4
t u
~' 4~i~W
General
FERTILIZER 
RECOMMENDATIONS
SPECIAL LEAFLET
OCTOBER 1956
AGRICULT
4 &. ALABA
E. V. Smith, Director
URAL EXPERIMENT 
STATION
MA POLYTECHNIC 
INSTITUTE
Auburn, Alabama
-4
CONTENTS
Page
USE OF SOIL TESTS IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS -3
LIME AND FERTILIZER MATERIALS 
4
Lime -Needs and Sources 
4
Nitrogen Materials- 5
Phosphate Materials 
6
Potash Materials 6
Minor Elements 
6
Mixed Fertilizers 
7
Soil Areas of Alabama 
8
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FIELD CROPS 
9
A l f a l f a ------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------
----------------. 9
Corn (Grain or Silage) 9
Cotton 
10
Summer Grass Crops 
11
W inter G rass C rops Seeded A lone .......................................--
12
Kudzu 
12
Legumes, Winter or Summer- _12
Legume-Grass Mixtures for Winter Grazing 
13
Permanent Pasture (Perennial Legume-Grass Mixtures) 
..... 13
Peanuts 
14
Sericea Lespedeza 
15
Grain Sorghum and Sweet Sorghum 
15
Soybeans for Seed 
15
Sugar Cane .............................................................................. 
16
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CROPS GROWN
UNDER IRRIGATION 
16
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HORTICULTURAL 
CROPS ...-18
Vegetable Crops and Gardens 
18
Small Fruits 
20
Tree Fruits and Nuts 
20
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISH PONDS 
...................-21
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LAWNS ...........................--
22
COVER PHOTOGRAPHS. Upper left: Left-cotton that 
received no
potash; right-recommended amounts of potash applied. 
Upper right:
No lime was applied to soil in foreground, whereas 
lime was added
at sides and background. Lower left: Plot at left was 
fertilized with
recommended rate of potash; no potash applied at right. 
Lower right:
Top-peanuts that did not receive lime or fertilizer; bottom-ade-
quate phosphate, potash, and lime applied to this plot.
REVISION, SEPTEMBER 1955 EDITION, 8M
General
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS
F ERTILIZER NEEDS depend on the crop to be grown and the
nature of the soil. Some crops have higher requirements for
certain plant nutrients than others, and some soils, either be-
cause of origin or previous treatment, contain greater amounts
of certain plant nutrients than others. Therefore one fertilizer
recommendation cannot be made for all conditions in Alabama.
In order to determine the fertilizer needs of different crops
on various soils, the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Ala-
bama Polytechnic Institute has conducted fertilizer studies with
the important agricultural crops on the more extensive soil types
of the State. The general fertilizer recommendations given herein
are based on results obtained from these field tests.
Many factors affect the efficiency of applied fertilizers. These
include climatic conditions, soil type, lime content of the 
soil,
time of planting, kind of crop, variety of crop, stand, and disease,
insect, and weed control. The recommendations given here are
made on the assumption that other good farming practices will
be followed.
General fertilizer recommendations by soil regions do not ap-
ply equally well on all farms in any one area. This is due to the
lack of uniformity of the soils on the same farm and often in
the same field.
USE oj SOIL TESTS iow MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS
The best way to determine the fertilizer and lime needs of a
crop on a particular piece of land would be to conduct a detailed
fertilizer experiment in that field. Since it is impractical to do
this, soil chemists have developed soil tests that indicate the
amount of lime and fertilizers needed by the various crops. Con-
siderable progress has been made in recent years in correlating
the results of chemical soil tests with crop responses in the field.
Therefore, information obtained by soil tests can be used to make
specific fertilizer and lime recommendations.
A soil testing laboratory located at Auburn is operated by the
API Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with the
Extension Service. It is recommended that farmers have their
soils tested so lime and fertilizer. recommendations can be made
that will fit the needs of individual fields much more accurately
than general recommendations. Information on the procedure
for having soils tested can be obtained from county agents.
LIME a#oct FERTILIZER MATERIALS
Lime-Needs and Sources
Lime must be added to many soils of the State for best crop
production. The amount of lime needed can be determined satis-
factorily by a soil test. Most crops grow best on soils that are
neutral or only slightly acid, which means soils that have a pH
value of 6.0 to 7.0.
Long-time cropping or continued use of acid-forming ferti-
lizers without adding lime will cause soils to become sufficiently
acid to reduce crop yields. To offset this, farmers should de-
velop a definite liming program, especially for the growth of
legumes, whether the legumes are for pasture, hay, soil improve-
ment, or seed. Specific lime requirements will vary widely on
different soils and for different crops.
For crops especially sensitive to soil acidity, lime as well as
fertilizer recommendations are given. However, in order to be
certain that soils are limed adequately and to avoid overliming,
lime should be applied according to soil test recommendations.
