Soils, Fertilizers and Irrigation 165 



Handling Grape Pomace. 



In the case of grape pomace, zcould not the large value shozvn by 

 analysis be chiefly in tlic seedsf My observation is that these arc exceed- 

 ingly sloii' to become available in the soil. IVoiild composting break 

 doivn the shell of the seed? 



Grape pomace is slowly available because of the slow disinte- 

 gration you mention. It could be hastened by drying and grinding, 

 but we doubt if this or other treatment would return its cost. Decay 

 by moisture promoted by composting with manure, kept at a low 

 temperature by continuous moisture would render it sooner avail- 

 able, but this would involve labor which, at our wage rates, would 

 probably make the material cost more than it is worth. This is 

 probabl}' a cost in which time is cheaper than money. 



Sheep and Goat Manure. 



/ can buy goat manure from an inclosurc zt'hcre this is deposited to 

 an amount of about five carloads. Will goat manure be of great value 

 in fertilizing an orchard? If so, hozv much of it should be spread on an 

 acre? 



Accumulations of sheep and goat manure in a dry situation, that 

 is, where not leached out by heavy rainfall, have been found to run 

 as high as $13 per ton in fertilizing constituents. The average 

 would, however, be not above $7.50, and would depend not only upon 

 the unleached condition of the material but upon the amount of sand 

 mixed with it. If it is in a situation where sand blows very freely, 

 it might not be worth over $4 or $5 per ton, possibly not that much. 

 You have, therefore, to deal with a condition largely unknown. So 

 far as its fertilizing quality goes, however, it is freely available and 

 directly calculated to stimulate the growth of plants, and probably 

 four or five tons could be used to the acre without injury if well 

 distributed over the surface of the land. Application can be made at 

 any time of the year, for the drying will not injure it. It will not, 

 however, become available until the soil is sufficiently moist to carry 

 its contents to the roots of the plants. Under ordinary conditions 

 in California, application should be made just before the beginning 

 of the rainy season. 



Hog Manure and Potatoes. 



What is the fertilising value of hog manure, and also zvhat is the 

 best fertiliser to use for potatoes? Our potatoes are planted early in 

 January. 



Hog manure is rather a rank and strong fertilizer, usually very 

 rich, although the quality of it depends upon how well the hogs have 

 been fed — that from grain-fed hogs being notably better. The valua- 

 tion of hog manure ranges from $2.50 to $3.25 per ton, according to 

 the feeding as noted, while ordinary stable manure may be worth from 

 $2 to $2.75 per ton. It is not a good idea to apply these organic 

 manures directly for the growth of potatoes. It is better to apply 



