The appliance fee of a balanced fertilizer like 19-19-19 for hay manufacturing is dependent upon a number of elements, together with the particular kind of hay being grown, soil nutrient ranges, and the specified yield. A soil check is essentially the most correct method to decide the exact nutrient wants of a specific area. Normal suggestions sometimes vary from 50 to 100 kilos per acre, however these are tips and shouldn’t change skilled soil testing and evaluation. Making use of the inaccurate quantity can result in inefficient nutrient uptake by the vegetation or potential environmental points reminiscent of nutrient runoff.
Making certain enough fertilization for hay crops is important for attaining optimum yields and high-quality forage. Correct nutrient administration contributes to vigorous plant development, improved illness resistance, and elevated dietary worth within the harvested hay. Traditionally, farmers relied on manure and different natural supplies to keep up soil fertility. The event of artificial fertilizers, together with balanced formulation like 19-19-19, allowed for extra exact nutrient utility, resulting in vital will increase in hay manufacturing and improved livestock feeding practices.
The next sections will discover the varied facets of hay fertilization in higher element, overlaying subjects reminiscent of soil testing procedures, calculating fertilizer utility charges, and the significance of contemplating environmental elements in nutrient administration methods.
1. Soil Testing
Soil testing is key to figuring out acceptable fertilizer utility charges for hay manufacturing. It gives essential details about present nutrient ranges, enabling knowledgeable selections that optimize plant development and reduce environmental affect. With out soil testing, fertilizer utility turns into guesswork, doubtlessly resulting in over-fertilization and nutrient runoff or under-fertilization and decreased yields.
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Nutrient Ranges
Soil exams quantify the out there vitamins, reminiscent of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, current within the soil. These knowledge immediately inform the quantity of 19-19-19 fertilizer required to complement present vitamins and meet the particular wants of the hay crop. For example, a soil check revealing low phosphorus ranges may recommend a better utility fee, whereas enough ranges could point out a decreased and even eradicated want for phosphorus from the fertilizer.
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pH Stage
Soil pH considerably influences nutrient availability. A soil check measures the pH stage, indicating whether or not the soil is acidic, impartial, or alkaline. Extremes in pH can hinder nutrient uptake, even when these vitamins are current within the soil. Adjusting pH by liming or different amendments, as knowledgeable by the soil check, optimizes nutrient availability and the effectiveness of utilized fertilizer.
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Soil Sort
Completely different soil varieties (e.g., sandy, clay, loam) possess various capacities to retain vitamins. A soil check helps establish the soil kind, permitting for tailor-made fertilizer suggestions. Sandy soils, for instance, sometimes require extra frequent, smaller purposes because of their decrease nutrient retention capability in comparison with clay soils.
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Stopping Environmental Points
By precisely assessing nutrient wants, soil testing helps stop over-application of fertilizer. This minimizes the danger of nutrient runoff into waterways, defending water high quality and lowering potential environmental harm. Soil testing helps sustainable agriculture by selling accountable nutrient administration practices.
In conclusion, soil testing gives important data for making knowledgeable selections about fertilizer utility charges for hay manufacturing. It ensures that the correct quantity of vitamins are equipped, maximizing yield and minimizing environmental affect. The insights gained from soil testing are essential for optimizing hay manufacturing inside a sustainable agricultural framework.
2. Hay Sort
Hay kind considerably influences nutrient necessities and, consequently, the suitable utility fee of a balanced fertilizer like 19-19-19. Completely different hay species have various nutrient uptake patterns and development habits, necessitating particular fertilization methods for optimum yield and high quality.
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Legume Hay (e.g., Alfalfa, Clover)
Legumes have the distinctive skill to repair atmospheric nitrogen by a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia micro organism of their root nodules. This reduces their reliance on nitrogen fertilizer in comparison with grasses. Nonetheless, they’ve larger calls for for phosphorus and potassium. Due to this fact, when fertilizing legume hay, specializing in phosphorus and potassium is mostly extra crucial than nitrogen. Over-application of nitrogen can inhibit nitrogen fixation, lowering the legume’s pure benefit and doubtlessly growing fertilizer prices unnecessarily. Soil testing is essential for figuring out the particular phosphorus and potassium wants based mostly on present soil nutrient ranges.
