The chief difficulties in the use of nitrate of soda are due to
promptness in its solubility and availability. The fact that it is so
soluble carries with it the very grave danger that losses by leaching
may occur if the conditions of soil and crop at the time of its
application are not favorable for a rapid absorption of the nitrate by
the plant. This danger is greater if it is applied to the soil before
rapid growth, when there is a limited number of plants that have not
made much growth, or whose roots have not taken possession of the soil,
as in the case of the vegetable crops. In meadows, on the other hand,
or in grain crops, where there are a large number of plants per unit of
area, and in orchards or berry patches, where there are fewer plants,
but a wider distribution of the feeding roots, losses are not so liable
to occur. There may be, therefore, great disappointment in the returns
from the use of nitrate of soda, if opinions as to its usefulness are
based entirely upon its availability. Nevertheless, because no unknown
conditions enter in, in reference to its availability, it is possible
to avoid, in a great degree, the losses liable to occur, and thus to
secure a maximum return from the application of this form of nitrogen.