10 THE WAY TO USE POTASH. 



sistance to the growth of the roots, and can neither absorb nor retain 

 the moisture necessary to plant-growth; under such conditions artifi- 

 cial fertilizers cannot show their full benefit. To the objection some- 

 times made that artificial fertilizers stimulate the growth of weeds, 

 it is only necessary to remark that the weed, as a robber, revels in a 

 certain soil, and that whatever promotes the growth of the weed will 

 also furnish the elements of strength to the crop planted and will make 

 the latter profitable to the planter. 



The object of cultivation is to bring the soil into that condition which 

 is best suited for the growth of the plants. Thus, it prepares the way 

 for the different kinds of plant-foods; namely, nitrogen, phosphoric 

 acid and potash, which are applied in the fertilizer. 



10. POTASH SALTS AS MANURE PRESERVER. 



All kinds of animal manure when exposed to the elements lose a 

 considerable part of their organic matter and nitrogen by decompo- 

 sition. This loss which amounts to about 25 per cent, or more of the 

 nitrogen, can largely be prevented by the use of kainit, which has the 

 property of absorbing and retaining nitrogen and preventing a harm- 

 ful fermentation, which latter causes a loss of organic matter. When 

 using kainit for this purpose, sprinkle daily in the stable, i| to 2 lbs. 

 for every full-grown animal being a fair average. By this procedure, 

 not only a large amount of organic matter and valuable nitrogen is 

 retained, but the manure produced is also enriched by potash. 



11. POTASH SALTS AS INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES. 



Few plants escape the attacks of insect enemies; or are free from 

 some disease. Plant lice, scales, cabbage maggots, onion maggots, 

 wire-worms, cut-worms, and other insects do an incalculable amount 

 of damage every season. Many of these feed upon the roots of plants 

 deep in the soil, where they cannot be reached by the usual remedies 

 applied through a spraying apparatus. The way to destroy these 

 pests is to put a large quantity of kainit in the soil. This contains 

 magnesia, which seems to be an effective destroyer of these insects. 

 The same remedy has also been employed with much success to cure 

 cotton-root rot and cotton-blight, and shelling of the grape. Practi- 

 cal farmers in various sections of the country have noted the invigo- 

 rating and restorative effect of potash salts upon sickly crops, and 

 upon fruit trees and vines suffering from diseases. 



