252 AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY 



assimilation of the elements from the soil are given 

 in the following table : 



Maize (Corn) 



353. Importance. Since Indian corn or maize is grown 

 over such a wide range of territory, and is used alike as 

 animal and human food, and as animal food may serve as 

 either grain or forage, a knowledge of the chemical changes 

 which take place during its growth, and the composition 

 of the plant at maturity, will enable the student to utilize 

 this crop more economical!} 7 in the feeding of farm 

 animals. Some of the facts relating to the composition 

 of corn at different stages of growth and the analyses 

 given in this chapter are taken largely from Bulletin No. 

 9, Mo. Agr. Expt. Station. 



354. Roots. The function of the roots is to collect 

 and assimilate and transport to other parts the nitrogen 

 and mineral food from the soil. In mature corn, but a 

 small amount of the essential elements of plant food are 

 present in the roots, only sufficient for the structure of the 

 root tissues. During growth, there is alwaj's some being 

 transported to the parts above ground. At maturity, the 

 dry matter in the roots constitutes about 5 per cent, of 



