SECTION XXXVII. 



THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING LIVE-STOCK AND THE FERTI- 

 LIZER CONSTITUENTS IN FEEDS. 



Farm Crops Have a Double Value. — Nitrogen, phosphorus and 

 potassium are the elements which are generally present in small 

 amounts in^ the soil and often become deficient when farm crops 

 are sold. The other elements used by plants are usually found 

 in sufficient quantities so that we need not' consider them, ex- 

 cept occasionally calcium. The fertility that is taken away 

 from the soil in the form of crops may best be restored by 

 feeding these crops to live-stock and applying the manure tO' the 

 soil. It should be understood that when farm crops are sold the 

 fertilizing value is lost and the price received represents only 

 the feeding value. 



Effects of Farm Manure. — The chemical composition of farm 

 manure is not a true indication of its value. It serves to im- 

 prove the texture and condition of the soil. It makes the plant 

 food that is stored in the soil available. When manure is put 

 upon the land it decomposes very rapidly on account of its al- 

 ready partially decayed condition and fermentation sets in and 

 acids are formed which act upon unavailable plant food and 

 renders it available. During the process of decay humus is 

 formed which has a tendency of making heavy soils (like clay 

 soils) loose, and light sandy soils more binding. It increases 

 soil warmth and it renders the moisture conditions of the soil 

 more satisfactory. 



The Fertilizing Value of manure depends upon the species of 

 animal, age of animal, kind of feed, bedding employed, and care 

 in husbanding. Highly nitrogenous feeds as cotton-seed meal, 

 linseed meal, etc. produce a more valuable manure than coarser 

 feeds. 



Lasting Qualities of Farm Manure. — Manure is one of the most 

 efficient fertilizers for the farmer to use. It has wonderful last- 

 ing qualities; one good application will last for many years. 

 The Rothamstead Experiment Station of England has made 

 valuable experiments with manure as a fertilizer on grass and 



