Date of Award:

5-1931

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Plants, Soils, and Climate

Department name when degree awarded

Agronomy

Committee Chair(s)

D. W. Pittman

Committee

D. W. Pittman

Abstract

The beneficial effects obtained from the application of farmyard manure to the soil have long been known in Utah, but now the point has apparently been reached where it becomes evident that the supply of manure is hardly adequate in some sections where intensive cropping is practiced. The use of commercial fertilizers to increase crop yields is a new practice in Utah agriculture as is shown in Table 1 from an estimate made from data kindly furnished by the Columbia Steel Company, Anaconda Copper Mining Company, Ford Motor Company, Armour Packing Company, and Porter Walton Company.

The early sales in 1931 indicate that the amount sold will exceed 5000 tons.

This increased use of fertilizers presents many new problems. An incorrect use causes a loss to the grower in reduced yields and a loss to the manufacturer in reduced sales. There is not one "best" use for all conditions as the method of using fertilizer seems to depend upon locality, soil, rainfall, soil moisture, and the crop grown. The method of applying fertilizers in states having a humid climate may not apply in an arid section. Because of low rainfall, the fertilizer may not be moved within the feeding zone of the plant and the effectiveness of the fertilizer may be entirely nullified by improper application. A fertilizer giving excellent results on one soil or with one crop may give entirely negative results on another soil or crop.

This investigation was made in 1929 and 1930 and has included a study of: (1) different methods of applying ammonium sulfate alone and in a complete fertilizer to sugar beets, onions, and sweet corn; (2) the response of various crops to ammonium sulfate alone and in mixtures on a wide range of soils; (3) the influence of the ammonium sulfate and method of application upon the amount and distribution of nitric nitrogen in the soil. This study was made possible by a fellowship established at the Utah State Agricultural College by The Barrett Company who were anxious to learn the correct method of using ammonium sulfate in this region to develop a proper market for material produced at Ironton near Provo.

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