lUU Food for Plants. 



applii'd diiriui>- the summer of 1905. The Nitrate of Soda 

 was all ai)i)lied broadcast in the spring, and was evenly 

 distributed as soon as the grass had nicely started. The 

 quantities of Nitrate ap])lied were not as large as is some- 

 times recommended, but were sufficient to provide for a 

 large yield. 



The etfect of the thorough preparation of soil was 

 noticeable at once in the good stand of plants secured, 

 and in the vigorous growth and good top made in the 

 fall. The plants wintered well, and after the Nitrate 

 application had been made the grass on these plots grew 

 luxuriantly, and made a large yield of hay. 



The main point was to determine whether it was a 

 paying proposition, and the following tables show the 

 yield and value of crops, as well as the profits derived 

 when mineral fertilizers only are used, and also when 

 Nitrate of Soda is used in addition. 



Yield of Crops in 1905. 



Upland Lowland 



With 200 lbs. With 230 lbs. 



Without Nitrate Without Nitrate 



Nitrate per acre Nitrate per acre 



Yicl.l ])or acre,... 3,180 lbs. 8,340 lbs. 0,985 lbs. 8,712 lbs. 

 liici'casi' fniin Ni- 



(mlc 5,160 lbs. 162% 1,727 lbs. 24.77^ 



These results are strikingly significant, showing in 

 the first place the difference in adaptability of the two 

 soils for hay growing. The u]iland was deficient in 

 humus, and iDeing dry and gravelly, was unable to pro- 

 vide Nitrogen in any quantity although an abundance of 

 minerals was present. The lowland, on the other hand; 

 containing a large proportion, was capable of furnish- 

 ing the Nitrogen needed for a relatively large crop, or 

 more than double that on the upland. This is a very 

 clear illustration of the importance of the use of Nitro- 

 gen with minerals, if full crops are to be produced. The 

 ai:)plication of Nitrate of Soda on the upland proved 

 much more efficient than on the lowland, not only in 

 supplying Nitrogen in immediately available forms, but 

 in energizing the plants to obtain more from the soil. 



