428 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



or potassium chlorids. The effect of the electrical treatment as shown by the 

 percentage of germination, length of first leaf, length of roots, and increase In 

 weight was determined. 



The author claims that the effect on germination in a given solution is 

 approximately proportional to the quantity of electricity which has been passed 

 through the solution in which the germinating seeds are placed. It is said 

 that the differences between the cathodic and anodic effects can not be 

 accounted for on the basis of the alkali and acid which are formed as a result 

 of secondary decomposition. The feeble development of the roots in the anodic 

 solution is attributed to the coagulation of the colloidal solution under the in- 

 fluence of the cations which readily jiass through the membrane of the root 

 cells. 



Some recent experiments in the application of electricity to plant produc- 

 tion, J. H. Priestley (Garcl. Chron., 3. ser., 55 (1914), Nos. 1424, pp. 245-247, 

 figs. 3; 1425, p. 271, figs. 3). — Recent experiments carried out with potatoes at 

 Garforth and at Dumfries are claimed to show (1) that results of work as 

 heretofore reported by some investigators probably require revision on account 

 of the recent discovery of the large part played by wind in carrying the charge 

 to control plats, and (2) that .screens surrounding electrified areas must be 

 higher, the carrying wires lower, and the plats more completely isolated by 

 screening and by location with reference to prevailing winds. Results from 

 experiments under improved conditions in 1913 are thought to have been vitiated 

 by the extreme di*yuess during much of the growing season, but it is expected 

 that more accurate and instructive results may be obtained from the work 

 as planned for the present season. 



FIELD CROPS. 



Irrig'ation and manuring' studies, F. S. Harris (Utah Sta. But. 133 (1914), 

 pp. 383-418, figs. 6). — The effect of irrigation on yield of grain and stover was 

 such that " during 1911 and 1912 the highest yield of grain was obtained with 

 30 in. of irrigation water, while in 1913, and as an average of the 3 years, 20 in. 

 gave a higher yield than any other amount of water. In every case the yield 

 was lower where 40 in. of water were given dui-ing the season than where 

 less was applied. The stover yield was greatest in 1911 with 40 in. of water, 

 in 1912 with 30 in., and in 1913 with 20 in." For each inch of irrigation water 

 the yields of grain for 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 in. were respectively 1.12, 0.46, 0.59, 

 0.33, and 0.26 bu. per acre. Over four-fifths of the crop was produced by the 

 natural precipitation. 



The effects of manuring at the rates of 5 and 15 tons per acre are noted 

 as evident in connection with the irrigations, even on rich soil. " During the 

 first year of the test the yield was raised from 55 to 74 bu. by 15 tons of manure. 

 By comparing the yields of 1911 with those of 1913 it will be noted that the 

 manured plats maintained their original yields of grain, while the yields on the 

 nnmanured plats decreased considerably. . . . During the first year of 

 manuring there was a greater increase in yield for each ton of manure where 

 15 tons were added than where 5 tons were added. During the other years, 

 however, the manure was used more economically with a light than with a 

 heavy application. The figures show that all the value of the manure is not 

 used during the first season, but that it has a residual effect. The average of 

 all treatments show that for each ton of manure applied the yield per acre was 

 increased by 2.32 bu. of grain and 396 lbs. of stover. The manure would, 

 therefore, have a money value to the farmer of something like $2 per ton dur- 

 ing the first year, besides improving the soil for future crops." As a result of 



