9 



Chemical Analysis. 



((Soil passed through 3 m. m. Sieve dried at 100« C.) 



Insoluble matter ... 64.050 



Soluble in Hydrochloric Acid ... 26.970 



f Potash .,. 0.960 



I Lime ... 1.191 



^ Phosphoric Acid ... 0.085 



I Carbonic Acid as \ n oic 



l^ Carbonate of Lime j "-^^^ 



Combined Water and organic matter 10.193 



Humus (soluble in Ammonia) 1.146 



Nitrogen 0.089 



Hygroscopic Moisture ... 11.510 



Fertility Analysis. 



Per Cent. 

 Available Potash ... 0.004 



Available Phosphoric Acid ... 0.013 



Observations. 



This soil is composed almost entirely of particles of medium fineness, 

 gravel and clay being practically absent, Its mechanical composition 

 is highly favoursble for cultivation and provides admirable conditions 

 for the root development of the banana. While retentive of moisture 

 the soil drains easily and would re-act readily to a sy stem of drainage 

 trenches. The total potash is normal, but the 'available' decidedly 

 below par and indicates the desirability of the use of potash manure. 

 The phosphoric acid reserve is low for a banana soil, but the available 

 supply is normal. The humus and nitrogen are both decidedly low and 

 every effort should be made to increase these. I conclude that Pen 

 manure and green dressings would be of decided benefit. I think 

 it likely that the Banana Trash ashes from the Railway Depot, con- 

 taining 6 . 86 per cent, of Potash, would be beneficial on this soil. I 

 would suggest as a general fertilizer— 



3 cwt. Superphosphate "i 



2 cwt. Sulphate of Ammonia Vper acre. 



1 cwt. Sulpbate of Potash J 



II. ST. CATHERINE. 



Experiments on banana soils in the irrigation area of St. Catherine 

 have i dicated that these soils are possessed of very high natural fer- 

 tility and that the use of fertilisers is quite uncalled for. 



A. — Rod ens. Mr. R. Hay. 



A piece of land was selected on this property which appeared to be 

 ■balow par and likely to respond to thn application of fertilisers. 

 The analysis of the soil gave the following results : — 



