17 



The result of the use of fertilizers in this experiment is an apparent 

 loss in all cases. This is no doubt absolute in the case of nitrate of 

 soda, for experience teaches that this cannot be recovered in subse- 

 quent years. The phosphoric acid and potash, on the other hand, 

 ma}' make themselves felt in later years. The omission of the stover 

 of course makes the loss apparently greater than was actually the case. 



The loss is least on the potash and the greatest actual increase due 

 to it exceeds the greatest due to either nitrogen or phosphoric acid, 

 though the average as stated is nearly the same. A part of this 

 ap[)arent superiority, however, may be due to the fact that phos- 

 phoric acid and potash are compared to a lower average for nothings 

 than phosphoric acid alone. 



The conclusions which I draw from a study of the results are briefly 

 as follows : 



1. Nitrogen if used in soluble form should be applied to this soil 

 in fractional dressings. 



2. All three ingredients are needed in about equal degree. 



3. Potash seems most likely to aiford a chance for profit; but 

 should be used with small quantities of phosphate and nitrogen. 



4. Plaster appears to do no good. The actual decrease may be 

 due to the fact that the comparison is influenced by Plot No. 8, which 

 was unusuallv good while the plaster plot lies near Plot 12 which was 

 the poorest. 



5. Lime appears to have been beneficial. 



