1921.] 



Notes on Manures. 



665 



2. On arable land intended for winter corn the nitrogenous 

 manure may also remain effective, especially in v^.ew of the fact 

 that work is well forward and sowing is likely to be early. 



3. On arable land intended for roots or spring corn, on the 

 other hand, the nitrogenous manure may suffer considerable 

 loss. It is likely to change into nitrates rapidly if it is not 

 a,lready in that form, and then it is liable to be washed out of 

 the soil. If the winter should be wet there will be just as much 

 need for nitrogenous manure next spring as if this season had 

 been an ordinary one. This statement, however, does not apply 

 to potash and phosphates, which are not liable to be washed out, 

 except perhaps from very light sandy soils under heavy rainfall. 



The Quantity of Fertiliser to use on the Farm. — In 



endeavouring to work out the fertiliser requirements of the farm 

 it is safe to assume : — 



1. That sufficient of the manure applied for roots and potatoes 

 will remain over for winter corn, so that nothing need be given 

 unless the winter turns out very wet, when a spring dressing of 

 sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda will be required ; 



2. That winter corn following a previous corn crop is not likely 

 to want much fertiliser where it has been possible to plough or 

 hroadshare the stubbles and so let in the sunshine and the air; 



B. That spring corn will want its usual fertiliser treatment 

 unless the winter is very dry ; 



4. That roots will require the usual quantity of fertiliser. . 



Treatment of Clover.— At the present time the condition of 

 the young clover is very unsatisfactory, and many leys are 

 already lost. A certain amount of mending is possible, and 

 trefoil may be sown. Where the young plant still survives and 

 there has been sufficient rain to ensure that it will grow it may 

 be helped on heavy soils by a dressing of basic slag, about 4 cwt. 

 to the acre : on light soils kainit at the rate of 3 cwt. or 4 cwt. 

 to the acre may be used instead. No fertiliser treatment will 

 help, however, when the plant is too far gone, or where the soil 

 still remains dry. If it is decided to continue the old leys for 

 another year this manurial treatment should certainlv be given. 

 If it becomes necessary to plough them up and sow barley, the 

 phosphate or potash will serve a very useful purpose for this 

 <:rop, and probably be all that is necessary. 



Chalk or Lime on the Land.— At Eothamsted we probably 

 receive more letters from farmers about lime, liuiestone o]- chalk 



