CROPS AND SOIL IMPROVEMENT 



such use it needs reenforcing only with acid phos- 

 phate, but as a general manure it should have the 

 addition of potash. Acid phosphate should be 

 used in the poultry-house to prevent loss of nitro- 

 gen, which escapes quickly on account of rapid 

 fermentation, and to supply phosphoric acid. 

 Thirty pounds of acid phosphate to each 100 

 pounds of the manure gives a mixture containing 

 one pound of nitrogen, three pounds of phosphoric 

 acid, and two fifths of a pound of potash. The 

 addition of four pounds of muriate of potash 

 makes the mixture a well-balanced and effective 

 fertilizer when used at the rate of 500 to 1000 

 pounds per acre. Dry muck or loam should be 

 mixed with it to serve as an absorbent and to give 

 good physical condition. 



[138] 



