FERTILIZERS 53 



METHODS OF APPLICATION. 



79. The best method of application is undoubt- 

 edly by drill, on account of its labor saving and 

 uniformity. 



Though not over five inches deep, the drill covers the 

 fertilizer, which can be placed deeper by subsequent 

 plowing. The use of drill obviates the unpleasantness 

 of applying in any winds which may prevail. No 

 hand process is so uniform or inexpensive, though 

 some other methods place the fertilizer deeper. It is 

 well worth the extra cost to hire a hand to follow 

 each plow furrow and place the fertilizer that depth. 



STABLE MANURE. 



80. An average analysis of one ton of horse 

 manure would be : 



Nitrogen 0.50% or 10 Ibs. of a ton at 20c $2.00 



Phosphoric acid 0.25% or 5 Ibs. of a ton at 6c. .30 



Potash 0.40% or 9. 6 Ibs. of a ton at 6c 58 



$2.88 



The commercial value of the plant food is then 

 about $2.88 per ton. Barn yard manure when cared 

 for properly, is a most profitable form of fertilizer, 

 because of its humic and mulch value. It is a bi- 

 product of every ranch, costs nothing, and is worth 

 about $2.88 per ton for the actual plant food con- 

 tained. In dry countries it has a still greater value 

 in its moisture saving properties. As a source of 

 humus it is worth considerably more than its plant 

 food value. 



81. The more decomposed the manure, the more 

 available is its plant food. If, however, decomposi- 

 tion is too rapid, the nitrogen escapes in the air as 

 ammonia, and humus-forming matter is destroyed. 



