Food for This was far from the case in these trials. Indeed, it 



^_! was found by analysis of the hay that more potash was 



9° removed by the crops of the first two years than had 

 been added in the muriate used, consequently the 

 amount applied upon each plot was increased in 1901 

 and in 1902. The Nitrogen requirement of the crops 

 was found to be slightly less than was supplied in 450 

 pounds of Nitrate and the amount was reduced to 400 

 pounds in 1901, and changed to 415 pounds in 1902. The 

 Nitrate on the second plot was also reduced in propor- 

 tion. The phosphoric acid, however, was probably in 

 considerable excess, since liming sets free phosphoric 

 acid already in the soil and so lessens the apparent 

 financial profit; but not to an excessive degree. 



Excess of Value of Hay Over Cost of Fertilizers. 



Nitrate of Soda applied. 1899. 1900. 1901. 1902. Average 



None $6.09 $13.42 $12.13 $7.44 $9.77 



150 lbs.* 14.34 20.37 23.97 16.52 18.80 



450 lbs.* 19.62 30.40 40.70 32.74 30.86 



* Slightly reduced in 1901 and 1902. 



Practical Conclusions. 



From these striking results it must be evident that 

 grass land as well as tilled fields is greatly benefited by 

 Nitrate, and that it would be to the advantage of most 

 farmers to improve the fertility of their soils by growing 

 good crops of grass, aided thereto by liberal fertilizing. 



The application should be in the 

 Top-Dressuig f orm f a top-dressing, applied very early 



in the spring in order that the nrst 

 growth may find readily available material for its sup- 

 port and be carried through the season with no check 

 from partial starvation. 



On land which shows any tendency to sour, a ton 

 to the acre of slaked lime should be used every five or 

 six years. This makes the land sweet and promotes 

 the growth of grass plants of the best kinds. 



Lime should be sown upon the plowed land and 

 harrowed into the soil. Top-dressing with lime after 

 seeding will not answer, and. in the case of very acid 



