106 CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL 



be again available in the fields for the production of future crops. 

 The amount of plant food retained by growing animals or others 

 is insignificant in comparison with the amount lost through im- 

 proper management of the manure. 



Liquid manure should be saved by using enough litter to absorb 

 it. Fully half of all the nitrogen in manure is found in the liquid, 

 and in this form it is more quickly available for use of 'plants than 

 any other. The floors and gutters in stables should be so tight as 

 to prevent waste of the liquid. With tight floors and plenty of 

 absorbent, as bedding, very little of the liquid need be wasted. 

 The common use of cement for flooring in barns does much to 

 help save this valuable part of the manure. 



Preservatives in Manure. The use of finely ground rock 

 phosphate, called ' 'floats," on the floors and in gutters will do 

 much to prevent the escape of the volatile parts of manure. It 

 also acts somewhat as a direct absorbent of the liquid. As nearly 

 all farm soils, where manure is spread, need more phosphate, the 

 addition of such material to the manure brings to the land a 

 much needed fertilizer ingredient. It helps to " balance" the 

 manure and makes it a more perfect fertilizer for either heavy or 

 light soils. The use of rock phosphate in the stable or in the 

 manure heap may be at the rate of fifty pounds to each ton of 

 manure. This means a very light sprinkle daily. Acid phos- 

 phate or the treated rock phosphate may be used in the manure 

 heap, but should not be brought in contact with the animals 

 directly. Any excess of ,acid in it is detrimental to the coats of 

 horses or other animals. It is a better preservative, chemically 

 speaking, than the rock phosphate. Kainit is sometimes used 

 with the acid phosphate or the rock phosphate, but it does not 

 have the same balancing effect in the manure, and is in itself a 

 poor absorbent. 



Land-plaster was formerly much recommended for this pur- 

 pose. It is rich in lime and is beneficial upon fields in need of 

 lime. Its chemical action in preventing loss of nitrogen is also 

 in its favor. Such absorbents as dried soil, dried peat or marsh 

 earth act only in a physical way in absorbing the liquid. The 

 same results should be accomplished through the use of enough 

 litter which will make a suitable stable bed for the animals. 



Among the best available materials for use as litter may be 

 mentioned straw from small grains, corn stalks finely cut, low 

 grades of hay, forest leaves, straw from other crops after thresh- 



