108 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



A new and simple melliud lui* determining^ llie neuiiality of .VmnKjnium 

 Citrate -solutions was worked out and reported at tlie nieetini>- of the 

 Amei-iean (.'liemital Society lield in Milwaukee Maveli 25-28tli, 



HATCH FUND. 



A study of "Soil Aridity-' lias been made durinjj the year and we 

 were fortunate in seeuriii*^ l)r. J. K. Jlarris, an instructor in the Chemi- 

 cal department at (he University of .Miehigan, to work upon the prob- 

 lem durinj;' the summer and winter vacations. Tin? importance of this 

 ]troblem is better appreciated when we realize I hat probably rA)^/, of 

 the soils in the lower p-eniiisula are acid, and many cases of inferlilily 

 are duo to this cause alone. The nature of the soil acids is but little 

 luiderstood althouiih it has ])een one of the jiroblems faciiiji" the aj;ri- 

 cultural chemist for many years. The importance of the- problem should 

 iustifv a much more exhaustive studv of it and in view of the results 

 already obtained by Dr. Harris, in the limited time he has been \\()rk- 

 ing on the subject, I respectfully recommend that he be engaiied as a 

 regular research assistant in the division to continue the work. 



A study of the inlluence of osmosis upon the movement of water in 

 soils has been made by Mr. Kobinson and the results obtained justify 

 a continuance of the ^\drk. and I reconnnend thai it be made an Adams 

 project. 



ADAMS FUXl). 



But little progress has been made on the Adams project 2b owing to 

 lack of assistants. The outline for an extensive study of the subject has 

 been nuide and will be undertaken as soon as ]tossible. 



Considerable progress has been made on project 2ba. which will be re- 

 ported in a technical bulletin soon to be prei)ared. The manuscript for 

 a i)o])ukir bulletin embodying some of the results of this invest igat ion 

 has l)een prepared and will be presented for publication in the near 

 future. In connection with this investigation some co-oj>erative experi- 

 ments are being i)lanned to demonstrate the value of muck and peat 

 as a substitute for manure for use on the lighter soils of the state. 

 This is a very pertinent investigation since the cost of getting manure 

 in some parts of the state makes its use almost prohibitive. If it can 

 be demonstrated that muck or peat, found abundantly in all i)arts of 

 the state, can be substituted for manure one of I he greatest problems 

 of the farmer will be solved. 



In conclusion I wish to record my appreciation of the faithful and 

 diligent work of my associates, to whom credit is due for much thai 

 the division has accomplished during the year. 



Yerv respect fullv, 

 ANDREW J. PATTEN, 



Chemist. 



East Lansing, :\Iicli., June :{0, 1913. 



