148 Fertilizers 



indications at the disposal of the farmer should be suf- 

 ficient when good judgment is exercised. 



The application of lime. 



The character of soil, kind of crop and character of 

 farming are the most important factors upon which the 

 use and application of lime depend. In general, however, 

 it is better to make frequent and small applications than 

 large applications every five or ten years. On soils which 

 are poor, light and lacking in organic matter or dry, the 

 application should be small, varying from 500 to not more 

 than 1200 pounds of actual lime or its equivalent to the 

 acre every two or three years. On heavy soils composed 

 largely of clay and well filled with organic matter, the 

 application should be much heavier, from 1200 to 3000 

 pounds of actual lime or its equivalent to the acre every 

 two or three years. Soils of this description will make 

 better use of larger quantities, and there is less danger of 

 injury to soil or crop. If ground limestone is used, even 

 larger amounts may be applied. 



There are certain crops which respond greatly to lime,, 

 others that are negative and still others that are actually 

 injured when lime is present in the soil in any quantity. 

 The farmer must study the particular crop he is growing 

 and the effect lime has upon its development in order 

 that the application of lime may be properly adjusted to 

 the requirements of the crop as well as to the soil. 



When and how to apply lime. 



The tune of application depends primarily upon con- 

 venience, but there are a few general rules which it is 

 well to follow. Lime should be applied to the surface 



