because of its hutnic and mulch value. It is a bi- 

 product of every ranch, costs nothing, and is worth 

 about $2.50 per ton for the actual plant food con- 

 tained. In dry countries it has a still greater value 

 in its moisture-saving properties. As a source of 

 humus it is worth considerably more than its plant 

 food value. 



The more decomposed the manure, the more 

 available is its plant food. If, however, decomposi- 

 tion is too rapid, the nitrogen escapes in the air as 

 ammonia, and humus-forming matter is destroyed. 

 High temperatures produce rapid decomposition, 

 especially in a loose heap, so that the rate of decay 

 may be regulated by compacting the heap and 

 sprinkling with water to exclude the air and reduce 

 the temperature. If compacted too tightly, decom- 

 position may be too slow. Moderate fermentation 

 is the object desired. Loss of nitrogen, as ammonia, 

 may be detected by the strong odor arising from the 

 heap. 



If it is desired to obtain the benefits of the plant 

 food in manure quickly, it should be stored under 

 cover to prevent loss by leaching, and the temperature 

 kept down by frequent wetting, and air excluded by 

 settling the heap; decomposition may thus take 

 place with a minimum loss of ammonia. If from one 

 to two pounds of either gypsum, lime, or sulphate of 

 potash be sprinkled on the heap each day as it 



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