THE EFFECT OF FERTILIZERS ON VARIATION IN 

 CORN AND BEANS 



J. K. SHAW 



Massachusetts Experiment Station 



The data here reported were secured in the summer of 1909 

 from a field of sweet corn and beans which were fertilized with 

 nitrogen phosphorus and potash separately and in combination 

 after the manner described later. The original purpose of the 

 investigation was to determine if the differences caused by fer- 

 tilization were in any degree transmitted to succeeding genera- 

 tions. Owing to development of other work it has been impos- 

 sible to carry this on as planned. It is thought that the data se- 

 cured may have sufficient interest and value to warrant their pre- 



The plot of land used appeared much exhausted of both plant 

 food and humus. It had previously been used as a raspberry 

 patch. It lay on a gentle southeastern slope sheltered on the 

 opposite side by a belt of woods which, however, was far enough 

 distant to prevent injury from shade or root trespass. 



The field was rectangular in shape, 300 feet long and 60 feet 

 wide. It was divided crosswise into twelve plots, each 25 X 60 

 feet. The fertilizers and their amounts were as follows: 



Phosphate 



(Acid Phosphate 30 J Sulphate of Potash . 



' {Sulphate of Potash 8 "\ Acid Phosphate . . . 



' (Nitrate-* fi 

 J Acid Phospl 



Nitrate of Soda 



.ltrate of So.la . . . 

 ulphate of Potash 



57 