In the following recommendations, the amounts of lime rec-
ommended are for agricultural limestone. Liming materials that
may be available locally and that may be used for agricultural
purposes are listed in the following table:
Kind or source Pounds of material equivalent Also contains
to 1 ton of pure limestone
High calcitic lime 2,100 to 2,350
Dolomitic lime 1,850 to 2,10 10-20% MgO
Ground shells 2,200 to 2,500
Basic slag 2,800 to 35,000 8-10% P
2
05
Blast furnace slag 2,700 to 3000
Calcium silicate slag 2,700 to 3,000
Flue dust (Lime-Ox) 2,100 about 3% K
2
0
Hydrated lime 1,500
Burned lime 1,100
Any liming material used should be of sufficient fineness that
90 per cent will pass through a 10-mesh sieve and 50 per, cent
through a 60-mesh sieve.
Many of the Sumter soils of the Black Belt contain 50 per
r A4]
cent or more lime. These soils may be used for liming on the
basis of their limestone equivalent. For example, soils contain-
ing 50 per cent lime may be used at the rate of 2 tons per acre
for each ton of agricultural lime recommended.
Nitrogen Materials
The recommendations give the amounts of nitrogen recom-
mended in pounds of nitrogen (N) per acre. To calculate the
amounts of different nitrogenous materials required to supply
the amount of nitrogen recommended, the following table may
be used:
~MaterialPounds of nitrogen 
in following amounts of materialSMaterial
100lb. 200 lb. 800 lb. 400 lb. 500 lb. 600 lb.
Nitrate of soda 16.0 32.0 48.0 64.0 80.0 96.0
Calcium cyanamid 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Ammonium sulfate 20.5 41.0 61.5 82.0 102.5
Ammonium nitrate-lime
mixtures 20.5 41.0 61.5 82.0 102.5
Ammonium nitrate 33.5 67.0 100.5 134.0
Urea 45.0 90.0 135.0
Anhydrous ammonia 82.0 164.0 --
Experiment station results have shown that the efficiency of
the nitrogen contained in all of these materials is about the
same. Under particular conditions, certain other qualities may
make one material more desirable than others. For example, am-
monium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, urea, and anhydrous am-
monia are acid forming, and, if used year after year on the same
ground without use of lime, the soil will become too acid for
satisfactory crop production. If enough lime is added to correct
this acidity, all of these materials are excellent sources of nitro-
gen. The amounts of pure ground limestone required to correct
the acidity produced by 100 pounds of these materials are given
in the following table:
Material Limestone required to correct acidity
from 100 pounds of material (approximate)
Pounds
Ammonium sulfate 120
Ammonium nitrate 60
Urea 75
Anhydrous ammonia 150
Cyanamid, when first applied, is toxic to seed and plant roots.
Therefore, it Should be applied 2 weeks before planting or before
growth begins when used as a topdressing for dormant crops.
[5]
When used for horticultural crops or at higher rates 
of applica-
tion, apply 3 to 4 weeks before planting or transplanting.
Ammonia sources of nitrogen may not be as efficient 
as nitrate
sources for topdressing crops grown on the lime soils 
of the Black
Belt because reaction between the lime and the ammonia sources
results in loss of part of the nitrogen as a gas before it can 
be used
by the crop. For this reason, nitrate forms of nitrogen are more
highly recommended than the ammonia forms for topdressing
crops grown on lime soils.
Phosphate Materials
The recommendations for phosphorus are usually given in
pounds of superphosphate containing 20 per cent P
2
0
5
. If 18
per cent superphosphate is used, the amounts needed will be
about 10 per cent greater than those shown. If concentrated
(triple) superphosphate containing 45 to 50 per cent P
2
0
5 
is used,
the amounts needed will be about I pound of concentrated super-
phosphate for each 2%,2 pounds of 20 per cent superphosphate
recommended.
Basic slag contains 8 to 10 per cent P20- as compared with
18 to 20 per cent P
2
0
5 
contained in superphosphate. Basic slag
may be used instead of superphosphate on basis of 2 to 2/2
pounds of basic slag for each pound of superphosphate recom-
mended.
Basic slag and concentrated superphosphate contain little or
no sulfur, which is an essential plant nutrient. The use of these
materials as sole sources of phosphorus over a period of several
years-may result in sulfur deficiency unless other materials con-
taining sulfur are used occasionally. Sulfur deficiency probably
can be avoided by using 18 to 20 per cent superphosphate or a
mixed fertilizer containing this material every other year.
Potash Materials
The amounts of muriate of potash recommended are based on
a content of 60 per cent potash (K
2
0). If 50 per cent muriate is
used, the amounts should be about 20 per cent greater than the
amounts shown for 60 per cent muriate.
