USE OF MANURES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20596, 21 June 1930, Page 29 (Supplement)

USE OF MANURES.

hints for the amateur. Tba use of manures, either organic or Inorganic, supplies nutritive matter and encourages tho growth and sustenance of the plants and increwes the fertility of tho soil. Those composed of vegetable and animal substances of any description are termed organic and those of mineral origin inorganic. The application and mixing of manures is a most complex subject as opinions and results widely differ. „ Lime is the chief basis of fertility in most-soils and is specially valuable in rendering other constituents soluble by reducing them to a state in which they can be absorbed and assimilated by the roots of plants. LIME HAS SraSTENINO- EITECTi The gardener must bear in mind that the presence of lime in the soil is injurious/ to azaleas, rhododendrons, hardwooded Cape and Australian plants and several of the conifers. A compost of earth, weeds or organio refuse. of any' description, mixed with a large , proportion of lime is valuable to :• keep on hand for spreading 'On the surface of the ground. Stiff clayey soils may be brought into : a good friable state by the free use of agricultural lime, especially if thorough drainage is provided. 1 WHEN TO USE MANURES. The application of. manures to plants lU> an improper season or improper method mav. causo direct harm, while the same applications at_" & suitable season would produce most beneficial results, lings and some other plants inserted dur» Jng the depth of the winter, in ordinary garden soils, - need no fertilisers at the time of planting. A manure generally used for the .mixed flower garden is blood and bone, a power. Jul mixture that must be sparingly applied when the* coil is in fitr condition for its reception. It may be mixed with equal parts of fino bono meal. Either used, separately or mixed, it is a valuable and lasting fertiliser. Two parts of Hjperphosphate, phosfull, or other Northjern African phosphate, mixed with one part of steamed bone floor, is another {valuable manure. Sulphate of ammonia has special properties for the garden. It may be mixed with super and any other acid-manures. Basic slag or super-slag dug, or hoed in, during early winter is probably the best phosphate that can be applied to the garden. Lime should always be kept; in stock for use, as Tequired. Well rotted stable or farm-yard manure, if obtainable, is specially recommended, while poultry manure and wood ashes should be saved for use in the garden. Kainit, a cheap form of potash, may be mixed with basic slag and applied at the same time. Sulphate of ammonia, mixed with super, may be applied as a top-dressing in early spring. Blood and bone and bonedust may be applied almost throughout the whole 12 months. Liquid manures are not necessary during the winter for outbids uses. L GARDEN MANURING. Most annuals succeed best in ground that has been previously deeply cultivated and manured with a previous crop or shortly after the previous occupants have been cleared away or dug under. A topdressing of superphosphate and sulphate if ammonia is useful in the spring and also when planting. During the spring and early summer a sprinkling of blood and bone may be applied along the surface of the rovrs before planting. The requirements of these plants are so van able that suitable doses must be left to the judgment and experience of the gardener. From 2oz. to 3oz. of super and 2oc. of sulphate of ammonia per iquare yard-is a liberal dressing.