FOOD FOR PLANTS 1 



tankage. But none of these furnish Nitrogen in the 

 Nitrate form. This can only be furnished to plants in 

 the form of Nitrate of Soda. 



Nitrate of Soda contains the Nitrogen that is 

 necessary for the growth of plants, and is the best 

 form in which to furnish it to them. When we say 

 the best form we mean as well the best practical 

 form. Nitrate of Soda not only furnishes Nitrogen 

 in its most available form, but it furnishes it cheaper 

 than any other source, because 100 per cent, of it or 

 all is available. 



No other form containing so much available plant 

 food is also capable of unlocking the latent potash 

 in the soil. 



Nitrate of Soda or Chile Saltpetre. 



Nitrate of Soda or Chile Saltpetre occurs in vast 

 deposits in the rainless districts of the west coast of 

 South America, chiefly in Chile, from whence it is 

 imported to this country for use in chemical manu- 

 facture and in agriculture. As imported into the 

 United States, Nitrate of Soda usually contains 

 about 15 per cent, of Nitrogen. Nitrate of Soda re- 

 sembles common salt, with which and sodium sul- 

 phate it is often adulterated. This salt is at once 

 available as a direct fertilizer. Whenever practicable, 

 it should be applied as a top-dressing to growing 

 crops, and if possible the dressings should be given 

 in two or three successive rations. 



Nitrate of Soda is usually applied at the rate of 

 from 100 to 200 pounds per acre on land previously 

 dressed with farm-yard manure. To secure an even 