Minor Elements
Boron, zinc, copper; manganese, and molybdenum are minor
elements required in very small amounts for plant growth. Ala-
[6]
bama soils have enough of these elements for maximum growth
of most crops. The main exception is the boron needs for alfalfa
on all soils of the State. Other exceptions are (1) boron for
crimson and white clover seed production and for certain horti-
cultural crops on sandy soils, and (2) zinc for corn, pecan, and
tung production on sandy soils. Where a need for a particular
minor element is indicated, this element may be included in the
regular fertilizer mixture.
Mixed Fertilizers
Of the grades of fertilizers approved for sale in Alabama by the
State Board of Agriculture and Industries for the year October 1,
1956, to September 30, 1957, the following are recommended by
the Experiment Station:
Ratio Minimum grade Multiple grades
1-1-1 8-8-8 10-10-10, 13-13-13, 14-14-14
1-3-3 4-12-12
1-4-2 4-16-8
1-2-4 4-8-16
0-1-1 0-14-14 0-20-20
0-2-1 0-16-8 0-28-14
0-1-2 0-10-20
In addition to the above generally recommended grades, others
recommended for special purposes are as follows:
4-12-12 (tobacco special with majority of potash as potassium
sulfate and containing not more than 2.5 per cent chlorine)
8-8-2 (fish pond special)
14-0-14 (sidedressing material where both nitrogen and potash
sidedressing are desired)
6-24-24 (approved on trial basis)
[ 71
LEGEND
III Limestone Valleys
Appalachian Plateau
Upper Coastal Plains
Lower Coastal Plains
Piedmont Plateau
Black Belt
SOIL AREAS OF ALABAMA
Although the Upper and Lower Coastal Plains 
are shown as separate areas, ferti-
lizer recommendations for the two regions 
are the same.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS gae 
FIELD CROPS
Alfalfa
The soil should be limed to pH 6.5 to 7.5; for most 
soils this
requires 3 to 4 tons of lime per acre. The 
lime should be ap-
plied several months before seeding and worked 
thoroughly into
the seedbed. This application should last throughout 
the average
life of the alfalfa stand.
Apply 100 pounds of P
2
0
5
, 200 pounds of K
2
0, and 20 to 25
pounds of borax shortly before or at the time of 
planting. This
should carry the alfalfa through the first year. Each 
year there-
after, apply these amounts of fertilizer in the 
winter or after
first cutting in the spring, except in the Black Belt or 
on other
heavy soils where fall application may be advisable 
because of
wet conditions in the spring. These amounts of fertilizer 
may
be obtained from 1,000 pounds of 0-10-20 (with borax), 
or phos-
phorus may be applied as 1,250 pounds of basic 
slag or 500
pounds of superphosphate and potash as 300 to 350 pounds 
of
muriate of potash. Apply borax at the rate of 20 to 25 pounds
per acre. If basic slag is used to supply all the phosphorus 
for
both establishment and maintenance, the lime application may
be cut in half. General exceptions to these recommendations 
are:
BLACK BELT. At present, alfalfa is not recommended on the
heavy acid clay soils of this region; no lime is needed 
on the lime
soils.
TENNESSEE VALLEY. Two tons of lime are usually adequate 
on
the fertile red soils of this region.
GULF COAST. In this area, wheremore cuttings can be made
than in the remainder of the State, the rate of K
2
0 may need to
be increased. This may be accomplished by increasing 
the rate
of 0-10-20 to 1,200 pounds, or, if separate materials 
are used,
increase the rate of muriate of potash to 400 pounds per acre.
Specific lime and fertilizer recommendations for this 
crop
should be obtained by soil test.
Corn (Grain or Silage)
Nitrogen is the fertilizer most commonly needed for corn 
in
Alabama. Under normal weather conditions, adapted hybrids
properly spaced will produce about I bushel for each 
2 pounds
of nitrogen up to the rates recommended here. When weather
conditions are particularly favorable, corn may respond to higher
rates of nitrogen than those generally recommended.
Phosphorus and potassium are required for corn production,
but the amounts remaining in the soil following crops well fer-
[9]
tilized with these materials are usually enough that adding them
may not give much increase in yields. However, it has been ob-
served that, where these elements are added, corn grows off
more rapidly and cultivation is made easier. Therefore, phos-
phorus and potash are usually recommended, especially when
corn follows a crop that has not been well fertilized.
General Recommendations
For most soils of the State, apply 60 to 90 pounds of N and 30
pounds each of P
2
0,, and K
2
0 per acre. These amounts may be
supplied by using 250 pounds per acre of 4-12-12 or 350 pounds
of 8-8-8 fertilizer before planting and sidedressing at the second
cultivation or approximately 30 days after planting with 40 to 75
pounds of nitrogen. Amounts of the various nitrogen materials
required to furnish this much nitrogen are given in the table un-
der "Nitrogen Materials" on page 5.
