236 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



in the soil. The certainty of a large return justifies the most com- 

 plete fertilizer treatment. It is not uncommon to apply a ton or 

 more of high-grade fertilizer to the acre. There should be no 

 shortage of any of the elements of plant food. Nitrogen is con- 

 sidered especially important. Any of the nitrogenous fertilizers 

 may be employed to advantage. Nitrate of soda, in amounts of 

 200 or more pounds to the acre, is the most popular source of 

 nitrogen for this crop. Part of the nitrate should be applied before 

 planting and top dressings of 100 pounds to the acre may be made 

 early in the growth of the crop. 



If a ton of fertilizer is used to the acre, about 700 or 800 pounds 

 of this amount should be acid phosphate. Potash is also regarded 

 as highly important, though not to the same extent as it was re- 

 garded before the war. A good mixture may be made by using 

 300 pounds nitrate of soda, 500 pounds dried blood or tankage, 800 

 pounds acid phosphate, and 400 pounds muriate of potash. 



Well-decayed stable manure is largely employed for onions. 

 If very fine, it may be applied after plowing and thoroughly mixed 

 with the soil by harrowing. Poultry manure is also excellent, 

 and should be applied after the land has been plowed. 



1. How will you proceed to have the soil well supplied with mois- 



ture at the time of planting ? W : 231. C : 311. 



2. What can be done to reduce the weed nuisance ? 



3. What are the fertilizer requirements of the onion ? 



W-VG : 387. C : 311. 



4. How do nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium function in the 



growing of onions ? 



6. What may be said about the value of stable manure and poultry 

 manure for this crop ? W-VG : 387. L : 164. C : 311. 



