SOME FACTS ABOUT MANURE 213 



In some cases the greater portion of the fertilizer is applied 

 broadcast, and a little is dropped in the hill or drill to promote 

 quick growth. Because nitrate fertilizers are easily leached away, 

 they are commonly applied beside the rows after the plants are 

 well up (Fig. 142). This method of application is also 

 used at times whenever fertilizers are not at hand to be ap- 

 plied otherwise. 



Lasting Effect of Commercial Fertilizers. In all liberal fertil- 

 ization a residual or after-effect is secured on the crops following 

 often extending through three and four years or more. Results 

 from broadcast distribution are the most favorable. Often the 

 growth and ripening of grain is very uneven when it follows a 

 cultivated crop fertilized in the drill or hill. 



In this connection it is of interest to mention the absorptive 

 power of soils for the fertilizing elements. Nitrogen in the form of 

 nitrates is easily leached out of the soil. Nitrogen in the form of 

 ammonia (NHs) in ammonium compounds, such as sulfate of 

 ammonia, is usually readily absorbed by soils in such a way that it 

 is less subject than nitrates to immediate losses by leaching. As 

 regards phosphorus and potassium, these elements are readily 

 absorbed and retained by soils, the heavier types having greater 

 absorptive power than sandy soils. Practically all the phosphorus 

 and potassium, therefore, added in commercial fertilizers, and which 

 is not used by the crop fertilized, increases the soil supply, and is 

 drawn upon by succeeding crops. 



BARNYARD MANURE AS A FERTILIZER 



Barnyard manure, farm manure, or stall manure generally 

 means the waste materials from the care of livestock. In some 

 sections it is the only, or the most important, fertilizer used. The 

 best results with manure, as with any fertilizer, depend upon how 

 intelligently it is used. There are many facts to be learned about 

 manure. In the following few paragraphs are mentioned some 

 important facts about it, and after that are discussed some practical 

 pointers concerning its care and use. 



Some Facts About Manure. A ton of average, mixed yard 

 manure contains approximately ten pounds of nitrogen, two pounds 

 of phosphorus and eight pounds of potassium. When nitrogen is 

 valued at fifteen cents a pound, phosphorus at ten cents and potas- 

 sium at eight cents, one ton of such manure has an intrinsic 