Following Winter Legumes
A good crop of winter legumes usually will supply all the
nitrogen needed for corn under normal weather conditions. A
good crop of winter legumes is one on which the average growth
in the field will yield 25 or more pounds of green weight per 100
square feet for vetches, Austrian peas, clover, Caley peas, and 50
or more pounds for lupines. Where corn follows such crops of
winter legumes, extra nitrogen need not be added, but sufficient
0-16-8 or 0-14-14 should be applied to either the legume or the
corn to furnish the potash and phosphate requirements.
Zinc Requirements
Many of the light-colored, sandy soils of the State may not
contain enough zinc for the best yields of corn. Shortage of zinc
is indicated by yellow to white streaks in the leaves of corn early
in the season. This is commonly known as "white bud." After the
condition appears, it usually cannot be corrected by sidedressing
with zinc. On areas where corn has shown zinc deficiency symp-
toms in previous years, zinc should be applied at or before plant-
ing at the rate of 10 pounds of zinc sulfate per acre in order to
avoid such damage.
Cotton
General Recommendations
With the exceptions outlined below, cotton on most Alabama
soils should be fertilized with 50 to 60 pounds per acre each of
[10]
N, PsO
5
, and K20. These amounts may be applied as 
400 to 500
pounds of 4-12-12 per acre at planting followed by sidedressing
with about 25 to 40 pounds of N at the 
first or second cultivation
after chopping. The fertilizer applied to cotton 
at planting should
contain sulfur. Most of the complete fertilizers 
on the market in
Alabama at the present time contain enough sulfur to supply 
the
needs of cotton.
Tennessee Valley
On the fertile red soils of the Tennessee Valley, 
the Experiment
Station recommends about 300 pounds of 4-16-8 plus 
24 pounds
of nitrogen as sidedressing, or 500 pounds of 8-8-8 if 
the cotton
is not to be sidedressed. On the less fertile red 
soils and on the
gray lands of this region, apply 400 pounds of 4-12-12 
per acre
and sidedress with 36 pounds of nitrogen, or apply 600 
pounds
of an 8-8-8 fertilizer at planting.
Applachian Plateau (Sand 
Mountain)
Cotton planted at the recommended time (April 20-25) 
on
Sand Mountain soils responds to higher rates of nitrogen than
are recommended elsewhere. Under these condition, 75 pounds
of N and 50 to 60 pounds each of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0 are recom-
mended. These amounts may be applied as 400 to 500 pounds 
of
4-12-12 or 600 to 800 pounds of 8-8-8 per acre plus additional
nitrogen sidedressing sufficient to bring the total N up to 
75
pounds.
Following Legumes
On most soils of Alabama where cotton follows a good 
crop of
winter legumes, only PsO,
5 
and K
2
0 will be needed. These can
be applied as 300 to 400 pounds of 0-16-8. On soils where rust
occurs, apply 300 to 400 pounds per acre of 0-14-14.
Where cotton follows 3 or 4 years of alfalfa, sericea, or pea-
nuts that did not receive the recommended amounts of potash
each year, an additional 40 to 80 pounds per acre of K
2
0 should
be applied.
Summer Grass Crops
(Sudan, Johnson, Sweet Sorghum, Millet, Common Bermudagrass,
Bahiagrass, Coastal Bermudagrass, Dallisgrass)
For Hay or Grazing
All moderately or highly acid soils should be limed, using
about 1 ton of lime per acre on sandy soils and 2 tons per acre
[ 11 ]
on heavy soils. If the crop follows a good crop of winter le-
gumes, apply 40 to 50 pounds each of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0 per acre,
using 300 pounds of 0-14-14. Where the crop is not grown in
rotation or in association with a legume, apply 50 to 60 pounds
of nitrogen in addition to the recommended amounts of phos-
phorus and potash. This may be done by applying 400 pounds
of 4-12-12 plus a topdressing of 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
On deep, medium-textured soils where moisture is not usually a
limiting factor, Coastal Bermuda will respond to higher rates of
nitrogen. Rates of N up to 200 pounds per acre may prove profit-
able under these conditions.
Winter Gross Crops Seeded Alone
(Small Grains, Rescuegrass, Ryegrass, Fescue, Orchardgrass)
For Grain and Grazing or for Grazing Only
Fifty pounds of N and 40 to 50 pounds each of P
2
0r and K
2
0
are recommended for establishment. These amounts can be
applied as 400 pounds of 4-12-12 before planting, followed by a
topdressing of 34 pounds of nitrogen as soon as a stand is ob-
tained, or from 600 pounds of 8-8-8 before planting. The crop
should be topdressed again during the latter part of February or
by March 1 at the rate of 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
For Grain or Seed Only
Apply 200 to 300 pounds of 0-14-14 per acre before planting.
