SOILS — FERTILIZERS. 31 



Occurrence and composition of some Alabama phosphates, B. B. Ross (Ahs. 

 in Science, n. ser., 39 (1914), A'o- 1001, p. 363). — It is stated that "large quanti- 

 ties of phosphate-bearing strata are found in Alabama, apparently closely 

 associated with a thick bed of rotten limestone and with green sands ; their 

 formation is ascribed to a leaching of this phosphatic limestone. This view is 

 confirmed by analyses of boulders, which showed that the weathered layers 

 contain considerably less phosphate than the unweathered portion. Much of 

 this phosphate deposit could not be worlied economically at the present time, 

 but it may be capable of later development when other fields become partly 

 exhausted. The green sands contain both potash and phosphate, and many 

 possess local value as a fertilizer." 



On the action of lime and magnesia in the nutrition of plants, E. Hasel- 

 HOFF {Landio. Jahrb. J/S {1913), No. 4, pp. 609-633; abs. in Ztschr. Angew. 

 Chem., 21 il91.'f), No. 37, Referatenteil, p. 298). — A series of pot experiments 

 with different crops are reported, the results of which do not substantiate 

 Loew's theory regarding the necessity for a definite ratio of lime to magnesia 

 for each kind of crop. 



Catalytic fertilizers, magnesium salts, etc., O. Munebati (BoJ. Quind. Sac. 

 Agr. Jtul., 19 (191Jf), No. 4> PP- 116-119). — A number of experiments with 

 manganese sulphate and magnesium sulphate, which gave results not entirely 

 conclusive but generally showing some inci'ease from the use of these sub- 

 stances, are reported. 



Catalytic fertilizers, E. Boullangee {Tie Agr. et Rurale, 2 {1913), No 9, 

 pp. 2IfJf~2Jtl). — This is a summary of results of experiments by the author and 

 others with manganese salts on oats, wheat, barley, beets, potatoes, grasses, 

 and garden vegetables, and with aluminum and sodium silicates and iron sul- 

 phate on garden crops. The results were not conclusive but are thought to 

 warrant further investigation. 



Radio-active fertilizers, L, Malpeaux {Vie Agr. et Rurale, 2 {1913), No. 9, 

 pp. 241, 242; ahfi. in Intermit. Inst. Agr. [Rome], Mo. Bui. Agr. Intel, and 

 Plant Diseases, 4 {1913), No. 4, p. 563; Chem. Abs., 8 {1914), No. 5, p. 979).— 

 A mineral substance showing a small degree of radio-activity was used at rates 

 of from 22 to 40 lbs. i>er acre in combination with the ordinary fertilizing 

 materials in ix>t and field experiments. The radio-acti\e material apparently 

 increased the yield of oats and crimson clover in pot experiments and of oats, 

 mangels, and sugar beets in field experiments. It exerted no effect on the 

 composition of the sugar beets. 



Recent experiments on the fertilizing action of sulphiu', E. Boullangee 

 {Vie Agr. et Rurale, 2 {1913), No. 9, pp. 24I, 248).—S. very brief note is given 

 on recent experiments tending to show the importance of sulphur as a fertilizer. 



Fertilizer inspection {Maine Sta. Off. Insp. 53 {1913), pp. 105-140) .—Re- 

 ports of analyses of samples of fertilizers found on sale in ^Maine in 1913 are 

 published in this circular, together with other pertinent information relating 

 to the inspection, composition, valuation, and use of fertilizers, along the lines 

 previously noted (E. S. R., 28, p. 126). 



Inspection and analyses of commercial fertilizers, 1913, P. F. Tbowbeidge 

 {Missouri Sta. Bui. 116 {1914), pp. 3//7-399).— Analyses and valuations of about 

 500 samples of fertilizers examined during the year are reported. It is stated 

 that the amount of fertilizer sold in the State during the year was far in excess 

 of that of any previous year. 



Tabulated analyses of commercial fertilizers {Penn. Dept. Agr. Buls. 242 

 {1913), pp. 87; 244 {1914), pp. 65).— These two bulletins give in detail the 

 results of inspection, including analyses and valuations of fertilizers in Penn- 

 sylvania in 1913. 



