Field Truck Crops 239 



Nitrogen ............ 



Available phosphoric acid ...... 5% 



Potash ............. 10% 



gave less satisfactory returns for the same amount applied 

 than one furnishing 



Nitrogen ..... ....... 4% 



Available phosphoric acid ...... 8% 



Potash ............. 10% 



This latter formula is very generally used in sections 

 where early potatoes are an important crop. 



The time and method of application. 



These are matters of considerable importance. It 

 has been urged, particularly by German experimenters, 

 that the potash salts, when used in such excess as seems 

 desirable, should be applied more largely to the crop 

 preceding, rather than directly to the potato crop. This 

 method has not been adopted in this country to any extent, 

 and it is believed that our climatic conditions are such as 

 to cause a very general distribution of the salts throughout 

 the soil, if applied, in part at least, just before planting 

 and thoroughly distributed by cultivation. At any rate, 

 very satisfactory returns are secured from the direct ap- 

 plication to the crop of fertilizers of this composition. In 

 reference to the method of application, while very good 

 results are secured from the application of the fertilizers 

 directly in the row, this is to some extent influenced by the 

 character of the soil. Where the soil is somewhat heavy, 

 and the circulation of water is not perfectly free, it is less 

 desirable than where the soils are open and porous, and 

 free circulation is not impeded; though where the 

 amounts applied are considerable, it is recommended that 



