CAN WE MANURE TOO MUCH?

Southland Times, Issue 1093, 20 January 1869, Page 3

CAN WE MANURE TOO MUCH?

To get an idea of the benefits of manure we have but to notice the ploughing up and planting of cow-yards. This probably every one of us has seen. This ought to be sufficient to impress us with the benefits of hi„'h manuring. We re-, member several such instances, in all of which there were crops that could not well be surpassed. Roots, corn, and even grass were raised almost in miraculous quantities. Grass was green early in the spring, when there seemed to be not sufficient heat to start it. But it grew at once, and was cut when other grass was not yet in head. Three heavy cuttings we have known in such cases, in which there could not have been less than +ayo tons to the cutting on an average per acre. So the corn yielded a hundred bushels ; the roots enormously. Now this is all owing to great fertility. So much manure, covering the ground each year for many years without cropping, would seem to be altogether too much. But is it? Are not such crops an equable return ? Does is not pay to manure so if you can get such returns ? Yes ; not only do these cattle yards prove this, but old barn sites do the same. We have known these to show the benefit for fifteen years — and not only decidedly, but in large remunerative crops. This shows how lasting a soil may be made. Manure is the best investment a farmer can make. It is a safe investment. It will not run away ; it will not evaporate ; it will, on a comprehensively rich soil, raise any grain — anything you may apply to it. It will always sell — and need we say for what price ? If a little manure pays, double the quantity will pay double, and so on. How then if this is doubled a score of times? There is a score of benefits. There is a point, it is true, where this must stop — where a crop will yield no more, if more manure is applied. But who has ever found this point? The truth is, we never manure enough. If we would double, quadruple our crops, we can readily do it by using the means — which is manure. There is other treatment of the soil which has its advantages, but manure is the main reliance, without which there is no fanning. — F. G., in the ' Country Gentleman.'