SOIL IMPROVEMENT 175 



sections. The chief difference between barn- 

 yard manure and other vegetable matter is 

 that in the process of passing through the an- 

 imal the fertilizing elements are made more 

 available for absorption in plant growth. 



From 75 to 90 per cent, of the fertilizing value 

 of the crop is left after it passes through the 

 animal. Through neglect in caring for manures 

 about the farm much of their fertility is lost. 

 The Cornell University Experiment Station 

 found that as much as 50 per cent, of the 

 plant food constituents in manure was lost 

 by leaching and unnecessary fermentation. 

 The best plan for utilizing manures, where it 

 can be done, is to haul and spread on the land 

 regularly as it accumulates. Where there is 

 no land available, and it is not practicable 

 to do this at all seasons, some suitable shed or 

 house should be provided that will thoroughly 

 protect it from rain or exposure. One of the 

 best plans for accumulating manures in stables 

 or barns is to let it remain and be trampled by 

 the stock. Always supply plenty of bedding 

 to absorb all the liquids. This treatment will 

 not only take up the moisture but the continued 

 trampling of the animal will exclude all air. 



