MANURES AND THEIR USES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 11, 14 March 1908, Page 36

MANURES AND THEIR USES.

A few years ago chemical manures were regarded by the majority of gardeners as a thing to avoid rather than to use; and though there may still be cases where the abuse of these earns for them a bad reputation, yet where intelligently applied there is no doubt they are of the greatest assistance to the cutivator, enabling him to supply the lack of any p rticular food or foods that plants may require. The three principal plant foods are: Nitrates, phosphates and potash, and in their commercial form they are best obtained as nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, representing the nitrogenous food. Basic slag, bonemeal in its several forms, superphosphate of lime, phosphate of potash,and Chinchas guano,are among the best of the phosphatic manurep, while to supply the potassic element we

may purchase kainit, nitrate of potash, and sulphate of potash. In regard to their use, we must apply them according to the nature and requirements of the subject we aretreating If we wish to stimulate the growth of a plant a slight dressing of nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia will be found beneficial. If, again, we are desirous of improving the quality and fruiting properties of our fruit trees, or wish to feed our ’Mums, or other flowering plants with something which will not lead to sippy growth, then phosphate of potash, though expensive, will be found to repay itself. Chinehas guano, though a complete manure, yet possesses the phosphatic element in the greatest proportion, and is a splendid and safe fertiliser. Potash is supposed to improve the sugar juices of fruits and the scent of

Howers; whether this be so or not, used in conjunction with a phosphatic manure it will be found to improve the quality of that to which it is applied. Nitrates, on account of their soluI ility, should only be used as required; they may be mixed with water, A oz to a gallon, or sprinkled very lightly on the top of the soil. Basic slag and bonemeal, being slow cting may b? mixed with potting soil, while phosphate of potash and Chinchas guano may be used in water at the rate of loz per gallon. Another good liquid manure may be made by dissolving £oz °ach of nitrate of potash and phosphate of potash in a gallon of water. Kainit is perhaps the form in which potash is used most largely in this country, but it is chiefly for agricultural purpo es. Dry wood ashes are a good potasssic manure,and may be mixed with potting soil, heavy soil in particular being benefited by their addition. Sulphate of potash may be used as fop dressing lor peach trees, fruit trees in pots, etc. Vitiate of potash may be mixed with water at the r te of loz per gallon.