FERTILIZERS FOR MAIZE 215 



and the least returns during a season of low rainfall, the com- 

 mercial fertilizer causing a decrease in yield. Other things 

 equal, the best results from the use of fertilizers may be expected 

 in regions or seasons of high rainfall. 



292. The Use of Lime. — In those sections where lime is used, 

 it is generally applied to land intended for maize, this appear- 

 ing to be the best place in the rotation for its application. 

 Wheeler has reported, however, that the use of lime may be 

 injurious to the growth of maize where the nitrogen in the soil 

 is principally in the form of nitrates, but where the soil is ver}- 

 sour and nitrates are not employed its use immediately before 

 this crop may prove of great ser\-ice.^ In ordinary rotation the 

 lime would be applied to sod land, although sometimes applied 

 to oat stubble, or even maize stubble, where maize follov%-s 

 maize. Usually the best results follow its use upon sod land 

 of rather long standing. 



Calcium lime (CaO) is generally used and is to be preferred, 

 although magnesian lime (MgO) is also used to a considerable 

 extent with apparently satisfactor}- results. Besides increasing 

 the per cent of calcium in the soil, lime makes adhesive soils 

 more friable and granular, perhaps by causing a rearrangement 

 and cementing together of the soil grains ; makes sandy soil 

 more retentive to organic matter ; corrects the acidit}^ of the soil 

 in case any exists, thus creating a favorable condition for the 

 growth of nitrifying organisms ; may make potassium and phos- 

 phorus more available; hastens decomposition of organic matter ; 

 and while making the nitrogen in organic matter more available, 

 may cause a more rapid loss of total nitrogen ; — there is an old 

 proverb, "Lime enriches the father but beggars the son." 

 Where it is necessary to use lime, it should be accompanied by 

 a liberal use of stable manure. 



293. Indications of Need of Lime. — The need of lime may be 



1 R. I. Bui. 46, p. 95. 



