32 - EXPERBIENT STATION. [Jan. 



Comparing the average of plots 1 and 3 with the average of 

 plots 2 and 4 we find the materials cost more for 1 and 3 ; the 

 amonnt of grain and stover produced is larger, hut the profit is 

 less. 



The difference in favor of using the smaller amount of 

 manure and potash is still more apparent when we consider 

 that we have two cords less of manure to handle. 



Comparison of Winter and Spring x\pplication of Manure. 

 The details of the plan and object of this experiment may be 

 found in the nineteenth annual report : — 



This experiment was planned to be continued through a series of 

 years, with a view to throwing light ujjon the question as to the best 

 method of handhng farm manures. The field in use has an area of a 

 little less than three acres, and slopes moderately to the west. It had 

 been divided into five plots a number of years previous to the begin- 

 ning of this exjDeriment, for the comparison of different fertilizers. 

 Each of these five plots was subdivided into two sub-plots. To one of 

 the sub-plots in each of the five pairs the manure is applied during the 

 winter, being sjDread upon the surface as it is hauled to the field ; to the 

 other sub-plot in each of the five pairs the manure as it is hauled is put 

 into a large, compact heap. The matuire used is carefully preserved, 

 from well-fed dairy cows on four of the pairs of plots (1, 2, 3 and 4), 

 and purchased stable manure from horses on one pair of plots (5). The 

 exjjeriment is so managed that all the manure is hauled for a single 

 pair of plots at one time, usually during a single day, or at most within 

 two days. To insure even quality of the manure on the two sub-plots, 

 loads are placed alternately on the north half, where it is spread as 

 hauled ; and on the south half, where, as has been stated, it is put into a 

 large heap. The land has usually been plowed late in the fall. The 

 manure has usually been applied to the two sub-plots 1 early in the 

 winter; to the sub-plots 2, 3 and 4, respectively, at intervals each about 

 one month later than the preceding. The manure which is placed in the 

 heaps remains there until it is time to prepare the soil for planting in 

 the spring. It is then spread, and as soon as convenient the entire area, 

 including both the winter and spring applications, is plowed. 



Manure was omitted in 1912 and will not be applied as in 

 previous years. Records will, however, be kept, the object 

 now being to test the residual effect of the two systems of ap- 

 plying manure. There are five pairs of plots in the experi- 



