186 Agricultural Section [pt n 



deep or shallow rooted. In other respects its action is similar to 

 that of ammonium salts. 



The grasses especially favoured by nitrate of soda are : Rough- 

 stalked Meadow-grass, Meadow Foxtail, Fiorin, Cock's-foot, 

 Timothy, Tall Fescue, Meadow Fescue, Rye-grasses and Tall 

 Oat-grass. 



Phosphates alone. As is well known, the application of phos- 

 phates alone usually leads to a great stimulation of the leguminous 

 plants present, and brings about a corresponding reduction in 

 the proportion of the gramineous herbage at least for a time. 



This is the usual result of using superphosphate alone, and even 

 to a greater degree when basic slag — which contains free lime — 

 is employed. As the result however of the increased nitrogen 

 supply to the soil, the better grasses are gradually enabled to 

 take the place of inferior sorts, and thus a general improvement 

 of the herbage follows. 



The general effect upon grasses of the use of phosphates alone 

 is to produce a more dwarf and stemmy growth, favouring early 

 maturation and promoting seed production. 



The general action of Potash manures alone is also similar, 

 i.e. early maturation is favoured. 



The effect of lime is generally most marked upon the legu- 

 minous herbage, which it stimulates. It possibly also tends to 

 reduce such plants as Fiorin, Tussock-grass, etc. 



The general effect of mixed mineral manures alone (phosphates 

 and potash) is to greatly favour stem and seed production, and to 

 lead to premature ripening. Leguminous plants are much more 

 favoured than are the grasses. 



The use of ammonium salts in addition to phosphates and 

 potash if well proportioned leads to a greatly increased yield with 

 normal maturation. The following appear to be favoured by 

 such manuring: Timothy, Cock's-foot, Foxtail, Tall Oat-grass, 

 Smooth-stalked Meadow-grass, Fiorin, and Sheep's Fescue. 



If the ammonium salts are in excess the stronger grasses are 

 particularly favoured and become very coarse. 



The following are especially promoted by the use of Nitrate of 

 Soda with phosphates and potash : Rough-stalked Meadow-grass, 



