VARIOUS ma:n^ures. 135 



contained would be greatly increased. The proportion 

 of these nitrates in the beet is extremely variable, de- 

 pending upon the variety of the root and the nature 

 of the fertilizer made use of If the nitrates are used 

 it is advisable, in order to derive a benefit from them, 

 to place them on the soil during the early part of the 

 vegetation, as they have a tendency to descend to the 

 lower stratum. 



Sulphate of Ammonia. — This is taken up, as before 

 stated, by the plant with great ftxcility, and we must 

 not forget that we have here a fertilizer that is by 

 no means complete, and, if the lime and phosphate 

 (small amounts) are in the soil, these will become less 

 and less until finally the land becomes sterile. The sul- 

 phate of ammonia is more desirable on calcareous soils 

 than are the nitrates. Many do not consider this sul- 

 phate as economical as might be desired, as large quan- 

 tities are lost by evaporation. These salts exist only in 

 small quantities in beets, and but little harm can result 

 from their use. We have no doubt but that the com- 

 bination with the nitrates is desirable, their phj^sical 

 properties being opposite — one rising to the surface and 

 the other sinking to the stratum beneath. If combined 

 with a phosphate even better results may be expected. 

 This chemical contains about 20 per cent, of nitrogen. 



Phosphoric Fertilizer. — It is now generally admitted 

 that phosphoric acid is one of the desired elements for 

 the formation of sugar, and its percentage in the beet 



