Food for a b] ei The results of experiments conducted through a period 

 Plants of nine years, and in different sections of the State, show 

 61 that upon soils which will produce crops ranging from one 

 to three tons per acre, a gain in yield of from 9 to 54 per 

 cent., or an average increase of 32.7 per cent., may be ex- 

 pected from the use of from 100 to 150 pounds per acre, 

 which would show an average gain in yield of 654 pounds per 

 acre; based on the average yield of this section of the country 

 of 1.25 tons per acre, the gain would be 820 pounds. This 

 increase at an average price of $12 per ton, would mean 

 about $5 per acre, or $2 more than the cost of the material. 

 A very satisfactory profit, when it is remembered that it is 

 obtained at the same cost of labor and of capital invested 

 in land. 



The second question, as to how much 

 How Much 11 u r j u ^u 



~, .. . shall be applied, experience teaches that on 



. ... good soils, in a good state of cultivation, 



150 pounds per acre would be regarded as 

 the most useful amount, though on poor soils, 100 pounds 

 would be better, and on richer soils, as high as 200 or 250 

 pounds per acre may be used with advantage. The reason 

 why a smaller amount is recommended on poor soils is because 

 on such soils there is liable to be a deficiency of the mineral 

 elements, and inasmuch as the Nitrate is not a food complete 

 in itself, but an element of food, the plant would be unable to 

 utilize it to .the best advantage in the absence of the necessary 

 minerals. Where the soils are good, or under the intensive 

 plan, larger amounts may be used, as under this system all 

 the constituents are supplied in reasonable excess, besides 

 every precaution is taken to have the physical condition of 

 the soil so perfect as to provide for the easy distribution and 

 absorption of the food applied. In experiments conducted 

 in Rhode Island the largest profit was obtained from the 

 application of 450 pounds per acre, together with the neces- 

 sary minerals. This method of practice is one which should 

 be the ultimate aim, and can be accomplished by gradually 

 increasing the amounts as the profits from the crops grown 

 from the application of smaller amounts warrant. 



Methods of ^ e ex P er ' ments tne results of which are 



.... confirmed by experience, also answer the 



third question, as to when it shall be ap- 

 plied. Apply as a top-dressing in spring, after the grass has 



