Food for 

 Plants 



122 



The yields were not large, and were quite variable 

 the average on the check plots being but slightly in 

 excess of 1 ton per acre. The increase in yield from the 

 use of Nitrate of Soda ranged from 500 to 1,100 Ibs. per 

 acre, or an average of 834 Ibs., an increase of about 60 

 per cent. Hence, notwithstanding the unfavorable 

 seasonal conditions, a profit was secured, the average 

 net profit at $12 for hay being $1.85 per acre, or for each 

 dollar invested there was a return of nearly $1.60. 



Corn, Potatoes and Barley. 



The crops of corn, potatoes and barley, on the other 

 experiments, although they grew well in the beginning, 

 were a failure, owing to the continued drouth. There 

 was practically no moisture in the soil when the crops on 

 the other experiments were harvested, at which time the 

 corn and potatoes were in the greatest need of moisture 

 the corn to enable it to develop and form ears and the 

 potatoes to set tubers and to provide for their growth. 



Fertilizing Hay Crops in 

 California. 



In the West Coast States wheat is sown for hay, 

 and cut green; likewise oats. 



The experiments with fertilizers on oats-hay crops 

 by the California Experiment Station, begun in 1901, 

 were continued during the season of 1902-3. During the 

 season of 1901-2 it was found that the use of Thomas 

 phosphate slag and sulphate of potash with Nitrate of 



