214 



FERTILIZERS FOR VEGETABLES 



as well as many other crops. This misleading thought per- 

 meates agricultural literature, as is evident from the view 

 so constantly expressed that soil fertility and abundance of 

 plant-food mean the same thing. They do not. Plant-food 

 is only one element of soil fertility and of the successful 

 growth of crops, though, perhaps, we are justified in regard- 

 ing it often as the most important one, if we can properly 

 say that any one condition of successful crop growth is more 

 important than any other. 



The power of any plant to make use of its food to the full- 

 est advantage is influenced by several conditions, a full dis- 

 cussion of which would involve a study of soil fertility, plant 

 nutrition and methods of crop management, furnishing ma- 

 terial enough for an encyclopedia, but too much for a brief 

 address. 



Conditions Essential To Utilization of Plant-Food. 



Now, the use of fertilizers is effective or ineffective in pro- 

 moting crop growth according to whether certain other con- 

 ditions are present or not; and, as preliminary to our dis- 

 cussion of the special subject before us, let us briefly state in 

 outline the fundamental conditions that are essential to the 

 most efficient utilization of plant-foods. 



(1st) Good seed, referring to variety, vigor or vitality, 

 freedom from presence of other seec's and freedom from dis- 

 ease. 



(2nd) Sunshine to furnish warmth and light. 



(3rd) Adaptation of crops and varieties to special condi- 

 tions of soil and climates. 



(4th) Sufficient water supplj', properly distributed, whether 

 by rain or irrigation. 



(5th) Suitable physical structure of soil, making condi- 

 tions favorable for the growth of plants, brought about, ac- 

 cording to special circumstances, by (a) underdrainage ; (b) 

 thorough tillage of proper character and at suitable times ; 

 (c) proper rotation of crops; (d) periodical incorporation of 

 organic matter; (e) maintaining supply of calcium carbonate 

 in soil. 



(6th) The presence of beneficial micro-organisms in soil 

 and conditions favorable to their growth, secured when 



