ROOT CROP PROJECTS 187 



fine, decayed manure will be most beneficial if applied after plow- 

 ing, and mixed thoroughly with the soil by harrowing. 



Commercial fertilizers are widely used in the growing of root 

 crops. It is customary to apply plenty of phosphorus. Potash 

 is also regarded as an important factor by most growers. Nitrogen 

 is essential, but its excessive use has the same effect as heavy 

 applications of fresh stable manure. Ordinarily, at least half a 

 ton of high-grade fertilizer to the acre may be used profitably. 



The soil should be in a fine state of division before any seed is 

 sown. (Students should look up W : 63 and all references.) 



1. What kind and how much stable manure should be applied for 



the growing of root crops ? W : 186. 



2. When and how should the stable manure be applied ? W : 186. 



3. What would you recommend relative to the use of commercial 



fertilizer for the several root crops ? 



4. Make an estimate of your fertilizer needs, assuming that the 



materials are to be bought and mixed at home. What will 

 the fertilizer cost per ton, mixed? 



6. How should your soil be managed to have it in a thoroughly 

 fine state of division for sowing the seed ? W : 63. 



6. Students will be interested in looking up the various methods 

 employed by gardeners in the fertilizing of root crops. 



6. When to plant. — The beet, carrot, radish, and turnip each 

 may be planted in succession, if desired, as early as the soil can be 

 prepared in the spring, until midsummer. The parsnip and sal- 

 sify are long season crops and should be planted very early in the 

 spring. Horse-radish roots should also be planted early in the 

 spring. 



