176 



la spite of the unfavorable season the yields were satis- 

 i'actory, the two limed plots averaging 38.5 bushels per acre, 

 the two plots not limed 25.6 bushels. There was on compar- 

 atively rich land a difference of 12,9 bushels of oats per acre 

 in favor of the limed plots. 



March 11, 1898, quick lime from the Anniston Lime and 

 Stone Company, was weighed out at the rate of 1,000 pounds 

 per acre, and after being slaked, was applied as a top dressing 

 on oats sown in the fall. 



The soil was poor and sandy and the yields correspond- 

 ingly small, 12.1 bushels per acre on the limed plot and 13.7 

 bushels on the plot not limed and used as a check. Here there 

 was no gain effected by liming; it should be noted, however, 

 that poor, sandy soil and late application are conditions very 

 unfavorable for lime. 



January 29, oats were sown on poor, reddish land, with 

 and without lime, the rate when lime was used being 640 

 pounds of slaked lime per acre. Stock broke into the field 

 and injured the crop when the oats were ripening, hence the 

 plots were not separately harvested. There was no difference 

 in the growth on the limed and not limed plots, so far as 

 could be judged by the eye. 



Lime hastens the rotting of vegetable matter in the soil 

 and can be most advantageously used when the soil is abund- 

 antly supplied with organic matter. 



It is also highly beneficial on acid soils. To determine 

 whether a soil is acid, buy at a drug store a piece of blue 

 litmus paper, keep this in a stoppered bottle until convenient 

 to use it. Then bring it in contact with the moist soil to be 

 tested. If the blue color of the litmus paper changes to reddish 

 the soil is acid and will probably be helped by an application 

 of lime. 



It should not be understood that the favorable effect of 

 lime is confined to soils which show this acid reaction with 

 litmus paper. The Agricultural Department of this station 

 will supply litmus paper free of charge to anyone agreeing to 

 make this test and to report results. 



