188 



Potato Synonyms. 



[May, 



The following is a brief resume of some of the more 

 important experiments of which records are available: — 

 Aberdeen 1905-1907, Turnips, Barley, Hay. 



In a series of experiments extending over 3 years, the effect 

 of different forms of phosphate, viz., superphosphate, basic 

 slag, bone meal and ground Florida phosphate applied alone 

 and with dung was tested on turnips followed by barley and 

 hay. In the " no dung " plots, both super and slag gave some- 

 what better returns than mineral phosphate, but when dung 

 was used the mineral phosphate gave the greatest total value 

 of crops and considerably the highest profit. 



Experiments in North Wales also indicate that rock phosphate 

 is distinctly effective. At six centres the yields of swedes 

 were, on the average of three years 1913-1915, per acre: — 



Tons. Cwt. 



No phosphate ... ... ... ... ... 13 1 



* Basic Slag (482 lb.) 22 4 



• Gafsa phosphate (333 lb.) 21 8 



° Superphosphate (539 lb.) 22 9 



All contained 200 lb. of phosphate. 



These manures are being quoted at a low unit value at> 

 present. A mixture of finely-ground soft mineral phosphates 

 and superphosphates may be employed for arable crops. The 

 following quotation from an article by Dr. Russell* summarises 

 the position with regard to mineral phosphates: "Where 

 basic slag cannot be obtained in sufficient quantity, it is 

 worth while trying mineral phosphates, provided that they 

 are sufficiently finely ground." Their cheapness suggests 

 use on rough pasture, especially the poorer, high-lying types 

 rented at a figure which makes dressing with slag out of the 

 question. Bone meal, and especially steamed bone flour, have 

 been showing a cheap unit value of late; both contain a little 

 nitrogen, and may with advantage be mixed with super- 

 phosphate. 



****** 

 The whole of the potato industry in this country is affected 

 adversely by the unfortunate habit acquired by certain growers 

 ^ L L „ of describing as distinct varieties potatoes 



Potato Synonyms : that pregent under careM examination 



14 5!P° rt .„ similar conditions of flowering, foliage, 

 1920 Committee. grQwth hMt gtem colour? size? shape 8nd 



colour of tuber, together with identical physiological charac- 

 teristics. A Committee of the National Institute of Agricultural 



* This Journal, Jan., 1921, p. 963. 