Apply 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre during February. When
planted following crops that have been fertilized with 500 to 600
pounds per acre of a complete fertilizer, the fall applications of
fertilizer may be omitted.
Kudzu
Apply 300 pounds of superphosphate or 600 pounds of basic
slag per acre before planting Kudzu crowns. Apply the same
amount annually for maintenance of established Kudzu stands.
Legumes, Winter or Summer
(Austrian Peas, Caley Peas, Vetches, Crimson Clover, Lupine,
Cowpeas and Soybeans for Hay, and Velvet Beans)
If the soil is acid and the land has not been limed recently,
lime should be applied at the rate of 1 ton per acre on sandy
soils and 2 tons per acre on clay soils.
Forty to 50 pounds each of P205 and K
2
0 per acre are ree-
[12]
ommended for either winter or summer legumes. Approximately
these amounts would be obtained in:
(1) 300 pounds of 0-14-14, or
(2) 200 to 250 pounds of superphosphate and 70 to 80 pounds
of muriate of potash, or
(3) 500 to 600 pounds of basic slag and 70 to 80 pounds of
muriate of potash.
On soils known to be high in potash, only 200 to 250 pounds
of superphosphate or 500 to 600 pounds of basic slag need be
applied per acre.
Apply 10 pounds of borax per acre for crimson clover seed
production on light sandy soils.
Legume-Grass Mixtures for Winter Grazing
(Crimson Clover-Ryegrass, Crimson Clover-Rescuegrass,
Small Grain-Winter Legume)
Apply lime to all acid soils well in advance of seeding at the
rate of 1 ton of ground limestone per acre on sandy soils and
2 tons per acre on heavy soils. Forty to 50 pounds each of N,
P
2
0
5
, and K
2
0 are recommended. These amounts may be applied
as (1) 400 pounds of 4-12-12 in the fall before planting plus a top-
dressing of 30 pounds of N as soon as the plants are up, or (2)
600 pounds of 8-8-8 before planting, or (3) 350 pounds of 0-14-14
before planting and topdressing with 50 pounds of N.
Permanent Pasture (Perennial Legume-Grass Mixtures)
(Intermediate White or Ladino Clover with Dallisgrass,
Bermudagrass, Fescue, Orchardgrass, Bahiagrass, or Bluegrass)
General Recommendations
For establishing clover-grass permanent pastures, apply lime
to all acid soils well in advance of seeding. The rate should be
about 1 ton of ground limestone per acre on sandy soils and 2
tons per acre on heavy clays. Rates of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0 for estab-
lishment and maintenance of legume-grass mixtures on most soils
of the State are:
ESTABLISHMENT ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
Per acre Per acre
130-160 lb. P
2
0
5  
65-80 lb. P
2
0
5
65-80 lb. K
2
0 30-40 lb. K
2
0
The amounts of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0 for establishment can be sup-
plied with 800 to 1,000 pounds of 0-16-8 per acre. For main-
[18]
taining established legume-grass sods, 400 to 500 pounds per
acre of 0-16-8 or 250 to 300 pounds of 0-28-14 should be applied
annually.
Some soils need more potash than that recommended above.
The amount of potash needed can be determined by soil test.
Basic slag and muriate of potash or superphosphate and potash
may be used to replace the above mixtures both for establishing
and maintaining pastures. Where slag is used both for establish-
ment and maintenance, it will supply all the lime needed except
on extremely acid soils.
Black Belt (Bottom Lands and Acid Soils)
Many of these soils that have not been phosphated or grazed
heavily contain enough potassium for establishment of pastures.
When establishing pastures on these soils, apply 600 to 800
pounds of superphosphate per acre. Two tons of lime should be
applied to acid soils, but the neutral bottom lands do not require
liming. After a few years of fertilization with phosphate, the
available potassium in these soils may be depleted to the point
that they require potash. This point can be determined by 
a
soil test or careful observation of the clover decline. When the
potash becomes deficient, it should be applied at the rate shown
in the annual maintenance recommendation.
Peanuts
Peanuts should be grown in rotation with other
- 
crops rather
than continuously. When grown in a rotation with other 
crops
that are well fertilized, peanuts seldom give large responses in
yield from applied fertilizer. However, where both nuts and hay
are removed from the land, large amounts of calcium (lime) and
potash are removed from the soil. Under these conditions, apply
lime if needed, 20 to 30 pounds of P
2
0
5
, and 30 to 40 pounds
of K
2
0 per acre. Nitrogen seldom increases the yield of runner
peanuts and is not recommended.
Where peanuts are grown continuously, apply 30 to 40 pounds
of P
2
0, and 60 to 80 pounds of K
2
0 per acre annually to maintain
soil fertility, and apply lime or gypsum as recommended below.
Fertilizer
For peanuts in rotation with other well-fertilized crops, apply
150 to 
200 pounds 
of 0-10-20 
per acre.
