REPORT OF THE CHEMIST 155 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



We are probably quite safe in assuming that the nitrogen content of these soils is 

 a fair measure of their crop-producing powers. On this basis, Nos, 4 and 6 are to ije 

 placed at the head of the list. They should prove excellent soils and very fertile if 

 properly cultivated. 



Following these come Nos. 8, 9 and 11, with a nitrogen content of between 

 0-2 per cent and 0-3 per cent. These are very probably soils capable of producing re- 

 uiunorative crops, for as far as our data go they compare very favourably with many 

 Canadian virgin soils that have shown themselves good farming lands. 



The third division comprises those soils containing between 0-1 per cent and 0-2 

 per cent nitrogen. These are Nos. 3, 5, 10 and 13, Though somewhat deficient in org:.nic 

 matter (huuuis) and nitrogen, they are still fairly good sells and no doubt would 

 improve under a good system of farming. 



The remainder, Nos. 1, 2, 7 and 12, must be considered as below the average and 

 would require enrichment before they could be expected to give their maximum 

 returns. 



As a class, these soils are all 'retentive' and 'lasting,' and the majority of llicm 

 mider skilful treatment suitable for most of our farm crops. In their cultivation 

 it would be highly desirable to adopt a rotation that kept up, and indeed increased, 

 their humus and nitrogen content. This can best be done by the growing of clover 

 or pome other legume in the rotation and by the keeping of stock. They are all soils 

 that will repay thorough drainage and, with the exception of No. 12, an occasional 

 application of lime. Owing to the large proportion of clay they contain, much will 

 depend tipon the manner of cultivation. To prevent ' puddling,' they should never bo 

 worked while wet. 



In conclusion, it must be stated that as yet the analyses are incomplete; con- 

 sequently this report should only be regarded ?,s tentative in character. From the 

 writer's long experience, however, in the examination of Canadian soils he feels justi- 

 fied in making the deductions here given regarding the character and probable pro- 

 ductiveness of these soils. 



PEASE AS A FERTILIZER IN THE NORTHWEST. 



The enrishment of soils through the turning under of the legumes is a subject) 

 that has been studied in the fields and laboratories of the Experimental Farm for a 

 number of years past, and our results, published in the annual reports and special 

 bulletin, show the value and economy of this method for the maintenance of soil 

 fertility. The crops hitherto investigated as useful for this purpose of furnishing 

 humus and nitrogen comprise the clovers — common red, mammoth red and crimson; 

 vetches, hairy and black; alfalfa; horse beans and Soja beans. Of these, the clovers 

 and alfalfa are pre-eminently the legumes most serviceable as soil enrichers. 



In tilling the soil a certain dissipation of the nitrogen is imavoidable. Plowing, 

 harrowing and indeed all mechanical operations that tend to open up the soil, must 

 result in the oxidation and, consequently, the loss of a portion of the humus (semi-de- 

 cayed vegetable matter) and its concomitant, nitrogen. Especially is this true of fallow- 

 ing, by which undoubtedly more nitrogen can be lost than is removed by the following 

 crop. This fact was well established two years ago from the analyses of a series of 

 goils — virgin and cultivated — collected in the Northwest Territories. Fallowing is 

 most useful in keeping the land comparatively free from weeds; it liberates plant food 

 and undoubtedly performs an important function in storing moisture for the succeed- 

 ing crop, but there is no gainsaying the fact that it is a wasteful practice as regards 

 soil fertility. Data to substantiate this statement were given in the report of this 

 division for lOO.^, where it was pointed out that if the present productiveness of the 

 soils of the northwestern provinces was to be maintained attention must be given, 

 and this before the soils become markedly exhausted, to the return of humus-forming 



