TOBACCO CULTURE. 39 



plication used by the best Connecticut Valley,growers, who 

 depend on fertilizers solely for producing tobacco year after 

 year on the same soil. 



The Cuban grower of Florida still adheres to his so- 

 called Peruvian, or Damaraland guano. The usual applica- 

 tion is from 600 to 1000 Ibs. per acre. The more progressive 

 growers, however, obtain best results from mixed fertilizers 

 containing 4 to 5 per cent Ammonia, 4 to 5 per cent availa- 

 ble phosphoric acid and 9 to 10 per cent potash. 



MOST EFFECTIVE APPLICATIONS. 



The following suggestions as to the most economical 

 and productive use of fertilizers are based upon actual prac- 

 tical experience. 



Of the three principal food constituents, phosphoric acid 

 is in least demand. It should not be supplied greatly in ex- 

 cess of the actual needs of the plant. The best form is the 

 high grade acid phosphate, and 20 to 60 pounds of available 

 phosphoric acid per acre should be the limit used. 



Nitrogen is required by tobacco in proportions of from 

 two to three times the amount of phosphoric acid. Nitrate 

 of Soda and Cotton Seed meal are both popular forms of 

 nitrogen; of the two, nitrate is much quicker in its action. 



Potash is the most important plant food for tobacco. 

 This crop is distinctively a potash feeder. The quantity re- 

 quired is from four to six times that of phosphoric acid. 

 The best form of potash is the high grade sulphate of pot- 

 ash, containing an average of jo per cent of actual potash, 