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Grass Hay (e.g., Timothy, Orchardgrass, Bermuda)
Grasses, in contrast to legumes, rely closely on soil-available nitrogen for development. In addition they require phosphorus and potassium, however nitrogen is usually the limiting nutrient for attaining optimum yields. Due to this fact, grass hay sometimes advantages from balanced fertilizer purposes containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like 19-19-19. The particular utility fee is dependent upon the specified yield, soil nutrient ranges (as decided by soil testing), and the particular grass species being grown. Some grasses, like Bermuda grass in heat climates, could require larger nitrogen inputs than cool-season grasses like Timothy.
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Combined Hay (Legume and Grass)
Combined hay combines the advantages of each legumes and grasses, usually offering a extra balanced dietary profile for livestock. Fertilizing blended stands requires cautious consideration of the legume-to-grass ratio. Typically, a decrease nitrogen utility fee is acceptable in comparison with pure grass stands as a result of nitrogen-fixing capability of the legumes. Nonetheless, enough phosphorus and potassium are important to help the expansion of each legumes and grasses throughout the combine. Soil testing and monitoring the stand’s composition over time are essential for adjusting fertilizer utility methods because the legume-grass stability shifts.
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Hay Progress Stage
The expansion stage of the hay additionally influences nutrient uptake and the effectiveness of fertilizer purposes. For instance, making use of nitrogen fertilizer in the course of the early vegetative development levels is often extra useful than making use of it throughout later levels, as this coincides with the interval of peak nitrogen demand for leaf and stem improvement. Equally, guaranteeing enough phosphorus and potassium availability throughout institution is essential for root improvement and total plant vigor. Break up purposes of fertilizer could also be useful for sure hay varieties and rising circumstances, maximizing nutrient utilization whereas minimizing losses.
Matching fertilizer utility methods to the particular hay kind is important for maximizing yield and high quality whereas selling environment friendly nutrient utilization. Soil testing, mixed with information of the particular nutrient necessities of various hay species, varieties the idea for knowledgeable fertilizer administration selections.
3. Yield Targets
Yield objectives immediately affect fertilizer utility charges for hay manufacturing. Increased yield targets necessitate higher nutrient inputs, assuming different elements like soil circumstances and moisture availability should not limiting. A balanced fertilizer like 19-19-19 gives important vitamins, however the amount utilized should align with the specified biomass manufacturing. For example, aiming for a six-ton alfalfa hay yield per acre requires a considerably larger nutrient provide in comparison with a goal of 4 tons per acre. This elevated demand stems from the higher removing of vitamins from the sphere within the harvested biomass. Due to this fact, establishing practical yield objectives is step one in figuring out acceptable fertilizer utility charges.
The connection between yield objectives and fertilizer utility will not be merely linear. Whereas larger yields typically require extra fertilizer, exceeding optimum utility charges doesn’t essentially translate to proportionally larger yields. That is as a result of precept of diminishing returns, the place past a sure level, including extra fertilizer gives progressively smaller yield will increase. Extreme fertilization may even be detrimental, resulting in nutrient imbalances, salinity points, and environmental air pollution by leaching or runoff. Moreover, totally different hay varieties exhibit various responses to fertilizer inputs. For instance, grasses typically reply extra strongly to nitrogen fertilization than legumes, which may repair atmospheric nitrogen. Due to this fact, understanding the particular nutrient necessities of the goal hay species in relation to the specified yield is essential for optimizing fertilizer utility methods.
Growing sensible fertilizer suggestions includes integrating yield objectives with knowledge from soil exams, contemplating the particular hay kind and development stage. For instance, a farmer aiming for a excessive yield of Bermuda grass hay in sandy soil would probably require a better nitrogen utility fee in comparison with a farmer concentrating on a average yield of alfalfa in clay soil. Calculating fertilizer wants based mostly on yield objectives necessitates accounting for nutrient removing charges particular to the hay kind. This includes figuring out the nutrient content material of the hay and multiplying it by the goal yield to estimate the whole nutrient removing. Subsequently, soil check knowledge inform how a lot of every nutrient must be equipped by fertilization to fulfill the calculated requirement. This method ensures that fertilizer utility aligns with the yield purpose whereas minimizing waste and environmental affect.
