156 SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



In the Williamson method of corn culture (see Par. 175), 

 all of the fertilizer is applied comparatively late in the life 

 of the plant. 



Whenever nitrate of soda is the nitrogenous fertilizer, 

 it should be applied wholly or in part after the plants have 

 begun growth and before they shoot, preparatory to tas- 

 seling. It is believed that nitrate of soda is more effective 

 if applied when the plants are between 1 and 4 feet high 

 than if placed in the soil at a later stage of maturity. 



146. Methods of applying fertilizers. When com- 

 mercial fertilizer is applied to corn, it is usually drilled in. 

 The Georgia Experiment Station found that about the 

 same results were obtained from half a pound of fertilizer 

 in the drill as from one pound sown broadcast. The 

 method of distribution in the drill before the planting of 

 the seed is by hand application or by the use of a fertilizer 

 distributor, or by the use of a combined fertilizer dis- 

 tributor and planter, which performs both operations at 

 one time. 



When fertilizer is applied to corn after planting, it is usually 

 placed in a furrow 2 to 4 inches deep and a few inches from the 

 line of plants. With most fertilizers, it is desirable that this 

 later application, when made at all, be at a depth of 2 to 4 inches, 

 so that this layer of fertilizer and the roots congregating around it 

 may not be disturbed by subsequent shallow cultivation. 



When nitrate of soda is applied after the corn is 1 to 4 feet high, 

 it is drilled 6 to 8 inches from the plant, the depth being of little 

 consequence. Indeed, nitrate of soda requires no covering when 

 applied on damp soil. However, it is generally advisable for it 

 to be covered slightly by the next cultivating furrow, so that if a 

 sudden heavy rain should occur, this fertilizer would not be so 

 completely washed away as if it were caught by rain while still 

 on the surface. 



