62 SWEIT POTATOIS. 



"The results from the use of muriate of potash are of special in- 

 terest; the crop grown with its aid in 1883 was worth $64.58 per acre; 

 a similar crop grown upon the same plot in 1887 was worth $87.45 per 

 acre; the improvement in the land consequently may be placed at 35 

 per cent. 



"The cost of this improvement may be estimated as follows: The 

 total value of all crops grown upon this soil during the past six years 

 amounts to $197.22. An equal area of unmanured land in the same 

 crops during the same period yielded products worth I90.51; the in- 

 crease caused by the use of $19.50 worth of muriate of potash is 

 $106.71, leaving a balance of $87.21 to represent the net returns from 

 an acre dressed with this salt. The improvement of 35 per cent, in the 

 crop-producing power of this plot, has therefore been gained without 

 sacrifices of any kind." 



General experience: "To the results of the experiment is added 

 the experience of practical farmers, secured from answers to a circular 

 letter inquiring about the effect of potash upon their crops. This form 

 was sent to a few farmers in each county of the State. Answers have 

 been received from twenty-three, representing ten counties; of these 

 seventeen, representing nine counties, reported the profitable and 

 continued use of either muriate of potash, kainit or unleached wood 

 ashes as a fertilizer for potatoes, corn, grass and fruit. Twelve 

 farmers, representing eight counties, favored the used of muriate of 

 potash, while five having used both muriate and kainit, were satisfied 

 that kainit gave the largest returns for the money invested. The 

 weight used per acre ranged for corn from 50 to 200 lbs. of muriate, 

 and from 300 to 500 lbs. of kainit. The crops reported as being 

 especially benefited were corn, potatoes, fruit, clover and oats. With- 

 out exception, the use of potash, either alone, or as an adjunct to farm 

 manures, was regarded as highly satisfactory and economical. 



"These results, gained from experiment, and confirmed by prac- 

 tice, while only positive for the farms and crops represented, should 

 have a significance for those farmers who have not tested their soils, 

 because they not only demonstrate that soils, differing widely both 

 in formation and previous treatment, respond profitably to applica- 

 tions of potash alone, but also indicate a general lack of potash in the 

 soils of the State, and consequently point out the importance of soil 

 tests by the farmers themselves; for when maximum crops can be se- 

 cured by the application of potaah alone, it is poor economy to apply 