4. Utility Timing
Utility timing considerably influences the effectiveness of 19-19-19 fertilizer in hay manufacturing. Nutrient uptake effectivity varies all through the plant’s life cycle, aligning utility with intervals of peak demand maximizes nutrient utilization and minimizes losses. Making use of fertilizer too early or too late can scale back its effectiveness, impacting yield and doubtlessly growing environmental dangers related to nutrient runoff or leaching.
For instance, making use of nitrogen fertilizer to cool-season grasses like timothy in early spring, simply earlier than the onset of speedy development, permits the vegetation to readily entry the nutrient throughout their interval of peak nitrogen demand. This promotes vigorous vegetative development and institution. Conversely, making use of nitrogen too late within the season, after peak development, presents restricted profit and will increase the danger of nitrogen loss by leaching, particularly in areas with excessive rainfall. Equally, making use of phosphorus and potassium previous to or at planting is important for establishing a robust root system, which is essential for nutrient and water uptake all through the rising season.
Break up purposes, the place the whole fertilizer requirement is split into two or extra smaller purposes all through the rising season, may be useful for sure hay varieties and rising circumstances. This method can improve nutrient utilization, significantly for nitrogen, by offering a extra constant provide of vitamins all through the expansion cycle. For example, splitting nitrogen purposes for warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass, which has an prolonged rising season, can enhance nitrogen use effectivity and keep constant development all through the summer time months. Nonetheless, the optimum timing and variety of cut up purposes rely on varied elements, together with the particular hay kind, soil kind, local weather, and administration practices. Soil testing and common monitoring of plant development and nutrient standing are important for fine-tuning utility timing and maximizing fertilizer effectiveness.
Matching nutrient provide to plant demand by strategic utility timing is essential for attaining optimum hay yields whereas minimizing environmental affect. Understanding the particular nutrient necessities of various hay varieties at varied development levels, mixed with information of native soil and weather conditions, varieties the idea for efficient nutrient administration selections.
5. Nutrient Uptake
Nutrient uptake immediately influences the effectiveness of fertilizer utility in hay manufacturing. Understanding how vegetation entry and make the most of important vitamins, reminiscent of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium supplied by a balanced fertilizer like 19-19-19, is essential for optimizing utility charges and attaining desired yields. A number of elements affect nutrient uptake, together with soil circumstances, plant species, and environmental elements. These elements work together in complicated methods, impacting the supply and accessibility of vitamins for plant absorption.
Soil pH performs a crucial function in nutrient availability. Extremes in pH can restrict the supply of important vitamins, even when they’re current within the soil. For instance, phosphorus availability is decreased in extremely acidic or alkaline soils. Equally, soil compaction restricts root development and exploration, hindering nutrient entry. Sufficient soil moisture can also be very important for nutrient uptake, because it facilitates nutrient transport by the soil answer to plant roots. Conversely, extreme moisture can result in anaerobic circumstances, impacting nutrient availability and uptake. For instance, waterlogged soils can inhibit nitrogen uptake because of denitrification processes. The kind of hay species additionally influences nutrient uptake. Legumes, as an example, have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing micro organism, lowering their reliance on soil-available nitrogen in comparison with grasses. Understanding these species-specific nutrient necessities is important for tailoring fertilizer utility methods.
Sensible utility of this understanding includes soil testing to find out present nutrient ranges and pH, adopted by acceptable soil amendments to optimize nutrient availability. Matching fertilizer utility charges to the particular nutrient necessities of the hay species and the goal yield is essential. Moreover, timing fertilizer purposes to coincide with intervals of peak nutrient demand, reminiscent of early vegetative development, maximizes nutrient uptake effectivity. Take into account an alfalfa area with low phosphorus ranges indicated by a soil check. Making use of a phosphorus-rich fertilizer on the acceptable fee and timing ensures enough phosphorus availability for optimum development and nitrogen fixation. Conversely, over-applying nitrogen fertilizer on this state of affairs may inhibit nitrogen fixation, counteracting the legume’s pure benefit and doubtlessly resulting in environmental points because of extra nitrogen.
