CHAPTER XII 

 FERTILIZERS FOR CEREALS AND GRASSES 



IT has already been pointed out (p. 198) that these 

 crops are classed as possessing a relatively low com- 

 mercial value and a relatively high fertility value, and 

 that, from a practical standpoint, in any fertilization of 

 them a possible profitable return should be borne in mind. 

 This is, of course, necessary in all cases, but is particularly 

 necessary where an increased yield, as great as can be 

 expected from an application of proper fertilizing materials, 

 cannot possibly result in an extraordinary profit, a result 

 quite possible with certain crops of the opposite class. 

 The possible increase in yield, also, is dependent on the 

 conditions of soil and season, and if these latter are such 

 as to forbid a maximum increased yield, the immediate 

 profits from the application are reduced considerably. 



It has been shown, also, by careful experiments that, 

 on the average, at least one-third of the nitrogen applied 

 to these crops, although contained in the best forms, is not 

 secured in the crop, even under the most favorable condi- 

 tions ; that is, in any case certain amounts are lost through 

 drainage, the growth of weeds and denitrification ; and, 

 further, that the minerals must exist in the soil, or must be 

 supplied in sufficient excess, otherwise the utilization of 

 the nitrogen by the plant is still further reduced. The 

 expense of fertilizer to the unit of increase in these crops 



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