MISTAKES MADE WITH NITRATE OF SODA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18536, 5 April 1930, Page 10 (Supplement)

MISTAKES MADE WITH NITRATE OF SODA.

The nitrogen in nitrate of soda exists in a very convenient degree of 1 concentration; but mistakes are sometimes made by inexperienced users:— (1) By applying it in too large quantities. Several small applications at intervals are always more . effective than one large dose. I (2) By sprinkling it on the foliage of the crops. This should always be avoided, as strong solutions of nitrate may damage the leaves, particularly of young plants. (3) By using too strong solutions when applying as a liquid manure. (4) By using nitrate of soda, and nitrate of soda only, without any phosphates or potash, year after year. This stupid mistake has given some people j the false impression that nitrate of

soda exhausts the soil, whereas it is the heavy crops which have probably removed all the available phosphoric acid or potash, none or insufficient quantities of which have been supplied. The use of nitrate of soda alone is

never recommended for many consecutive years or crops. On special occasions it may be used alone, but then only at the rate of from lcv/t to 2cwt per acre. For example, a crop may receive nitrate of soda alone when the soil is known to be rich in phosphates and potash, or when the crop immediately preceding it has received a real good dressing of manures containing phosphates and potash. HELPING CARNATIONS. Carnations will appreciate a little help now that they are in full growth, especially if the plants are two or three years old and have exhausted the soil around them. A moderate sprinkling of a complete artificial fertiliser, such as market garden manure or plain superphosphate, is one of the best dressings for these lime-loving plants, but care should be taken not to sprinkle the fertiliser upon the leaves, as it has a tendency to scorch them. It is of the greatest importance to keep the soil sweet for carnations, and the best aid to this is an occasional dusting with lime and a frequent stirring with the hoe. Avoid too much overhead watering, as this destroys the natural bloom on the leaves, and renders the plants subject to attack by carnation rust, a fungoid disease which if allowed to become established will quickly affect all the adjoining plants.

Some idea of the extent of the pig industry in Ireland may be gauged from the fact than in 43 weeks, 929,316 pigs were cured. Some very heavy crops of wheat | have been harvested in the Masterton | district this season. The yields have ! been the best recorded for many years.