23 



On the strength of what is known up to to-day on that 

 subject I can lay down the following general principles: 



(a) I consider it as suited to the purpose to fertilize with 

 potash (kali) not only all plants intended to be used on the 

 farm as food for animals, but also all cereals, which furnish 

 straw, in quantities not merely sufficient for the production 

 of a maximum crop, but with enough to induce the plants 

 to take up an excess of potash (kali). Animal food rich in 

 potash (kali) gives manure rich in potash (kali), and the 

 potash (kali) of the manure is for some plants most advan- 

 tageous. 



(/>) For potatoes and sugar beets, give the potash (kali) 

 in form of stable manure, and apply potash (kali) to the 

 crop preceding or else fertilize with muriate of potash in 

 the fall. 



(c) On loamy soils potatoes stand direct potash (kali) 

 fertilization better than on sandy soils. 



(d) Among the cereals oats requires the least, barley 

 the largest quantity of potash (kali). 



(e) To tobacco apply the potash (kali) only in form of 

 sulphate. 



Wherever the conditions of soil and plants admit of the 

 application of the natural potash salts (kainit, carnallit, 

 etc.), they are to be given the preference before the con- 

 centrated potash (kali) salts. 



The quantities of potash (kali) that should be given to the 

 various plants depend, of course, upon the content of pot- 

 ash (kali) of the soil, and its conditions. 



They vary per acre from 50-120-18 , Ibs. of potash (kali) 

 on peat soils; (400-900-1,200 Ibs. of kainit; 100-240-360 Ibs. 

 of potassium chloride.) 



Potash (kali) salts succeed best when applied in the fall 

 or during the winter. They can be spread broadcast 

 with the hand or with a machine, and plowed under. On 

 meadows the simple spreading is sufficient. If phosphates 

 are also applied, it is best to mix them just before use. If 

 the mixture stands for awhile it is apt to get hard. 



Care is to be taken that the soil contains enough lime when 

 potash (kali) salts are richly applied. With enough lime, 

 sure and considerable results will not fail." 



