HEI'OUT of hie CUEMIfiT 149 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



The soil appears to be remarkably rich in phosphoric aciJ, and analysis further 

 shows that a considerable proportion is available for plant growth. Judging, there- 

 fore, from the present results, an application of a phosphatic fertilizer would not be 

 profitable. 



Though the available potash is not very low, the ' total ' potash is considerably Itis 

 than that in average productive soils. It is probable, therefore, that in time potash 

 fertilizers would prove useful. 



The lime-content is by no means large and we should, therefore, expect that ap- 

 plications of this element from time to time would be beneficial. 



Balfour, 11 miles cast of Nelson, West Kooienay, B.C. — 'A bench soil, naturally 

 drained, as yet uncropped and unmanured, from 6 to 10 inches deep and overlying a 

 subsoil of white sand, which again rests on gravel. The sample is stated to be ropre- 

 eentative of at least 1,200 acres.' 



The sample forwarded had been taken in situ to a depth of 14 inches. The up- 

 per 6 inches were considered as representing the surface soil and accordingly the soil 

 to that depth was separated and prepared for analysis. Speaking generally, from an 

 inspection, the soil would be considered as extremely light and sandy and poor in 

 humus, especially below four inches. It had a distinctly acid reaction. The nature 

 of the vegetation on the soil — chiefly mosses — afforded further evidence as to the need 

 of aeration and neutralization. 



In a letter to Mr. J. R. Anderson, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Victoria, B.C., 

 (through whom the soil was submitted) the farmer says: 'The oats and corn that I 

 sowed last spring did not amount to anything, but I am told that all it requires is 

 working. It is said here that the first year or two very little of anything will grow, 

 but that afterwards — when it had become sweet — the soil will give good returns.' 



Analysis of (air-dried) Soil. 



Per cent. 

 Moisture r04 



Volatile and organic matter 3*15 



Insoluble matter (sand, &c.) S4'27 



Oxide of iron and alumina 9'9-4 



Lime '47 



Magnesia '39 



Potash -21 



Phosphoric acid 'GO 



100*0 



Nitrogen '045 



Available potash '008 



Available phosphoric acid '075 



Available lime "033 



The analytical data support the deduction made from the appearance of this soil 

 as to its poverty in organic matter and nitrogen. In both these constituents the per- 

 centages are considerably below those in soils of average productiveness, pointing to 

 the desirability of organic manures for the improvement of the soil, both chemically 

 and physically. Green manures, obtained preferably through the growth of one or 

 other of the legumes, are advised in order to supplement the store of farmyard manure. 

 Nitrogen for immediate crop use may be supplied by small and repeated dressings of 

 nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia during the early part of the growing season. 



Our results would go to show that it is very well supplied with phosphoric acid. 

 P,oth the 'total' and 'available' arc considerably above the average and we should 

 not, therefore, expect a phosphatic fertilizer to be necessary. 



