32 



The various potash salts are not entirely equal in their action 

 upon different soils and different plants. The following rules are 

 given as a general guide for their proper selection : 



NATURAL PRODUCTS OF THE MINES. 



KAINIT. Is a natural product of the mine, reduced to a 

 powder for the purpose of facilitating the even distribution. It 

 contains the potash in form of sulphates and chlorides, which 

 are mixed with the chlorides and sulphates of sodium and mag- 

 nesium. These companions of the potash proper are quite valu- 

 able as disintegrators upon the soil constituents. For tobacto no- 

 crude salts should be used, because the presence of chlorides 

 reduces the combustibility of tobacco and impairs therefore the 

 quality of the leaf. Kainit is most valuable in light, sandy soils, 

 and also in peat soils. It has a tendency to keep the soil moist 

 and make it more compact. Whilst this property is very desirable 

 in light, sandy soils, it is not desirable in heavy clay soils, where 

 the concentrated salts are to be preferred. Kainit benefits all 

 kinds of crops, particularly the cereals, potatoes, beets, cabbages, 

 peas and beans, clover, etc. With flax and hemp it produces 

 not only larger crops, but also a superior fibre. 



The amount to be applied depends of course upon the quality 

 of the soil, as a rule from 300 to 800 pounds per acre may be 

 considered the right quantity. On low peat soils not less than 

 700 pounds per acre should be applied. The Fall is the best 

 time to put the kainii into the ground. For potatoes and sugar 

 beets, which requir! a large amount of potash, it should be 

 applied to the ground on the preceding crop, and an additional 

 amount early in the Fall. Kainit should be always well ploughed 

 under, as otherwise the potash salts remain on the surface, and 

 are not so easily accessible to the lower roots of the plants. 

 Upon meadows and clover fields the effect of kainit is most 

 excellent. The use of from 350 to 550 pounds, with from 175 to- 

 350 pounds of phosphates, will increase the quality as well as 

 quantity of the crop. If this mixture is used on sour meadows, 

 with proper drainage, and if necessary with an application of 

 lime, the effect is most decided. . The unwholesome grasses will 



