39 



loss in quality due to the conditions existing must more than 

 offset any gain due to the greater protein content. 



Should Nitrate of Soda he used alone in Top-dressing 

 Mowings? — In cases where a mowing is used in rotation for 

 hoed crops, and where the hoed crops receive comparatively 

 liberal applications either of manure or general fertilizers, 

 which sn])ply phosphates, potash and perhaps lime, and where 

 the production of hay, which it is desired shall consist chiefly 

 of grasses such as timothy and redtop, for market is the 

 object, it sometimes may be wise to top-dress with nitrate 

 of soda alone. For one or two years it is possible as large 

 an increase may be produced by the use of nitrate alone as 

 by the use of nitrate combined with materials supplying 

 phosphates and potash; but even in such cases considerable 

 practical difficulty will be experienced in attempting to apply 

 the nitrate evenly, and it would seem to be wise to use in 

 connection with it some material which will keep it dry, 

 which will dilute it, and which will therefore make it easier 

 to distribute the nitrate evenly. In selecting a substance for 

 this purpose, some material which is relatively low in price, 

 naturally dry and fine itself, and which may be expected to 

 ultimately benefit the condition of the soil, should be selected ; 

 and among such substances basic slag meal seems to be one 

 which meets the requirements admirably. Imported slag 

 meal can be sold in Massachusetts at about $15 per ton. 

 From 300 to 500 pounds in connection with nitrate in such 

 quantity as will ordinarily be required, say 150 to 200 

 pounds, nuikes a mixture which will run through the fertilizer 

 distributer evenly; while the slag meal, although not per- 

 haps benefiting the immediate grass crop, will help correct a 

 tendency to acidity in the soil, and will enrich it in phos- 

 phoric acid, which is fairly available. 



With a vicAV to maintaining the condition of the soil, it 

 would seem to be expedient in most cases to combine with 

 the slag and nitrate a moderate amount of some potash salt, 

 for which purpose the high-grade sulfate will probably be 

 found best adapted. On account of the expense connected 

 with the use of slag and a potash salt in connection with 

 nitrate, many are tempted, in view of the fact that the nitrate 



