48 FOOD FOR PLANTS 



a "weedy" growth of the cotton plant without 

 proper fruitage. This is not true when Nitrate is 

 applied in proper amounts and at the best time, viz., 

 under the cotton before planting. Heavy applica- 

 tions of Nitrate put on early will always bring early 

 maturity and full, early fruitage. Heavy applica- 

 tions of Nitrate put on late delay maturity and are 

 never advised. When it is necessary to put Nitrate 

 on cotton later in the season, light applications not 

 to exceed 100 pounds to the acre may be made. This 

 necessity is not likely to arise when enough Nitrate 

 has been put on early. 



In the cases of the cultivated crops Nitrate should 

 be well covered or thoroughly mixed with the soil. 



Larger amounts of Nitrate of Soda may be used up 

 to 250 pounds per acre, or even more. 



Cotton is not an exhaustive crop when grown in 

 rotation and when properly fertilized. 



Formula for Cotton. 



Nitrate alone 150 lbs. per acre 



or preferably 



Nitrate 200 lbs. per acre 



Acid Phosphate 200 lbs. per acre 



The use of sulphate or muriate of potash is advised 

 every other year at planting time at the rate of fifty 

 pounds to the acre. In case neither salt can be se- 

 cured an equivalent amount of other forms of potash 

 salts may be used. 



