A LIVING FROM THE LAND 



mixed condition and of analyses that will meet 

 general crop needs. A good formula for such a 

 general purpose fertilizer is 4 to 5 per cent 

 nitrogen, 7 to 9 per cent phosphoric acid and 

 7 to 10 per cent potash to the ton. It is known 

 that such a mixture will supply the food needs 

 of a large variety of plants in balanced amounts. 

 Highly concentrated mixtures are now on the 

 market providing double the amount of plant 

 food in the example quoted, costing nearly 

 twice as much but effecting a saving by cutting 

 in half the material handled to get the same 

 result. Care should be taken, in using these 

 highly concentrated fertilizers, to avoid contact 

 with tender roots. A mixture for general farm 

 and garden purposes may contain the following 

 ingredients : 



100 pounds nitrate of soda 

 230 pounds sulphate of ammonia 

 250 pounds animal tankage (7 per cent nitrogen) 

 1,140 pounds superphosphate (16 per cent phosphoric acid) 

 280 pounds muriate of potash (50 per cent potash) 



2,ooo pounds. 



This mixture will have a formula of 4-9-7 

 (4 per cent nitrogen, 9 per cent phosphoric acid 

 and 7 per cent potassium). The individual 

 who wishes to mix his own fertilizer may do so 

 by purchasing the finely ground ingredients 

 separately, and by means of a shovel, integrate 



