Field En'permieids in Manuring , 1903-4. 



591 



possible to secure the average returns of the full number of 50 fields 

 in the case of all plots dealing with this aspect of the subject. These 

 returns are given in table A, on page 593. 



Thk Results ok Tablk A Discussed. 



The results are a very tine continnatiou of the returns obtained 

 in the tests of the preceding year. There appears in the results of 

 both years a very close agreement, both in the average returns of the 

 unmanured plots as well as in the increased yields following applica- 

 tions of a phosphatic manure, and the combination of a phosphatic 

 with a nitrogenous and potassic. This fact is apparent in comparing 

 the results in this respect of the two years' experiments. 



The effective action of applications of phosphoric acid on the soils 

 of the South, evident in the returns of table A, might have been 

 expected from past experience with Northern lands, but the extent of 

 its operative effect has even exceeded expectations. Taking the 

 average of 50 fields we find as the result of the use of 1 andj 2 

 cwts. of superphosphate, respectively, increased returns of more than 

 half a ton of hay in the first case and as much as four-fifths of a ton 

 in the second instance. In certain cases such increases have been 

 largely exceeded, and have resulted in yields, on soils of a certain 

 class, of quite an extraordinary nature. The illustrations showing 

 the produce from certain plots will help to convey ^ome idea of the 

 general effect produced by phosphatic applications on soil produc- 

 tivity, as well as a few extreme cases of its operative action on 

 certain soils .showing apparently a special deficiency in this plant food. 



As striking instances of what differences, comparatively speaking, 

 small quantities of pli.^sphatic fertilizers may effect on certain soils, 

 the returns of Messrs. Cuthbert (of Burwood), and Johnson (of 

 Wicklift'e), and Parker and Fish (of Colac) may be referi-ed to. At 

 Burwood, an application of 2 cwt. of superphosphate per acre raised 

 the yield of hay from considerably less than half a ton to 2'17 tons. 

 At Wicklift'e, where a like quantity of superphosphate was used, a 

 yield of 3^ tons resulted, compared with a return of less than 1| tons 

 in the unmanured portion. At Old Yeo, near Colac, results of an 

 equally striking nature were obtained. 