For continuous peanuts, apply 300 to 400 pounds of 0-10-20
per acre, or use 200 to 300 pounds of superphosphate and 100 to
[14]
150 pounds of muriate of potash per acre, or, if basic slag is used
to furnish lime, apply only 100 to 150 pounds of 
muriate of
potash per acre (basic slag will provide the phosphate).
Lime
A high percentage of pops or a low percentage of sound, ma-
ture kernels is good indication that the soil is deficient in calcium
and needs some form of lime for peanuts. On land that has not
been recently limed, apply:
(1) 1 ton of ground limestone per acre broadcast prior 
to
planting (this should be effective for 3 to 6 years), or
(2) 500 pounds per acre of gypsum (land plaster) dusted on
the plants when they are blooming each year, or
(3) 1,000 pounds of basic slag per acre broadcast prior 
to
planting (applied to each peanut crop until soil test indicates
that no more lime is needed).
Sericea Lespedeza
For establishment, apply I ton of lime and 500 to 600 pounds
of 0-16-8 per acre. Sericea lespedeza is not recommended for
the lime soils of the Black Belt.
Apply 500 to 600 pounds per acre of 0-16-8 for maintenance of
sericea stands.
Basic slag and muriate of potash or superphosphate and mu-
riate may be used instead of the above mixtures. Where slag is
used both for establishing and maintaining sericea, it should
supply all the 
lime needed for 
this crop.
Grain Sorghum and Sweet Sorghum
All moderate or very acid soils should be limed for grain sor-
ghum, using about 1 ton of lime per acre on sandy soils and 2
tons per acre on heavy soils. Apply 40 to 60 pounds of N and
30 pounds each of P
2
0-O and K
2
0 per acre. These amounts may be
supplied by using 250 pounds of 4-12-12 or 350 pounds of 8-8-8
per acre before planting and sidedressing with sufficient nitrogen
to bring the total up to the recommended rate.
Soybeans for Seed
In cropping systems that permit the application of lime, it
should be applied to all moderate or very acid soils, using about
1 ton of lime per acre on sandy soils and 2 tons per acre on heavy
soils.
[15]
When soybeans are grown in rotation with crops that have
not been highly fertilized, 40 to 60 pounds each of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0
are recommended. These amounts can be obtained from 300 to
400 pounds of 0-14-14. On light sandy soils, nitrogen may be
beneficial; for these soils, 400 to 500 pounds of 4-12-12 is recom-
mended.
No fertilizer is recommended for soybeans following heavily
fertilized crops such as truck crops.
Sugar Cane
Approximately 60 pounds each of N, P
2
0, and K
2
0 per acre
are recommended. These amounts may be obtained from 500
pounds of 4-12-12 per acre plus a sidedressing of 40 pounds of
nitrogen per acre, or from 750 pounds of 8-8-8 per acre at the
first cultivation.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS a, CROPS
GROWN wue IRRIGATION
When fields are irrigated to eliminate moisture shortage as a
limiting factor in crop production, special measures are recom-
mended.
Soil samples should be submitted to the Soil Testing Labora-
tory for recommendations that take into consideration the ferti-
lizer needs for crops grown under irrigation. Recommendations
for nonirrigated crops take into consideration certain moisture
shortages that are expected during periods of normal rainfall.
It is especially important that the soil be properly limed for
crops grown under irrigation and that adequate and balanced
amounts of N, P
2
0
5
, and K
2
0 be applied in order to obtain maxi-
mum benefits from the water.
When additional fertilizer is recommended, precautions should
be taken to prevent stand damage due to excessive salts near the
seed. It may be advisable to broadcast the additional fertilizer
and work it into the soil before planting; however, placing the
fertilizer 2 to 3 inches to the side and below the seed at plant-
ing time may be adequate precaution. Top- or sidedressings can
be applied in split applications as a safety precaution when the
fertilizer rate needed is unusually large.
Insects and disease problems increase with the increased vege-
tative growth obtained from crops grown under irrigation. Con-
trol measures need to be investigated before planting.
[16]
Research information concerning the fertility requirements of
crops grown under irrigation is limited, but the following general
fertilizer recommendations are based on research and observations
of the last few years and are given as guides for average soil
conditions. They should not take the place of recommendations
based on soil analysis. With each recommendation, the assump-
tion is made that the additional hazards mentioned above are
taken into consideration and that the soil is adequately limed.
Alfalfa
When sufficient water is applied to produce 7 or 8 tons of hay
per acre annually, apply 100 pounds of P
2
0
5
, 400 pounds of K
2
0,
and 25 pounds of borax annually. These amounts can be applied
as 1,000 pounds of 0-10-20 (with borax) for establishment and
annually thereafter for maintenance. In addition to the annual
application, apply 300 to 400 pounds of muriate of potash after the
second cutting of hay in the spring.
