136 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



2-3 EDWARD VII., A. 1S03 

 On submitting tlie fine soil to analysis we obtained the following data : 



Analysis of (air-dried) fine Soil. 

 Moisture '. 3-02 



Organic and volatile matter 20-22 



Insoluble residue (chiefly sand) 63-05 



Oxide of iron and alumina 11-95 



Lime "43 



Magnesia * 10 



Potash -22 



Phosphoric acid "25 



Carbonic acid, &c. (undetermined) '76 



_100;00 



Nitrogen, in organic matter • 536 



Available Constituents. 



Phosphoric acid ' 041 



Potash -0096 



Lime -308 



Conclusions and Suggestious. 



The most noticeable features in the above data are the comparatively speaking 

 large percentages of organic (vegetable) matter and nitrogen. Though no doubt much of 

 this latter element is in a ' locked-up ' form, we should not expect that the soil would 

 be greatly benefited by the application of nitrogenous fertilizers, provided climatic 

 influences were favourable for nitrification. Further, although from appearance one 

 might judge the soil as somewhat poor from the physical standpoint and apt to dry out, 

 analysis does not indicate the immediate need of an organic manure. It must be remem- 

 bered, however, that this soil for the past seven years has been continually in sod, 

 which has had the efiect of increasing the humus and nitrogen content, and that if the 

 the soil is now put under active cultivation the tendency will be towards the dissipation 

 of the humus. Consequently, the desirability (under the latter circumstances) of apply- 

 ing farm-yard manure from time to time will be obvious, as well as adopting a rotation 

 which provides for the growth of clover, say every third or fourth year. 



The amount of phosphoric acid is somewhat similar to that found in soil of average 

 fertility ; the potash falls slightly below the limit for the best returns. While not rich 

 in lime, it is by no means deficient in this important element. 



The percentages of the mineral elements of fertility that may be regarded as more 

 or less immediately available for plant nutrition have been determined. They indicate 

 (1) an apparent sufficiency of phosphoric acid for the present as regards the cereals, 

 though for root crops the amount might be increased to advantage. (2.) That an appli- 

 cation of potash would, in all probability, tend to increase the productiveness of the 

 soil. (3.) That the necessity of any special lime fertilizer is not apparent, though, if 

 potash salts are used, it will no doubt be found of benefit to also furnish a small amount 

 of lime. These conclusions and suggestions are based on the analysis of the ' fine ' soil 

 which, it must be remembered is that part furnishing the immediate sustenance to crops. 

 More then 40 per cent of the soil consists of pebbles, gravel, &c., which though mate- 

 rially affecting the physical character of the soil can scarcely be taken into account 

 when considering the possible stores of plant food. 



