190/).] PUBLIC IXK^UxMEXT — No. 38. 133 



The point of principal significance in connection with the 

 results appears to be the marked inferiority of the yield on 

 the Florida soft phosphate. There was no difference in the 

 physical conditions on this plot, as conipared with those on 

 either side, that can explain the wide difference in the amount 

 of the product. The results of this year, then, additionally 

 confirm the conclusions of previous years, — that this phos- 

 phate seems likely to give results which are distinctly dis- 

 appointing, as compared W'ith the claims of those interested 

 in its production and sale. The low product on plots 8, 11 

 and 12 was undoubtedly in considemble measure due to the 

 unfavorable conditions which have been referred to. 



V. — Soil Tests. 

 In introducing what I have to say concerning soil tests, I 

 cannot do better than to employ the language used in my 

 last annual report, p. 244 : — 



Two soil tests, both upon our own grounds and both in con- 

 tinuation of previous work upon the same fields, have been car- 

 ried out during the past season. Fertilizers have been applied 

 in accordance with the co-operative plan for soil tests, with one 

 or two small exceptions. Lime and plaster have been applied 

 to the plots calling for these fertilizers in double the usual soil 

 test amounts. Each plot annually receives an application of 

 the same kind or kinds of fertilizers. Such experiments are 

 not adapted to securing the production of heavy crops. By 

 study of the results, the effects of the different leading elements 

 of plant food on the several crops can be determined with much 

 accuracy. 



Every fertilizer used, whether applied by itself or in connec- 

 tion with one or both of the other fertilizer materials, is always 

 applied in the same quantities. Both fertilizers and manure 

 (where the latter is introduced for purposes of comparison) are 

 always applied broadcast after plowing, and harrowed in. Tlie 

 kinds and the amounts per acre are as follows : — 



Nitrate of soda, 160 pounds, furnishino; nitrogen. 



Dissolved bone-black, 320 pounds, furnishing- phosphoric acid. 



Muriate of potash, 160 pounds, furnishing potasii. 



Land plaster, 400 ])ounds. 



Lime, 800 pounds. 



Manure, 5 cords. 



