scattered early in the spring. Fresh manure adding about 50 pounds of super phosphate 
can be used in the fall, but in the spring to each ton of manure, you will greatly in- 
it should be in a well-rotted condition so crease its nutrient value. 
as not to damage the young plants. By 
Use of Lime in Growing Vegetables 
Lime is used primarily to neutralize soil acidity. It is not a fertilizer although calcium, 
the important element in lime, is a nutrient. 
Most plants are definitely influenced by the reaction-acidity, or alkalinity of the 
soil. Vegetables, for instance, vary greatly in their response to lime. Results of many 
experiments indicate that most vegetable crops thrive better in soils which are slightly 
acid than in soils which are neutral or alkaline. 
It is impossible to give the exact soil reaction for any crop under all conditions because 
the character of the soil, the humus supply, the amount of moisture and other factors may 
influence the response of the crop to the soil conditions. Most vegetables, however, can 
be classified roughly as to their response to soil reaction. Here is such a classification for 
principal vegetable crops. 
Crops that should be grown Crops that will do well Crops that re- 
on acid soils (pH 5.0 to on medium limed soils quire fairly well 
5.5) for the purpose of di- (pH 5.5 to 6.5) or are limed soils (pH 
sease control tolerant to medium 6.0 to 6.5) 
acid soils 
Sweet Potatoes Snap Beans Parsnips Asparagus 
Potatoes Lima Beans Peppers Beets 
Broccoli Squash Celery 
Carrots Salisfy Muskmelons 
Cabbage Strawberries Lettuce 
Cauliflower Sweet Corn Leeks 
Collards Pumpkins Onions 
Cucumbers Tomatoes Peas 
Eggplant Turnips Spinach 
Kale Radishes Swiss Chard 
Mustard Brussels Sprouts 
Parsley Watermelon 
State Agricultural Experiment Stations and most County Agricultural Agents’ offices 
are now equipped to conduct soil acidity tests. 
96 SOUTHERN STATES COOPERATIVE 
