55° Journal of Ai:;^riciiltiirc . Victoria. [to Sett.. 191 2. 



We see at a glance from these figures the reason why. in the northent 

 areas, under the existing methods of cultivation, the application of nitro- 

 genous manures are unnecessary and unprofitable. 



In the Southern and Western Districts of Victoria, however, the same- 

 climatic and soil advantages as regards nitrate production do not hold, for 

 in these districts fallowing is far less common (p. 336), and the rainfall 

 is heavier, and in these districts it might be inferred that nitrogenous, 

 manures would prove of some value. 



The needs of the North and South in this respect have already been 

 made the subjects of separate inquiry by this Department. 



Experiments conducted in 1902, and following years, brought out their 

 differences as resulting from climate. Thus, in the Northern Wheat Areas, 

 the addition of soluble nitrogenous manures (sulphate of ammonia) to- 

 phosphate gave an increase of only 3 lbs. of wheat per acre, on the average 

 of 94 farms, and in no single case of the twelve local groups into which 

 the 94 farms were divided did the nitrogenous manure repay the cost of 

 its purchase. In many cases, it did actual harm — probably as a result of 

 increased leafage causing too rapid a drain on the soil moisture. 



In the moister Southern Districts, the need for some nitrogenous 

 manure was apparent in the experiments, for an increase was obtained iiT 

 47 of the 50 farms by its use. 



On the average of the 50 farms, i cwt. of nitrate of soda increased 

 the yield of hay bv nearly 6 cwt., and r cwt. of sulijhate of ammonia 

 bv exactly 8 cwt. per acre. 



To summarize, then, it may be said that the need for nitrogenous- 

 manures in this State is, to some extent, dependent on the length of time 

 the land has been under cultivation, but is, in a verv large measure, also-- 

 dependent upon the climate. In the drier portions of the State, the use of 

 nitrogenous manures does not seem to be called for, and it may even prove 

 harmful. In the wetter districts, a limited call for nitrogenous manure.s- 

 exists at the present time, and this may be expected to develop as cultiva- 

 tion becomes of older date. 



Manures Co}iiain'nig Nitrogen. 



The principal nitrogenous manures are nitrate of soda, sulphate of 

 ammonia, blood manure, calcium cyanamide, and nitrate of lime. 



Nitrate of Soda is obtained principally from the nitre beds of Chili 

 and Peru, and Bolivia. The commercial article contains about \^\ per 

 cent, of nitrogen. 



It is extremely soluble in water, and is very readily leach^^d out of 

 the soil by excessive rains. For these reasons, it is generally applied as a 

 top dressing, more especially in districts with a heavy rainfall. In order 

 to insure its uniform distribution, it should be mixed with two or three 

 times its weight of drv loam, and broadcasted over the crop. According to- 

 Lawes and Gilbert, nitrate of soda ap])lied in earlv winter is never as 

 effective as when applied in spring. 



Nitrate of soda can only give the best results when the soil is well 

 supplied with phosphates and potash, and is deficient in available nitrogen. 

 If it is to be used in conjunction with superphosphate, it is inadvisable 

 to mix the manures together long before sowing, as a loss of nitric acid 

 may result. 



The most profitable rate of application for anv particular soil and crop, 

 can only be determined by experiment. Generally speaking, however, 

 from I to I cwt. per acre is used for hay crops where nitrates have been 

 proved to be necessary. 



