29G STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



tures it was learned that calcium nitrate was necessary. When this 

 was added to the dry soil the yield was considerably greater than in tlie 

 control. 



A third experiment consisted in using Ihe good soil solution but at a 

 much reduced concentration. The initial concentration was the same 

 as that possessed by the poor soil solution. Here a different ratio ac- 

 counted for the high yield but it still showed as above that the soil 

 needed calcium nitrate. 



The next step in the work is obviously a consideration of soils. The 

 problem becomes complex as there are so many conditions not under the 

 experimenter's cpntrol, such as variations in physical, chemical and bio- 

 logical properties. Each of these is being considered step by step and a 

 simplification attempted. Chief among the conclusions now drawn is 

 that in one particular soil used, there is a best or optimum ratio of 

 salts and this is the basis for testing out the possibilities of determining 

 a rational system of fertilization of soils from the point of view of bal- 

 anced solutions. It is expected that this study will take considerable 

 time. A great many data have been collected and are being put into 

 shape for publication. 



There is need of further assistance in this work both in the line of a 

 trained man, and money for running expenses. Teaching breaks in and 

 interrupts the undivided and continuous attention needed in this work. 

 From May to September is the only time that the writer can put in con- 

 tinuously on this work. Next year, since there will be more teaching to 

 do, this time will be shortened. It is urged that some assistance be ob- 

 tained. 



Other problems are pressing and some have been crowded in, but on 

 account of lack of time and the desire not to interfere with the regular 

 Adams work, most of them have had to be abandoned. I refer to the 

 following problems: Physiological studies of the effects of poisons on 

 plants, Avith reference to their use in the eradication of Canada thistles, 

 wild mustard, etc., from fields; nutrition as related to physiological dis- 

 eases ; water requirements of plants ; plant growth in relation to climate 

 for the purpose of determining regions in the State more suitable for 

 certain crops than the present ones; an ecological-physiological study 

 of peat and muck soils in order to make available a gTeater acreage in 

 the State for greater production. 



My work in the College includes undergraduate and graduate in- 

 struction. This has continued along the same lines as before. It is 

 gratifying to report that the work is enlarging in scope, reaching a 

 greater number, overtaxing the capacity of the laboratory and taking- 

 more of my time then usual. Mr. H. C. Young who took the place made 

 vacant when Mr. G. R. Johnstone resigned, has handled the laboratory 

 work exceedingly well and to his enthusiasm and efforts is due much of 

 the success that has been attained this past year. No little credit is 

 due, however, to Messrs. Kettunen and Kelham, advanced students in 

 plant physiology, who so ably assisted us in the winter term when the 

 class had to be divided and the laboratory sections taken at different 

 times. Following the plan that has been in vogue the past four jenrs 

 two lectures were given this year to the class in Agricultural Chemistry, 



More laboratory space in the Experiment Station and neAV green- 

 houses are urgently needed. 



