was good, and conditions were favorable for a brief p°°^ t g 0r 



period only, as one of the worst drouths in many years 



prevailed throughout the entire season. In fact, but "9 

 little rain fell from the first of May until after the crops 

 were harvested, or practically from the time the crops 

 were planted until they were harvested. 



Naturally, the results of the experiments were ex- 

 ceedingly variable, and thus less satisfactory than if the 

 seasonal conditions had been nearer the average. The 

 records are as follows: 



Oats for Hay Forage. 



Yield per Plot, Yield per Acre, Gain in Yield 



Plot. Hay. Hay. from Nitrate. 



lbs. lbs. lbs. 



1 320 3200 900 



2 230 2300 



3 310 3100 800 



4 280 2800 500 



5 230 2300 



6 410 4100 1800 



It will be observed that the yields were not large. 

 The oats were cut when the grain was in the dough 

 state and straw still green, or in the most suitable state 

 for hay. Under average seasonal conditions, the yields 

 should have been at least 50 per cent, higher. Neverthe- 

 less, the value of Nitrate is very clearly shown in all cases, 

 and reasonably uniform, except in the case of plot 6. 



The percentage gain on the different plots range 

 from 21.5 per cent, on plot 4, to 78.3 per cent, on plot 6. 

 The average for the whole being 43 per cent, increase, 

 or an average gain per acre of 1,000 lbs. of dried oat hay. 



These experiments show very clearly, therefore, 

 that even in seasons of excessive drouths, the Nitrate 

 contributes very materially to the yield of crop and to 

 profit. Oat hay, while not ordinarily a marketable crop, 

 was worth on the farm at that time, in comparison with 

 other marketable hays, $18 per ton, hence the average 

 increase in yield would be worth $9, which, less the cost 

 of Nitrate applied, would leave a net profit of $5.25 per 

 acre; only on plot 6 was the Nitrate utilized to the full- 

 est advantage, or the Nitrogen usually available from 

 Nitrate of Soda secured in the crop. The increased crop 



