Field Enperivients in Manuring, 1903-4. 699 



The average returns of the 14 fields were as follows : — 



1 cwt. sulphate ot ammonia, 2-3rd cwt potash chloride .. .. 1-84 tons. 



1 cwt. nitrate ol soda (given in spring), 2-3rd cwt. potash chloride . . 1-60 tons. 



The Districts Grouped. 



The results in Tables A, B and C which have been discussed have 

 been averaged irrespective of districts. In the appendix the results 

 of the fields in each district will be found grouped and averaged 

 separately. A study of these returns will enable the farmers of each 

 district where the tests were carried out to secure evidence of what 

 was obtained in their particular neighbourhood, without considering the 

 average results from returns obtained generally. With few exceptions, 

 all the conclusions drawn from the general average may apply with 

 equal force to each separate district. Where there are apparent 

 differences these will find ex])lanation by considering the points 

 already referred to in this paper. In studying the fields individually, 

 apparent irregularities in the action of similar manures in the different 

 plots of the one field will, perhaps, suggest themselves, . but in 

 interpreting the results of a field, the results on the whole must be 

 considered, and not an exaggerated attention given to what at times 

 might appear as contradictions in one or two plots. The great 

 differences in the various unmanured plots of a single field will 

 suggest the possible existence of differences in natural productivity 

 just as great in adjoining manured plots, and will explain much of 

 what to the casual observer may present the appearance of contra- 

 diction. It is just here that the value of the average of large niimbers 

 makes itself apparent. In such averages the effect of the exceptional 

 is largely lost. This, of course assumes that all the soils in a district 

 present requirements pretty well similar, and this undoubtedly is the 

 case with regard to the great bulk of soils considered to require 

 fertilizers in Southern Victoria, as far as hay crops at any rate are 

 concerned. In certain cases, the irregularity of one or a number of 

 the plots in a field has been brought about by other causes, such as 

 excessive wet in those parts. In a few other cases, as for instance 

 where the drill might have missed, and where corrections were justi- 

 fiably allowable, these losses have been allowed for on estimates made 

 upon the remainder of the growing crop not so affected. 



Summary. 



1. The effect of phosphatic fertilizers on the Southern soils 

 included in the range of the experiments is most pronounced. 



2. In the com])arative tests between the three phosphatic forms 

 of superphosphate, Thomas phosphate and bonedust, results point to 

 an undoubted superiority on the part of the first manure, both in the 

 larger yields produced where equal quantities of the three have been 

 used, and the larger accruing money value of the increase in produce 

 over the cost incurred. 



3. Bonedust, owing to an improvement in mechanical condition, 

 and probably to its nitrogen content and the response of Southern 



