34 



■may be largely supplied by soil decomposition. Tlie phosphoric 

 acid is of more importance, although but 3.6 pounds are found in 

 2,000 pounds of milk. Phosphoric acid is very hard of solution, 

 is in meagre amount in the soil, and in practice found very pro- 

 nouncedly effective when applied. In previous data given it was 

 seen that steers take this material away very liberally. It is 

 associated with lime and is the basis of bone structure. 



After calculating the fertilizer supply of grazing stock left as 

 voiding, the annual deficit may be supplied and probably more than 

 supplied by 15 to 20 pounds nitrate of soda, 3 to 4 pounds 

 muriate of potash, and 15 pounds acid phosphate containing 14 

 per cent phosphoric acid. The whole should not cost more than 

 55 to 60 cents. But no practical man would begin their use with 

 but 33 pounds of chemicals annually. I named 500 pounds annu- 

 ally in the July report, with an annual reduction thereafter. One 

 hundred and twenty-five to 150 pounds annually would give marked 

 results ; would double the grazing value of an acre in a brief 

 period. I named large amounts in the July report for intensive 

 work, and no doubt more than most will care to venture to use. 

 On rough pastures, where the spreading must be by hand, a larger 

 ■quantity, answering for several years may be used, in which case 

 more insoluble forms than those above named will be required. 

 Tankage supplemented by ashes, or by 14 pounds muriate of potash 

 to 100 pounds tankage, would make an advantageous fertilizer. 

 Bone meal is an old and tried pasture specific. For steer grazing, 

 as little potash is withdrawn by them, this would answer alone for 

 good pasture, but not for maximum results, nor would it do so 

 well for cow pasture without blood or nitrate of soda annually. 

 The influence of half a ton of tankage or bone meal would be seen 

 for years. It is, of course, understood that a cleared pasture, and, 

 in the absence of the right sort of grass, new seed, are to be 

 secured. It is of considerable importance to the dairy farmer 

 that the increased growth of pasture grass aid the fields. The 

 droppings in the barn or yard at night are increased and pass to 

 the fields. It should also be noted that chemicals may be better 

 adapted to pasture fertilization than yard manure, especially where 

 steers graze, from the fact that any proportion of nitrogen, potash 

 or phosphoric acid may be used. Steer pasture needs little but 

 phosphoric acid, and for these, where heavy applications are made, 

 bone meal will answer fairly well for a few years. Some nitrate 

 •of soda or blood would be needed as the years pass by. 



