24 EXPEEIMENT STATION EECOED. 



and potassium sulphate as fertilizers for medic and Lotus corniculatus are 

 reported. The leucite showed considerable fertilizing value, but much less than 

 potassium sulphate. 



On the economic use of potassic fertilizers, Z. Bonomi (R. Lai). Cltim. Agr. 

 Udine, Ric. Spcr. e Attiv. Spiegata, 3 {1909-10), vp. 39-53).— This is a fourth 

 paper on this subject (E. S. R., 20, p. 925), and reports tests of potassic ferti- 

 lizers on clover and medic, the general conclusion being that the use of potas- 

 sium sulphate on these crops was economical. 



Comparative tests of calcium and sodium, nitrates as fertilizers, Z. Bonomi 

 {R. Lah. Chitn. Agr. Udine, Ric. Sper. e Attiv. Spiegata, 3 (1909-10), pp. 

 27-32). — The results of the series of experiments reported in this article were 

 variable, sometimes favoring one nitrate and sometimes the other, but indicating 

 on the whole about an equal efficiency for the two. 



Chilean production of nitrate, A. A. Winslow {Daily Cons, and Trade Rpts. 

 [U. S.], l.'t {1911), No. 203, p. 959; 15 {1912), No. 79, p. 39).— It is stated that 

 the production of nitrate in Chile in 1911 was the highest ever recorded. It 

 amounted to 54,297,531 Spanish quintals (of 101.4 lbs. each) during the nitrate 

 year ended June 30, 1911, and 54,784,271 quintals during the calendar year 1911. 

 The production during the calendar year 1910 amounted to 53,596,000 quintals. 

 The business was prosperous notwithstanding the lov/ prices which prevailed 

 during the first 6 months of the year, and which fell as low as $1.66 per quintal 

 on board steamer on the coast in March. The price, however, gradually ad- 

 vanced to $1.94 per quintal in October. 



New works, which it is estimated will increase the output 18,000,000 quintals 

 per annum, were in progress during the year, and the Chilean congress author- 

 ized the further sale of nitrate lands. 



" The consumption of nitrate during 1911 increased 108.000 tons. The United 

 Kingdom consumed 10 per cent more than in 1910, the United States 10 per cent, 

 Holland 7 per cent, Belgium 7 per cent, France 4 per cent, and Itiily 12 per cent, 

 while Germany consumed about 4 per cent less." 



Lime for Alabama soils, J. F. Duggar and M. J. Funchess {Alahama Col. 

 Sta. Bui. 161, pp. 301-32-)). — This bulletin discusses the forms, sources, and 

 methods of application of lime, its action on different kinds of soils and crops, 

 and its need in Alabama soils, and summarizes the results of experiments with 

 lime in different parts of the State. It is stated that there are abundant 

 sources of supjily of lime in Alabama; also that there are large areas of acid 

 soils in Alabama, although the exact extent of such soils has not been deter- 

 mined, and that " on most acid soils, as well as on some other soils, the u.se of 

 lime generally increases the yield of most crops. . . . 



" In the lime tests made in various parts of Alabama the average increases In 

 yield attributable to the use of lime were as follows: Cotton 23 per cent, corn 

 31. cowpeas (seed and hay) 14. peanuts 24. velvet bean hay 35, soy beans (seed 

 and hay) 49, German millet hay 11, sorghum hay 47, chufas 0, and sweet pota- 

 toes (loss) 17 i>er cent." 



The litmus paper test for determining whether a soil is acid is described. 



Liming the soil, J. B. Abbott {Indiana Sta. Circ. 33, pp. 16, figs. 4)- — This 

 is a popular discussion of this subject adapted to Indiana conditions. 



The uses of peat for fuel and other purposes, C. A. Davis ( U. S. Dcpt. Int., 

 Bur. Mines Bill. 16, 1911, pp. 21.'i, pi. 1, fig. 1). — This bulletin gives the results 

 of an investigation primarily into the possibility of the economic use of peat 

 as a fuel in the United States. Incidentally attention was also given to other 

 uses of peat, namely, for the production of ammonium compounds and other 

 chemical products and for fertilizers and other agricultural purposes. 