Corn
Apply 150 pounds of N and 60 pounds each of P
2
0
5 
and K
2
0.
These amounts may be obtained from 500 pounds of 4-12-12 plus
130 pounds of N applied as a sidedressing in two applications.
Cotton
Apply 100 to 120 pounds each of N, P
2
0
5
, and K
2
0. These
amounts may be obtained from 1,000 pounds of 4-12-12 plus 60
to 80 pounds of N applied at the second cultivation.
On the more fertile soils such as the red soils of the Tennessee
Valley, 75 pounds of N, 100 pounds of P
2
0
5
, and 50 pounds of
K
2
0 are recommended. These amounts may be obtained from
600 pounds of 4-16-8 plus 50 pounds of N applied at the second
cultivation.
Peanuts and Soybeans
The fertilizer rates recommended for crops grown without irri-
gation are adequate for maximum expected yields of 3,000 pounds
of peanuts and 40 bushels of soybeans.
Summer Grass Crops for Hay or Silage
Apply 100 pounds of N and 50 pounds each of P,
2
0 and K
2
0.
These amounts may be obtained from 400 pounds of 4-12-12
plus 80 pounds of N applied in a split application.
[17]
Permanent Pasture
White clover, Dallisgrass, Ladino clover, Orchardgrass:
For establishment-same as general recommendations for these
crops grown without irrigation.
Annual maintenance-same as for establishment.
When a good legume is not present and a crop with high pro-
duction potential such as Coastal Bermudagrass is used for pas-
ture and hay, apply 50 to 60 pounds of N after each cutting of
hay, or make three or four applications during spring and sum-
mer.
Truck Crops
Truck crops grown under irrigation should receive 12 tons of
stable manure. In addition, the rate of fertilizer is increased 25
per cent over the regular rate for nonirrigated crops. The com-
plete fertilizer should be applied in two equal applications plus
a second application of nitrogen.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS
mHORTICULTURAL CROPS
Vegetable Crops and Gardens
The suggested rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
for the several groups of crops-are those that should give high
to highest yields on soils of medium to high fertility. Rates of
phosphorus applied to second and third crops grown in suc-
cession may be reduced; nitrogen and potassium rates usually
should be the same for successive crops.
Applications of complete fertilizers above 1,200 pounds per
acre on sandy soils usually should be divided into two equal
applications. Extra nitrogen for short-season crops should be
applied in a single sidedressing, whereas for long-season crops
it should be applied in two sidedressings. Fertilizers should be
applied 10 days before planting of seed or plants, or applied to
each side of seed or plants at time of planting. This is espe-
cially important during dry weather.
Stable manure is excellent for garden and truck crops. Where
manure is used (12 tons or more per acre), the complete fertilizer
may be reduced about one-third or one-fourth. Some soils may
need boron, magnesium, or lime.
[18]
Crops
Irish potatoes
Sweetpotatoes
Turnips, heets, carrots,
rutahagas, and other root crops
Beans, tomatoes, squash,' peppers,
eggplants, peas,' corn, and
other pod crops
Cahhage, lettuce, collards, mustard,
kale, and other leafy crops
Gardens without manure
Gardens with 8-10 tons per acre
stahle manure
FERTILIZERS RECOMMENDED
Plant food',2
N .P20
5
Lb.! acre Lb.! acre
90-120 160-200
40-60 80-120
FOR VEGETABLE CROPS AND GARDENS
Fertilizer at planting time
K
2
0 'Rate Grade
Lb./lacre Lb/lacre
160-200 1,000-1,20W~ 
4-12-12 2
80-120 600-800 4-12-12
90-120 90-120 90-120 800-1,0001 2 8-8-8
90-120 120-160
120-140 160-200
60-80 800-1,000 4-16-8
80-100 1,000-1,200'L
------- .800-13000'
4-16-8
8-8-8
800-1,000 1 8-8-8
Side application
Rate Kind
600-800 
8-8-8 2
200-3003 8-8-8
300-400
60-80
80-100
600-800
400-600
8-8-8
N
.N
8-8-8
8-8-8
1N refers to nitrogen, P
2
05 to phosphoric acid, and K2O to potash. On light soils, it is advisahle to apply complete fertilizer in 2 equal
applications.
2 For potatoes growing on soils deficient in magnesium, add equivalent of 40 pounds per acre of magnesium oxide. 
For turnips, heets,
and hroccoli growing on light soils, add 10 to 15 pounds of horax per acre.
'For sweetpotatoes growing on heavy soil, omit the side application.
' Use one-half the side application of N.
Small Fruits
Grapes
Apply one-half pound of 8-8-8 fertilizer per vine for each year
of its age up to a maximum of 4 to 6 pounds per vine-one-half
applied 10 to 14 days before spring growth begins and the other
half after fruit has set.
