6 FARM AND SCHOOL PROBLEMS. 



Certain soils have been found to contain 1,100 pounds of 

 phosphorus per acre in the upper foot of earth. This is enough 

 phosphorus to supply the requirements of this element needed to 

 produce 4,680 bushels of wheat. 



In this same soil there were 56,000 pounds of potassium, 

 enough to supply the potassium found in 60,000 bushels of wheat. 



In the same soil there was enough nitrogen to supply a crop 

 of 4,000 bushels of wheat. 



Yet the production of wheat without scientific treatment on 

 this land is but 12 bushels per acre. 



Thus the great problem of science is to determine the 

 method of obtaining the necessary amount of plant foods that 

 are known to exist among the rich stores of mineral s wealth at 

 our feet. 



And furthermore one of the great problems of agricultural 

 education is to dispel the illusions of those who have been plant- 

 ing and harvesting in the "sign of the moon" and to get the 

 coming agriculturalist to get his inspirations from the sunlight of 

 intelligence. 



One of the most abundant of the elements in nature is nitro- 

 gen. Air is about 80% nitrogen. It is estimated that there are 

 about 35,000 tons of this gas over every acre of land. It is only 

 found below the surface of the land in the remains of plants, 

 animals and soil air. It is not available for plant use, until it 

 has been prepared through chemical changes in the soil ; hence it 

 is one of the most expensive of plant foods. 



Maintaining Soil Fertility. 



"A rational system of agriculture cannot be founded without the 

 application of scientific principles." Liebig. 



Soil Fertility. 



There are four things that must be considered in converting 

 thin soils into productive lands. 



1. Drainage, if needed by the land. 



2. A sweet soil. 



3. Vegetable matter or humus in the soil. 



4. Available plant food in proper proportions. 



