AMOUNT TO APPLY 349 



The general farmer applies manure to the land as soon 

 as possible after it is produced. In truck farming also, 

 where the vegetable crops are in a rotation with grass or 

 clover, this is a commendable practice ; but fresh stable 

 manure is not suitable for intensive culture, because it is 

 not quick enough in its action and its coarse texture pre- 

 vents thorough incorporation with the soil. Fresh manure 

 is likely to cause a rank growth of tops at the expense of 

 the fruit or root. For example, it causes tomato plants to 

 run to vine and may cause onions to produce a large per- 

 centage of " thick necks " or " scallions." Fresh manure 

 often contains a large number of weed seeds that may 

 prove very troublesome. Composting destroys weed seeds. 

 Well-decomposed stable manure is the best for vegetable 

 gardening. 



Time to Apply. --The proper time to apply manure 

 depends upon its kind, its condition, the crops to be grown, 

 and the rotation to be followed. If clover or grass land 

 is to be prepared for a vegetable crop, the manure should be 

 applied before plowing. If the manure is well decomposed 

 and of a limited quantity, it is desirable to use it as a top 

 dressing after plowing, thoroughly harrowing it into the 

 soil. If two or more crops are to be grown in rotation dur- 

 ing the same season, it is good practice to apply a portion 

 to each crop. On soils of rather low fertility, it is a common 

 practice to manure in the hills or rows, as this secures a 

 greater concentration of the plant food in the region of 

 the roots of the plants. 



Amount to Apply. The amount of manure that can 

 be most profitably supplied depends upon the kind of crop 

 grown, the soil, and the available supply of manure. 

 Market gardeners usually use from 25 to 50 tons per 