Brambles-Dewberries and Blackberries
Apply 600 to 800 pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer per acre in the
spring 10 to 14 days before growth begins; apply 32 pounds of
nitrogen just as blooming begins; and apply 600 to 800 pounds
of 8-8-8 per acre after vines are removed.
Strawberries
Apply 500 to 600 pounds of 8-8-8 fertilizer per acre 2 weeks
before setting the plants, again in September or October, and 90
days before the normal ripening period. After harvest, when
matted rows are barred off and thinned, apply 400 pounds per
acre and work the soil to the plants.
Tree Fruits and Nuts
Pecans
YOUNG TREES: Apply 2 to 3 pounds of 8-8-8 per tree per year of
the tree's age-one-half in February and the other half in April.
BEARING TREES: Without winter legume, apply 1,200 to 2,000
pounds of 8-8-8 per acre-one-half in February and the other
half in April.
With winter legume, apply 500 to 600 pounds of 0-14-14 or
0-16-8 to the legume in the fall and 500 to 700 pounds of 8-8-8
per acre to the trees in February.
With Bermudagrass or small grain, apply an additional 50
pounds of N per acre not later than June 1, especially if the
orchard is grazed.
LIME: Do not lime a pecan orchard until the lime requirement
has been determined by soil test. If lime is applied, each tree
should receive 10 pounds of zinc sulfate (36% Zn) every 5 years
to prevent or correct rosette.
MINOR ELEMENTS: Apply 2 to 3 pounds of zinc sulfate per tree
per year to prevent rosette. To correct rosette, apply 1/ to 1
[20]
pound zinc sulfate per tree p er year of the tree's age, uising a
maximum of 10 to 15 pounds per tree.
Peaches and Plums
YOUNG TREES: For the first 3 years, apply 1 to 112 
pounds of
8-8-8 in February or March and 14pound of nitrate 
of soda or its
equivalent in April per tree per year of its age.
BEARING TREES: Without cover crop, apply in early 
spring (not
later than at full bloom) 1 to 112 pounds 
of 8-8-8 for each year
of the tree's age.
With cover crop, apply 400 pounds of 0-14-14 or 0-16-8 
in the
fall and again in early spring if legumes are turned 
under or
mowed. If rye is used, apply in early spring (not later 
than at full
bloom) an additional 14 
pound of nitrate of 
soda or its equiva-
lent per tree for each year of the tree's age.
Apples
Apply 112 pounds of 8-8-8 per tree for each year of 
the tree's
age, using not more than 30 pounds per mature tree. 
If the or-
chard is in permanent sod, apply an additional 30 
pounds of N
per acre for bearing trees or add 5 pounds of urea (45% 
N) per
100 gallons to the first, second, and third cover sprays.
Fertilize cover crops with 500 to 600 pounds of 
0-14-14 or
0-16-8 per acre in the fall.
Pears
Apply 1 pound of 4-12-12 pe r tree for each year of the tree's
age, using a maximum of 12 pounds per mature tree.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS fr, FISH PONDS
The following amounts of fertilizer per surface acre 
of pond
are recommended for each application:
(1) 100 pounds of 8-8-2, or
(2) 50 pounds of 4-16-8 plus 6 pounds of N, or
(3) 50 pounds of 0-16-8 plus 8 pounds of N.
The average pond will require 10 to 12 applications per year.
Ponds receiving water from 
fertile lands require fewer applica-
tions than those receiving water from poor lands. Also, ponds
having small amounts of overflow water require fewer applica-
tions than those with heavy overflow.
The first application of 'fertilizer should be made in early
February; however, if the pond received heavy amounts of flood-
.-ri i1
water, the first application may be delayed until 
early April.
The first three applications should be made at 2-week 
intervals.
Subsequent applications should be made every 3 
to 4 weeks or
whenever the water begins to lose its green 
color and becomes
clear enough for the pond bottom to be seen 
in 16 to 18 inches
of water. The last application should be made in 
October.
FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS I "LAWNS
Lawn fertilization should begin in the spring with 
an appli-
cation of a complete fertilizer high in nitrogen such 
as 8-8-8 at
the rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Repeat the 
applica-
tion at intervals of 4 to 8 weeks. A nitrogen material applied
at a rate to give 1 pound of N per 1,000 square feet may 
be
substituted for the mixed fertilizer for some of the applications.
The last application of fertilizer should be made 
about 3 or 4
weeks before the first killing frost in the fall. If a winter 
grass
such as ryegrass is sown on the lawn, the fertilizer 
application
should be repeated as soon as the winter grass is well 
established.
Centipede grass lawns should not be fertilized with 
nitrogen
as highly as is recommended above. One application 
of the
complete fertilizer in the spring is sufficient for centipede 
grass
under most conditions. If the soil is fertile, no fertilizer 
is needed
for centipede grass.
[221