Compound Manures. 



[mar.. 



result in the loss of some of the nitrogen, but the mass is apt to 

 become sticky and difficult to sow. The addition of a con- 

 siderable proportion of drjdng manures, such as a fine bone meal 

 or steamed bone flour, will remedy this. Nitrate of soda may 

 be mixed with salt or any potash manure without bad result. 

 It may also be mixed wth basic slag and raw mineral phosphates, 

 but this mixture should be used at once and not stored. 



Nitrolim may be mixed with basic slag, bones, or with any 

 potash manure ; and it may also be mixed with good, dry 

 samples of superphosphate, although in this case a little heat 

 may be developed and part of the water-soluble phosphate may 

 be " reverted." Nitrate of lime is not suitable for making 

 mixtures. 



Superphosphate should not ordinarily be mixed with basic 

 slag, precipitated phosphate, or ground mineral phosphate, 

 as this results in the soluble phosphate of the superphosphate 

 becoming insoluble in pure water (though readily soluble in 

 soil water) to an extent dependent upon the lime present. 

 On the other hand, bone flour and bone meal produce no such 

 eSlect unless the mixture is allowed to lie for a long lime, while 

 they produce a dry, powdery mixture with the acid manure. 

 Nevertheless, slag and superphosphate are frequently mixed for 

 the reason that the mixture sows better than either ingredient 

 alone and because any disadvantages that superphosphate may 

 have on account of its acidity are removed. A better mixture 

 is obtained by using steamed bone flour instead of slag. 



How to mix Manures.— In making mixtures the ingredients 

 should be very thoroughly incorporated in small quantities. 



Lumpy manures, before mixing, and the mixture when made, 

 should be passed through a sieve and the remaining lumps 

 carefully broken up. If the mixture is not to be sown imme- 

 diately it should preferably not be bagged at once, owing to its 

 tendency to set immediately after mixing, but should be 

 allowed to lie in a heap for a few days, after which it may be 

 broken up, turned through a riddle or harp, and then bagged. 

 After this treatment the mixture will not readily set or become 

 lumpy, and may be kept for weeks. The most important point 

 is always to mix systematically in small quantities. 



General Mixtures. — Examples of general mixtures adapted 

 for average conditions are given below for the different farm 

 crops ; other mixtures may be cheaper or more suitable in 

 particular cases. The total quantities stated should be sufficient 

 for one acre under average conditions. Other manures can 

 be mixed together to give approximately the same composite 



