91 



This experiment, then, appears to indicate the correctness of the 

 opinion that the so-called " special corn fertilizers " contain the ele- 

 ments of plant food in unsuitable proportions for our common soils. 

 There is, especially, too much phosphoric acid and too little potash. 



Farmers can, I believe, do better as a rule than to buy them. They 

 should rather buy the materials needed and mix for themselves. 



In view of the confirmatory results of the past year's work as com- 

 pared with that of previous years, I renew with increased confidence 

 the recommendations for the application of fertilizers for corn, made 

 in bulletin 14 of this station. 



a. In breaking up sod land for corn, particularly that whichis in 

 fair condition but which has been under ordinary farm 7nanagement, 

 if fertilizers only are to be used, apply those which are rich in potash. 

 Use materials which will supply, 80 to 100 pounds of actual potash, 



from 25 to 30 pounds of phosphoric acid, and from 15 to 20 pounds 

 of nitrogen per acre. 



b. If ''special corn fertilizer" is to be used, apply only a moderate 

 quantity, say 400 to 500 pounds per acre, and use with it about 125 

 pounds of muriate of potash. It is believed this combination will pro- 

 duce as good a crop as 800 to 1000 pounds of '■'corn fertilizer," and 

 it will cost considerably less. 



c. With ordinary barn-yard manure or stable manure for corn, use 

 potash. I would recommend using about four cords of manure and 

 100 pounds of muriate of potash per acre. 



d. For fodder or ensilage corn, use either in fertilizers or with 

 manures about one-fourth more potash than above recommended. 



e. In our experiments all fertilizers and manures have been applied 

 broadcast and harrowed in, and I believe this is the best method. 



f. Although I recognize the danger of giving empirical directions of 

 a general nature, the residts of our work lead me to recommend with 

 considerable confidence any one of the folloicing mixtures, per acre, for 

 corn. 



I. 



Muriate of potash, 175 pounds. 



Dissolved bone-black, 175 " 



Nitrate of soda. 100 " 



II. 



Muriate of potash, 175 pounds. 



Plain superphosphate, 150 " 



Bone-meal, 100 " 



Dried blood, 175 " 



