FERTILIZERS 13 



therefore very valuable in the growing of such crops as 

 celery, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, asparagus, or any crop 

 grown for its top, or for early maturity. Nitrogen stimu- 

 lates the plants and tends to produce a good growth in 

 the early spring before the ground becomes thoroughly 

 warmed. 



13. Nitrate of Soda. The most available and therefore 

 valuable form in which nitrogen may be supplied is known 

 as nitrate of soda. The nitrogen becomes available as soon 

 as the compound is dissolved, while if supplied in manures, 

 dried blood, bone or tankage, these materials must decom- 

 pose before their supply of nitrogen becomes available. 



Nitrate of soda may be supplied alone or in combina- 

 tion with other elements. The rate of application varies 

 with the richness of the soil and with the kind of crops 

 grown. The method of application varies with the condi- 

 tions; whether it is used as part of a complete fertilizer, or 

 is used alone as a top dressing. Under most conditions 

 the best results are obtained from sowing the nitrate broad- 

 cast, even when the plants are young and tender. If the 

 foliage is dry at the time of broadcasting the nitrate of 

 soda, none of it will adhere to the leaves but all will glance 

 off to the ground. , . 



Nitrate of soda may also be sown along the row quite 

 close to the plants and then cultivated in, or it may be 

 applied by any one of the numerous fertilizer distributors 

 that are adapted for use in narrow rows. 



Nitrate of soda is used as a part of complete fertilizers 

 for vegetables. Such fertilizers should be broadcasted over 

 the land, or applied with a fertilizer drill just preceding the 

 final harrowing before seed sowing, or placed in the hill; 

 or drill, at the time of planting. The amount of nitrate of 

 soda to be used at one time will vary with the richness of 