6. Environmental Influence
Fertilizer utility charges in hay manufacturing considerably affect environmental well being. Extreme utility of 19-19-19, or any fertilizer, can result in nutrient runoff into floor waters, contributing to eutrophication. This course of, fueled by extra vitamins, causes algal blooms, depletes oxygen, and harms aquatic life. Leaching of nitrates into groundwater poses one other danger, doubtlessly contaminating consuming water sources and impacting human well being. Moreover, the manufacturing and transportation of artificial fertilizers contribute to greenhouse fuel emissions, exacerbating local weather change. Due to this fact, optimizing fertilizer utility charges will not be solely economically sound but additionally environmentally accountable. Minimizing nutrient losses by acceptable utility charges reduces the environmental footprint of hay manufacturing.
Take into account a state of affairs the place extreme nitrogen fertilizer is utilized to a hay area situated close to a stream. Heavy rainfall can result in vital nitrogen runoff into the stream, triggering an algal bloom. The decomposition of this extra algae consumes dissolved oxygen, making a hypoxic zone that suffocates fish and different aquatic organisms. In one other instance, over-application of phosphorus can contribute to phosphorus accumulation in lake sediments, resulting in long-term water high quality points. These real-world penalties underscore the significance of fastidiously managing fertilizer utility charges to attenuate environmental dangers. Methods reminiscent of soil testing, cut up purposes, and incorporating cowl crops might help mitigate nutrient losses and defend water high quality.
Balancing the necessity for enough fertilization to attain desired hay yields with environmental safety requires a complete method to nutrient administration. Integrating knowledge from soil exams, contemplating the particular nutrient necessities of the hay crop, and implementing finest administration practices for fertilizer utility are essential for minimizing environmental affect. The long-term sustainability of hay manufacturing is dependent upon adopting environmentally accountable fertilizer practices that defend water high quality, scale back greenhouse fuel emissions, and protect ecosystem well being.
7. Value Concerns
Fertilizer prices characterize a considerable portion of hay manufacturing bills. Due to this fact, figuring out how a lot 19-19-19 fertilizer to use per acre requires cautious consideration of financial elements. Balancing nutrient wants with budgetary constraints is essential for maximizing profitability. Fertilizer costs fluctuate based mostly on market circumstances, influencing the general value of nutrient administration. Over-application, whereas doubtlessly growing yields in some circumstances, usually results in diminishing returns, the place the added value of fertilizer outweighs the worth of the incremental yield enhance. Conversely, under-application can restrict yield potential, lowering total profitability. Soil testing performs an important function in optimizing fertilizer expenditures by offering exact data on nutrient wants, stopping pointless purposes.
Take into account a state of affairs the place a farmer applies 100 kilos of 19-19-19 per acre based mostly on a normal advice, with out conducting a soil check. A soil check may need revealed ample phosphorus and potassium ranges, indicating {that a} decrease utility fee, and even no utility of those vitamins, would suffice. On this case, the farmer incurred pointless bills by making use of extra fertilizer than required. Alternatively, if a soil check reveals vital nitrogen deficiency and the farmer opts for a less expensive, lower-nitrogen fertilizer to save cash, the ensuing yield discount because of insufficient nitrogen provide may offset any value financial savings from the inexpensive fertilizer. Moreover, long-term soil well being concerns affect fertilizer selections. Investing in soil testing and balanced nutrient administration, whereas doubtlessly incurring upfront prices, can enhance soil fertility over time, lowering the necessity for top fertilizer inputs sooner or later.
Optimizing fertilizer utility charges includes a posh interaction between nutrient necessities, yield objectives, and financial elements. Soil testing, mixed with cautious monitoring of crop response and market costs, allows knowledgeable selections that stability the necessity for enough fertilization with cost-effectiveness. Adopting a holistic method to nutrient administration promotes each financial viability and environmental sustainability in hay manufacturing.
