42 University of Colifoniia PuhlicaUons in AgricuUural Sciences [Vol. 1 



periments a systematic study of this -question was undertaken. 

 The soil employed in the aramonification experiments presently 

 to be described was of a light sandy character having been taken 

 from near Oakley in the upper part of San Joaquin Valley and 

 represents a large area now devoted to the growth of peaches 

 and other fruits. With suitable moisture conditions this land 

 produces excellent growth of the crops suited to it. The follow- 

 ing analysis furnished by the courtesy of Dr. Lipman sets forth 

 the composition of this soil. 



Table I. Composition of Son. Used ix Ahmoxificatiox Experiments 



Pel' cent 

 Insoluble matter 80.45 



Soluble silica 6.1-5 



Potash (KoO) 0.35 



Soda (Xa„0) 0.15 



Lime (Ca 0) 1.41 



Magnesia (MgO) 0.33 



Br. Ox. Manganese (Mn^A) 0.09 



Ferric Oxide (FeAO 3.96 



Alumina (A1,0,) -4.45 



Phosphoric Acid (P-A) 0.10 



Sulphuric Acid (SO,) 0.06 



H„0 at 110° C - 0.80 



Volatile matter 2.02 



Total 100.32 



In the ammonification experiments dried blood was used as a 

 source of nitrogen. Five grams of this material and varying 

 amounts of calcium and magnesium carbonates were thoroughly 

 mixed with 100 gram portions of sifted soil, placed in tumblers 

 and then optimum moisture conditions provided by the addition 

 of sterile water. The tumblers were covered with Petri dishes 

 and after an incubation period of seven days the ammonia was 

 distilled into standard acid by the use of magnesium oxide and 

 measured in the usual way. The results are recorded in the 

 following table. 



