methods of practice, and as a supplement to the manures pf°^ t g 0r 

 of the farm. Where a definite system of rotation is used, — 

 and the materials are applied with the purpose of pro- 2 +s 

 viding the specific crop with the constituents especially 

 needed, the formulas may be very materially changed. 

 Where the condition of soil is not good, or where ma- 

 nures are not used, the amounts recommended should be 

 largely increased, practically doubled in most cases, and 

 also, particularly for the cereals, a greater proportion of 

 nitrogen should be used. As a rule, soils that are not in 

 good condition will require a larger application of fertil- 

 izers to obtain the same unit of increase than those in 

 good condition, because in the first case they do not 

 permit the ready penetration of the roots and the easy 

 distribution of the constituents. The indiscriminate 

 use of fertilizers on poor soils is seldom followed by as 

 large a return per unit of plant food applied as where 

 systematic methods obtain. 



Methods of Application. 



The method of application should depend upon the 

 character of the soil, the crop and the material. On 

 good soils and for crops which require large quantities, a 

 part at least, of the material should be applied broadcast 

 and thoroughly worked into the surface-soil; the re- 

 mainder may be used in the row at the time of seeding or 

 setting the plants. It is particularly desirable that 

 formulas that are rich in potash should be in part broad- 

 casted, in order that this element may be thoroughly 

 intermingled with the soil, as the rate at which this con- 

 stituent fixes, particularly on soils of a clayey nature, is 

 very, rapid, and unless thoroughly harrowed in the fixing 

 will take place largely at the surface, and thus not be 

 within reach of the feeding roots. On sandy soils, and 

 for such crops as sweet potatoes, the concentration of 

 the fertilizer in the row is more desirable than in the case 

 of good soils and for white potatoes, though the minerals 

 phosphoric acid and potash may be distributed in part. 

 When applied in the row for sweet potatoes, it is desir- 

 able that it should be done two or three weeks, at least, 

 before the plants are set, thus avoiding possible injury 

 from the excess in the soil. 



