124 Report op the Acting Director and Chemist of the 



advised in such cases to apply the manure in the fall previous to the 

 spring in which the crops are to be put in, thus allowing time for a 

 considerable amount of decomjDosition. 



When fresh stable-manure contains much coarse, undecomposed 

 litter, it is better not to apply it until the coarse portion has become 

 more or less decomposed. 



Use of Rotted Manure. — In rotted manure, the fertilizing 

 constituents, as 'a whole, are in readily available form for the use 

 of plants. Such manure is less bulky and more easily distributed 

 than fresh manure. It is also less likely to promote the too rapid 

 growth of stems and leaves as in the case of fresh manure. For 

 the improvement of the mechanical condition of a soil, the best 

 results come from using rotten manure on light soils. It must, 

 however, be remembered that on such soils there is more or less 

 danger that some portion of the valuable fertilizing constituents 

 may be leached out and lost. On this account it is found advisable 

 to apply such manure to light soils only a short time before it is 

 needed by the crop. In general, rotted manure is better adapted to 

 spring applications. It is better to apply rotted manure on light 

 soils at frequent intervals in small amounts. 



In warm, moist climates, it makes much less difference whether 

 the manure is applied in fresh or rotted condition. In cold climates, 

 however, the use of decomposed manure is preferable. 



Methods of Application. — Three methods of applying manure 

 on the field are in common practice. We will brieily consider each 

 of these: 



{a) Applying in Heaps. 



By this method the manure is distrilnited in heaps over the field 

 and permitted to lie some time before being spread. This method 

 is objectionable for several reasons. The labor of handling is in- 

 creased ; there is danger of loss from decomposition and leaching ; 

 the manure is not uniformly distributed, the spots beneath the heaps 

 being more thoroughly manured on account of the leaching. Stor- 

 ing manure in very large heaps is less objectionable, provided the 

 heap is carefully covered with earth and not allowed to lie too long. 



(J) Applying Broadcast. 



By this method the manure is spread more or less completely and 

 evenly on the field, being plowed in at once or allowed to lie some 

 time on the surface. This is preferably practiced on the level fieldj 

 where there is little danger from surface washing. In late fall and 



