SOILS FERTILIZERS. 621 



California nitrates (Amer. Fert., 32 (1910), No. 2, p. 16). — Niter beds which 

 are being exploited in the extreme eastern part of San Bernardino County, 

 Cal., about 32 miles south of Needles, are described. Analyses of 4 samples of 

 the nitrate-bearing clay are reported, showing from 7.2 to 22.6 per cent of 

 sodium nitrate. 



Sulphate of ammonia in 1909, Maizieres {Engrais, 25 (1910), No. 3, pp. 

 69-71). — The world's production in 1909 is estimated at 968.700 metric tons, of 

 which England produced 348,000 tons, Germany 340.000, and France 53.600. 

 Statistics are also given showing the distribution of the sulphate in different 

 countries. 



Nitrate of ammonia production, R. P. Skinner (Daily Cons, and Trade 

 Rpts. [U. 8.], 1910, No. 3700, p. 6).— This is a brief statement regarding 

 methods of manufacture and prices current in Tiermany for this material. 



Experiments with new nitrogenous manures, 1904—1908, J. Hendrick 

 (Aberdeen and No. of Scotland Col. Agr. Bui. 13, pp. 29; abs. in Mark Lane 

 Express, 103 (1910), No. Jt089, pp. 137, i39).— The need of additional nitrog- 

 enous fertilizers is discussed ; the manufacture, properties, and agricultural 

 value of calcium nitrate and calcium cyanamid are briefly described; and ex- 

 periments with these two materials in comparison with nitrate of soda and 

 sulphate of ammonia extending over several years are reported. The experi- 

 ments included field tests with oats, barley, and turnips, and pot tests with 

 oats. The nitrogenous fertilizers were used at rates furnishing equal amounts 

 of nitrogen, and always in connection with the same application of potash salts 

 and superphosphates. 



The results show that both calcium cyanamid and calcium nitrate were 

 active and effective fertilizers, the calcium cyanamid being equal to nitrate of 

 soda or sulphate of ammonia as a fertilizer for grain crops, and the nitrate of 

 lime rather more effective than nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, or cal- 

 cium cyanamid. It is thought i)robable that the higher efficiency of the calcium 

 nitrate was due to the lime and that the results might be different on soils 

 well supplied with lime. With applications of about 1 cwt. per acre there was 

 no noticeable injury to germination by applying the cyanamid at the time of 

 seeding. It was found that neither calcium cyanamid nor calcium nitrate is 

 suitable for mixing with soluble phosphates. Calcium nitrate is so hygro- 

 scopic that it requires to be protected from the air when stored and is not 

 suitable for use in ordinary fertilizer mixtures. Calcium cyanamid, however, 

 may be safely mixed with basic slag, bone meal, and potash salts, although 

 such mixtures become hard and lumpy after a time. The best method of 

 applying calcium nitrate is as a top-dressing. 



Observations are reported showing that the percentage of nitrogen diminishes 

 in calcium cyanamid during storage. In one case it fell from 17.4 to 13.6 per 

 cent, while the weight of the material increased about 16.8 per cent. The fall 

 in percentage of nitrogen, therefore, was mainly due to increase in weight. 



On artificial nitrogenous fertilizers derived from the air. — Lime nitrogen, 

 nitrogen lime, and calcium nitrate, and their importance in practical agri- 

 culture, B. Heinze (Abs. in Centbl. Bait, [etc.^, 2. Abt., 2-5 (1909), No. 19-25, 

 pp. 502, 503). — The impoi'tance of stable manure and green manure is pointed 

 out, the frequently observed superiority of nitrate of soda over sulphate of 

 ammonia as a nitrogenous fertilizer is explained, and the fertilizing value of 

 the new nitrogen compounds, calcium nitrate and calcium cyanamid, in com- 

 parison with sodium nitrate and ammonium sulphate is discussed. 



It is pointed out that calcium nitrate is less likely to form a hard crust on 

 play soils than sodium nitrate. Attention is called to possible injury from 



