IDEAL FERTILIZERS 47 



Chapter IX 



Fertilizer Materials 



Peruvian Guano carries ammonia, phosphoric acid, 

 potash, and lime, which are readily but gradually avail- 

 able. It is of organic origin but so old and thoroughly 

 decomposed it forms no acid by-products. It is a great 

 soil builder and a valuable material for the use of 

 those who want untreated materials of alkaline ten- 

 dency. Peruvian guano carries about fourteen per cent, 

 lime, which is soon left basic, being in organic com- 

 pounds. 



Sulphate of Ammonia is inorganic. It is the best 

 gradually available source of ammonia the citrus grower 

 has at his command, and is equally valuable to truckers 

 and other users of fertilizer as a source between nitrates 

 and organic matter. It tends to soil acidity, which can 

 be corrected by using lime. As sulphate of ammonia is 

 used in mixed formulas, its acid tendency is balanced 

 by the alkaline tendency of nitrate of soda. 



Nitrate of Soda is inorganic, carrying ammonia in a 

 form available to plants, therefore is ready as soon as 

 it is dissolved. It dissolves in an equal part of water, 

 thus will be active when no other fertilizer material 

 could reach the plant. It has an alkaline tendency. 

 Loss of nitrates is serious unless there is such supply 

 as to allow the plant to use them before they sink be- 

 yond reach of the roots. This leaching is not so rapid 



