440 



STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



grain or seed formation and speeds up the maturity or shortens the length 

 of the growing season. It may also raise the feeding value of the crops 

 produced. It is maintained by agricultural writers that the most nutri- 

 tious pastures in England and the best dairy pastures in France are those 

 richest in phosphorus. 



Figure 2. — The root development of plants is increased by available plant-food elements. No. 1 

 wheat grown in untreated soil. No. 2 wheat grown in soil receiving green manure. No. 3 

 wheat grown in, soil treated with acid phosphate. 



Effect of PJwspJiorus Carriers on ^oils. Phosphate fertilizers do not 

 injure the soil. Some farmers are reluctant to use these carriers of phos- 

 phorus because of the impression that they may prove valuable for a 

 time and later lose their efficiency leaving the soil in a less productive 

 state than formerly, markedly increasing the need for lime, decreasing 

 or "burning out" the organic matter and injuring the tilth of the soil. 

 These are misconceptions as long and carefully conducted field tests, 

 notably at the Rothamsted Agricultural Experiment Station, England, 

 and at the Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio and Illinois Experiment 



