Method of Application.
In conclusion, as to the method of application of the slag, agriculturists must be warned against mixing it with sulphate of ammonia; for if this is done, a considerable loss of ammonia will ensue, set free from the sulphate by the action of the free lime which the Thomas-slag contains. With nitrate of soda and potash salts it may be freely mixed. Such mixtures, however, are apt to form themselves into little balls, which soon become very hard. They should therefore only be mixed shortly before use. To overcome this difficulty, Professor Wagner recommends the mixture of a little peat or sawdust with the slag.
FOOTNOTES:
[233] See Appendix, p. 417.
[234] Vide paper on "Basic Slag: Its Formation." By Stead and Ribsdale. 'Journal of the Iron and Steel Institute,' 1887, p. 230.
[235] Vide Professor Wagner's pamphlet, 'Der Düngewerth und die rationelle Verwendung der Thomas Schlacke,' Darmstadt, 1888.
[236] No. 1 fineness was such as passed entirely through a fine gauze sieve of 250 wires to the linear inch.
[237] No. 2 fineness was such as passed entirely through the regular standard sieve—i.e., containing 120 wires to the linear inch.
[238] No. 3 was what would not pass through the standard sieve.
[239] 'Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society,' 1891; 'Chemical News,' 1893.