8. Regional Suggestions
Regional suggestions play an important function in figuring out acceptable 19-19-19 fertilizer utility charges for hay manufacturing. These suggestions, usually developed by native agricultural extension providers or universities, contemplate particular regional elements reminiscent of local weather, soil varieties, prevalent hay species, and typical pest and illness pressures. Using regional suggestions helps tailor fertilizer methods to native circumstances, maximizing yield potential whereas minimizing environmental dangers. Ignoring these suggestions can result in inefficient fertilizer use, decreased yields, and potential environmental issues. For example, suggestions for nitrogen utility charges in areas with excessive rainfall is perhaps decrease than in drier areas to mitigate nitrogen leaching. Equally, suggestions for phosphorus and potassium purposes range based mostly on prevalent soil varieties and the particular nutrient necessities of widespread hay species within the area.
Actual-world examples illustrate the significance of contemplating regional suggestions. Within the Pacific Northwest, the place cool-season grasses like timothy and orchardgrass are widespread, fertilizer suggestions usually emphasize nitrogen purposes in early spring to help vigorous development in the course of the cool, moist season. Conversely, within the southeastern United States, the place warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass are prevalent, cut up nitrogen purposes all through the summer time months are sometimes really helpful to keep up constant development in the course of the lengthy rising season. Moreover, regional soil varieties affect phosphorus and potassium suggestions. Areas with sandy soils, which have decrease nutrient retention capability, may require extra frequent, smaller purposes in comparison with areas with clay soils. Ignoring these regional nuances can result in suboptimal fertilizer use and decreased profitability.
Understanding the importance of regional suggestions empowers knowledgeable decision-making in hay fertilization. These suggestions present beneficial context-specific steering, complementing soil check outcomes and informing acceptable utility charges. Integrating regional experience with particular person area circumstances optimizes fertilizer use, resulting in improved hay yields, enhanced financial returns, and decreased environmental affect. Accessing and adhering to regional suggestions represents an important step in direction of sustainable and worthwhile hay manufacturing.
Incessantly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread questions relating to the appliance of 19-19-19 fertilizer to hay fields. Understanding these key factors clarifies potential uncertainties and promotes efficient nutrient administration.
Query 1: Is nineteen-19-19 appropriate for all hay varieties?
Whereas 19-19-19 gives a balanced nutrient provide, its suitability is dependent upon the particular hay kind and present soil nutrient ranges. Legumes, for instance, sometimes require much less nitrogen because of their nitrogen-fixing capabilities. Soil testing is essential for figuring out the particular nutrient wants of various hay varieties.
Query 2: Can 19-19-19 change soil testing?
No. 19-19-19 is a beneficial fertilizer, however soil testing stays important. Soil exams present exact details about present nutrient ranges and soil pH, permitting for tailor-made fertilizer suggestions that optimize nutrient utilization and reduce environmental affect.
Query 3: What are the environmental dangers of over-applying 19-19-19?
Over-application can result in nutrient runoff into floor waters, inflicting eutrophication and harming aquatic life. Nitrate leaching into groundwater is one other concern, doubtlessly contaminating consuming water sources. Even handed utility based mostly on soil check knowledge minimizes these dangers.
Query 4: How does utility timing affect the effectiveness of 19-19-19?
Utility timing ought to align with the hay crop’s nutrient uptake patterns. Making use of nitrogen throughout early vegetative development, for instance, maximizes its utilization. Break up purposes can enhance nutrient use effectivity, particularly for nitrogen in warm-season grasses.
Query 5: How can one calculate the correct quantity of 19-19-19 to use?
Calculating utility charges requires contemplating elements like yield objectives, soil check outcomes, hay kind, and regional suggestions. Consulting with native agricultural consultants or extension providers can present beneficial steering for growing tailor-made fertilizer plans.
Query 6: Are there alternate options to 19-19-19 for hay fertilization?
Sure. Varied different fertilizer formulations exist, every with totally different nutrient ratios. Deciding on essentially the most acceptable fertilizer is dependent upon particular soil circumstances and the nutrient necessities of the hay crop, as decided by soil testing. Natural amendments, reminiscent of manure, may contribute to soil fertility.
