2l8 THE FIRST BOOK OF FARMING 



If the amount of fertilizer is too small to dis- 

 tribute evenly over the plot, mix it thoroughly with 

 a few quarts of dry earth or sand to give it more 

 bulk and then apply it. 



In the use of fertilizers it should always be remem- 

 bered that small crops are not always due to lack of 

 plant food, but may be caused by an absence of the 

 other conditions necessary for root growth and de- 

 velopment. The soil may not be sufficiently moist to 

 properly supply the plants with water. Too much 

 water may check ventilation. Poor tillage may 

 check root development. Unless the physical con- 

 ditions are right the possible effects of additional 

 plant food in the form of fertilizers are greatly di- 

 minished. The farmer who gets the largest return 

 from fertilizers is the one who gives greatest atten- 

 tion to the physical properties of the soil. He makes 

 use of organic matter and is very thorough in his 

 methods of tillage. Every farmer should apply to 

 his State Experiment Station for bulletins on the 

 subject of fertilizers. 



