physical condition of the land and even preventing the sand from blowing, this appli- 

 cation of lime alone produced an average increase of nearly two tons per acre with a 

 higher proportion of large saleable potatoes. 



Effect of Special Fertilizers — Special fertilizing on such soils is absolutely 

 necessary to obtain maximum yields and profits. In the experiments being discussed, 

 early Irish Cobbler potatoes were planted, and by treating the soil with a mixture of 

 Sulphate of Ammonia and Superphosphate, the yield was further increased over the 

 liming result by four tons per acre. In brief, by liming and special fertilizing, these 

 experiments showed that on a soil that was locally abandoned as unprofitable for 

 cultivation, a crop of 400 bushels per care of early potatoes could be obtained. 



Fertilizers recommended — From careful study and observation of these experi- 

 ments the following general application per acre is recommended for early potatoes on 

 soils similar to the poorest sands of Norfolk County: — 



Sulphate of Ammonia 200 lbs. 

 Superphosphate 400 lbs. 



(14% available phosphoric acid.) 

 This mixture will contain: — 



Nitrogen 6.3% 



Available Phosphoric Acid 9.3% 



Any available supply of potash such as wood ashes, which can be obtained at a 

 profitable figure, would considerably improve this mixture. Nitrate of Soda may be 

 used in place of Sulphate of Ammonia, but should be applied as a top dressing in at 

 least two applications, after the plants are up at intervals of two or three weeks. Owing 

 to the war the price and supply have almost placed Nitrate of Soda beyond the reach 

 of the farmer. In the case of late potatoes the Sulphate of Ammonia could very 

 well be replaced with 250 lbs. of Calcium Cyanamide, a nitrogenous fertilizer now 

 being made in large quantities at Niagara Falls and sold at a very reasonable price. 

 Basic Slag applied in the same quantity in place of Superphosphate gives equally good 

 results on such soils. 



Application of Fertilizers — Fertilizers should be very finely crushed and 

 thoroughly mixed with an additional amount of sand to increase the bulk. This 

 insures more even distribution. Where Basic Slag is used it should not be mixed with 

 the Sulphate of Ammonia, but applied separately. The application should be made 

 on a calm day, being broadcasted either by hand or machine about two weeks before 

 planting and followed with a light harrowing. 



General Cultivation and Spraying — Seeding and later cultivation should be 

 conducted as commonly practised in good potato culture, special attention being 

 given to avoid the robbing of the crop by weeds. Sprouting of the seed in shallow 

 boxes before planting is recommended, especially where subject to late frosts, so that 

 planting may be delayed without retarding the harvest. It should not be forgotten 

 that even on sandy soils the spraying of potatoes with Bordeaux Mixture is very essential 

 to a good-crop. Bordeaux Mixture may be mixed with Arsenate of Lead or Paris 

 Green when spraying for the potato beetle. This spraying mixture would consist of: — 

 Copper Sulphate (Bluestone) 4 lbs., unslacked lime 4 lbs., Arsenate of Lead 3 lbs., or 

 Paris Green 1 lb., to 40 gallons of water. The Copper Sulphate is dissolved in a wooden 

 vessel with hot water, poured into a barrel, and cold water added to make 20 gallons; 

 slake the lime, preferably with hot water, and add cold water in which the Arsenate of 

 Lead or Paris Green has been well mixed. Gradually mix the lime and poison solution 

 with the Copper Sulphate in the barrel, stirring well all the time, and finally make 

 up to 40 gallons with more cold water. Spray while the mixture is fresh, taking care 

 that the under side of the leaves get the spray. Give at least two sprayings. 



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