Cautious consideration of those steadily requested questions, mixed with soil testing and adherence to regional suggestions, promotes environment friendly and environmentally accountable fertilizer use in hay manufacturing.
The following part will talk about finest administration practices for making use of 19-19-19 and different fertilizers to hay fields, overlaying subjects reminiscent of utility strategies, gear calibration, and methods for minimizing nutrient losses.
Ideas for Efficient 19-19-19 Fertilizer Utility in Hay Manufacturing
Optimizing fertilizer utility ensures environment friendly nutrient utilization, maximizing hay yields whereas minimizing environmental affect. The next ideas present sensible steering for efficient nutrient administration.
Tip 1: Soil Testing is Paramount
Conducting a soil check earlier than making use of any fertilizer is essential. Soil exams present important details about present nutrient ranges and soil pH, permitting for knowledgeable selections relating to fertilizer kind and utility charges. This prevents over-application, saving cash and lowering environmental dangers.
Tip 2: Take into account Hay Sort and Yield Targets
Completely different hay species have various nutrient necessities. Legumes, as an example, require much less nitrogen than grasses. Yield objectives additionally affect utility charges. Increased yields necessitate higher nutrient inputs, however exceeding optimum charges can result in diminishing returns.
Tip 3: Time Utility Strategically
Making use of fertilizer on the appropriate development stage maximizes nutrient uptake. For cool-season grasses, making use of nitrogen in early spring promotes vigorous development. Break up purposes can enhance nutrient use effectivity, significantly for nitrogen in warm-season grasses.
Tip 4: Calibrate Utility Gear
Correct gear calibration ensures uniform fertilizer distribution, stopping uneven development and maximizing nutrient utilization. Seek the advice of gear manuals and comply with really helpful calibration procedures for correct utility.
Tip 5: Decrease Environmental Influence
Keep away from over-application to attenuate nutrient runoff and leaching. Keep buffer zones round water our bodies and think about using cowl crops to scavenge extra vitamins, defending water high quality.
Tip 6: Seek the advice of Regional Suggestions
Regional suggestions present beneficial context-specific steering on fertilizer utility charges, contemplating native local weather, soil varieties, and prevalent hay species. Integrating this experience enhances fertilizer effectiveness.
Tip 7: Monitor Crop Response
Frequently monitor hay fields for indicators of nutrient deficiencies or excesses. Visible assessments, tissue testing, and yield monitoring can inform changes to fertilizer methods for optimum outcomes.
Tip 8: Hold Information
Sustaining detailed data of fertilizer purposes, together with dates, charges, and utility strategies, facilitates knowledgeable decision-making in future seasons and helps long-term nutrient administration planning.
Implementing the following pointers promotes environment friendly nutrient utilization, maximizes hay yields, and minimizes environmental affect. Knowledgeable fertilizer administration contributes to each financial viability and environmental sustainability in hay manufacturing.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways relating to fertilizer utility in hay manufacturing, emphasizing the significance of a balanced and knowledgeable method.
Conclusion
Figuring out acceptable 19-19-19 fertilizer utility charges for hay manufacturing includes a posh interaction of things. Soil testing gives the inspiration for knowledgeable decision-making, revealing present nutrient ranges and guiding optimum fertilizer selections. Hay kind considerably influences nutrient necessities; legumes, with their nitrogen-fixing skill, necessitate totally different methods in comparison with grasses. Yield objectives should align with fertilizer inputs, balancing desired manufacturing with financial and environmental concerns. Utility timing is essential, maximizing nutrient uptake effectivity and minimizing losses. Regional suggestions supply beneficial context-specific steering, tailoring fertilizer methods to native circumstances. Integrating these parts ensures environment friendly nutrient utilization, selling each financial viability and environmental sustainability.
Sustainable hay manufacturing requires a shift from blanket suggestions to data-driven nutrient administration. Embracing soil testing, understanding crop-specific wants, and adhering to finest administration practices optimizes fertilizer use, maximizing yields whereas safeguarding environmental well being. The way forward for hay manufacturing hinges on knowledgeable fertilizer selections that stability agricultural productiveness with long-term ecological stewardship.
