seed meal a close second, followed 

 by fish scrap, nitrate of soda, and tankage, in the order named. The 

 increased cost of sulphate of ammonia in the local markets does not, in 

 the opinion of the author, justify its use over cheaper forms. Data as 

 to the amount of fertilizers applied and removed from plats devoted 

 to sugar culture for 10 years are given. 



In the fertilizer test with phosphoric acid for cane, small applica- 

 tions, not exceeding 36 lbs. per acre, were found most profitable. The 

 soluble forms gave better results than the insoluble. Applications of 

 from 200 to 3(»0 lbs. of phosphoric acid arc considei'ed sulficient for a 

 good average crop at the station. Tests of the difi'erent potash salts 

 showed that this element was not needed in the station soils. 



With regard to the efiect of the different fertilizers on the sugar 

 content the author states that heavy applications of nitrogenous fer- 

 tilizers applied late in the spring tend to produce immature canes low 

 in sugar content. Nitrogen should, therefore, be applied early in the 

 growth of the cane. Neither potash nor phosphoric acid by itself 

 has an influence on the sugar content, but when used with nitrogenous 



