442 Transactions of the 



ALKALI SOILS. 



BY ROBERT WILLIAMS. 



In presenting this essay it will be my object to suggest some practical 

 mode of neutralizing or extracting from our soil the substance called 

 alkali, without discussing its chemical properties. Indeed, I am not 

 aware that any chemical analysis has ever been made of soils impreg- 

 nated with this alkali. It is evident, however, that its principal ingre- 

 dient is potash, with a mixture of soda and salt. I am of the opinion 

 that a limited amount of this alkali adds to the fertility of our soil. I 

 think that the exceeding productiveness of the soil in California is 

 attributable in part to the presence in limited quantities of this article; 

 but, unfortunately, a great portion of our land— especially our low, flat 

 lands— is too strongly impregnated with it. In such cases it becomes a 

 nuisance rather than a benefit. It may seem strange to say that a good 

 fertilizer could become detrimental to the fertility of the soil. It is the 

 quantity, and not the quality, that produces the injury. Lime is an 

 excellent fertilizer, and yet too much lime is certain death to vegetation, 

 and I believe the same to be true with reference to alkali. 



When we inquire into the source or origin of alkali, then we enter 

 into the field of speculation where each man entertains his own peculiar 

 views. There are various theories respecting its origin. My view is, 

 that it is in veins or strata deep down in the earth, the same as salt 

 veins, coal, or iron, or any other minerals; and I believe, like many 

 other minerals, it has been brought near the surface by volcanic erup- 

 tions. Minerals of all kinds are found most plentiful in countries that 

 have been thrown up by these volcanic eruptions; and this is especially 

 true with reference to this alkali, as it is seldom, if ever, found in coun- 

 tries that have not been heaved up, and countries that have been the 

 worst torn up by these eruptions invariably exhibit the most alkali. 

 Now, in proof that it lies in veins, we often find springs of water strongly 

 impregnated with it — so strong that the water cannot be used at all — 

 while in the immediate vicinity may be found another spring, coming of 

 course from another direction, which will be entirely free from any 

 traces of alkali. The same is true of wells; one well may be good, pure 

 water, and another well in the same neighborhood, or even in the same 

 field, may be strongly alkalied. As to how it gets to the surface, my 

 theory is as above indicated — that it is thrown up to or near the surface 

 by these volcanic eruptions; then it becomes subject to the action of 

 water. It is washed from the mountains, hills, and high plain land, 

 and settles on the low lands, especially in basin-shaped places, where 

 the water stands. In such places we find almost invariably the strongest 

 alkali beds. Hence we often see 'alkali flats and alkali lakes on the 

 plains. These alkali beds present the appearance of once having been 



