340 CARE OF GRASS 



No. 1. 



Minimum Maximum 



pounds pounds 



Sodium nitrate 100 200 



Acid phosphate 75 150 



Muriate potash 25 50 



200 400 



Composition about 8-6-6. Cost $1.80 per 100 pounds. 



No. 2. 



Minimum Maximum 



pounds pounds 



Sodium nitrate 75 150 



Acid phosphate 75 150 



Muriate potash 25 50 



175 350 



Composition about 7-7-7. Cost $1.70 per 100 pounds. 



The amount to use will vary with soils and climate (Fig. 153). 

 Too heavy an application of nitrate will cause a rank growth, easily 

 injured by dry weather. The lower leaves die or " fire/' giving a 

 poor quality of hay, decidedly off on color. Generally heavier appli- 

 cations can be made on heavy clay soils than on soils of a sandy 

 nature. Also in dry regions and on dry soils the application should 

 be lighter than on heavy soils or in humid regions. One hundred 

 pounds of nitrate is considered all that is safe to apply on light soils 

 without danger of " firing " the hay in case of a dry season. On 

 heavy, well-watered clay soils 300 pounds can be used, but under 

 average conditions it is seldom practical to use above 200 pounds. 



When to Apply. Soluble fertilizer should not be applied 

 during the fall or winter months, as it may be easily washed away. 

 About one week or two after spring growth starts is considered best. 

 Practically as good results are secured by applying all at one time, 

 as compared with dividing the fertilizer into two or three applica- 

 tions distributed through the growing season. 



How to Apply. It is quite important to make a very even dis- 

 tribution, as it has been pointed out that a double dose may be in- 

 jurious. A fertilizer spreader is the best tool to use, but a grain 

 drill with fertilizer attachment is satisfactory. When sown by hand, 

 it is best to cross sow, to get evener distribution. 



Manure for Grass Land. Barnyard manure as a top-dressing 

 gives excellent results, and if available at a reasonable cost there 

 would be no occasion to use the commercial fertilizer. 



