240 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



\ gtudy of the aitrogen contenl of a soil which has been continuously fertilized 

 during -1 years shows that in 3 out of -4 cases nitrate of soda and superphosphate of 



lime have decreased the a unt of nitrogen in the soil, basic slag lias in every case 



increased and lime decreased it, and farm manure has in 2 cases increased and in 2 

 cases decreased it. Superphosphate and basic slag lias in every case increased the 

 proportion of clovers in the herbage. Lime has also increased the proportion, but 

 to a less extent. Barnyard manure lias decreased the proportion of clovers in 2 out 

 of .", cases and nitrate of soda in every case. 



The exports of Jamaica in relation to the soil, H. H. Cousins ( />'/</. Dept. Agr. 

 .In an i utt, : ( 1904), No. *:. i>i>. 127-182). — The results of analyses of 34 samples i >f material 

 representing typical exports of the Island of Jamaica are reported and discussed with 

 reference to "the actual drain on the mineral elements of the soil fertility of .Jamaica 

 by the annual removal of phosphoric acid and potash in the exports of the island." 

 The average results show that 2,865,522 lbs. of potash and 896,712 lbs. of phosphoric 

 acid are annually removed from the island in its exports. 



Rhodesian soil analysis (Rhodedan Agr. Jour., 1 (1904), No. 6, /»/-. 165, 166). — 

 The averages of 12 samples each of the typical red and granite soils of southern 

 Rhodesia, which are remarkably uniform in chemical composition, are reported. 



The conservation of moisture in orchard soils, F. T. Shutt ( < 'anada Expt. Farms 

 Rpls. 1903, pp. 129-132). — This is a continuation during 1903 of previous years' inves- 

 tigations (E. S. R., 15, p. 126) . The results of determinations May 14 and 23 and June 

 5 of moisture in different plats in the station orchard, which had been (1) under cul- 

 tivation during the last 2 seasons, (2) in sod duringthe last2 seasons, and (3) in sod in 

 1902, but plowed early in the season of 1903 (April 13), disked May 29, and cultivated 

 June 3, are reported in comparison with data for precipitation during the same 

 period. The results emphasize the value of cultivation as a means of conserving 

 moisture. 



The behavior of certain nitrogenous organic substances in the soil, A. 

 Menozzi (Ric. Lab. Chim. Agr. R. Scuola Sup. Agr., Milan, 2;(1903), pp. 29-34).— 

 Studies of the absorptive power of a soil for sodium urate are briefly reported. 



Investigation in soil bacteriology and its importance in determining the 

 fertility of soils, P. Ehrenberg (Landw. Jahrb., 33 (1904), No. 1, ]>//. 1-139; ahx. in 

 (In m. Zlij., J8 (1904), No. 45, Repert. No. 13, p. 159; (Inn,. Centbl., 1904, J I, No. 25, 

 p. 1615). — On 5 soils, 2 of which w r ere designated abnormal (very unproductive) and .'! 

 of which by various treatments — manuring, etc. — were made productive, the author 

 attempted to study the nitrogen utilization, loss, and combination, especially the 

 extent to which these may be determined by bacteriological studies. In connection 

 with vegetation experiments, some of which were made in the field, soils before and 

 after the growth of crops were studied as to putrefaction capacity by Remy's method, 

 for denitrifying power with Giltay's solution, nitrifying power (both nitrites and 

 nitrates) according to Omeliansky, nitrogen-collecting capacity from the air by 

 means of mannite solution according to Beijerinck. 



Experiments were undertaken to improve the abnormal soils by inoculation, appli- 

 cations of manure, lime, and marl, as well as by modifying the climatic conditions. 

 From the large mass of data obtained the following general conclusions are drawn: 

 The phrase "bacteriologically abnormal soils" is not strictly accurate as applied to 

 the soils studied in these investigations. Their unproductiveness was apjiarently 

 due mainly to a deficiency of lime, which injuriously' affected the growth of both 

 the higher and the lower plants. 



Inoculation with different kinds of soil bacteria, exclusive of the root tubercle 

 bacteria, even in connection with applications of lime and manure did not bring 

 about an appreciable effect. In the interpretation of vegetation experiments the 

 plant species as well as its inherent capacity for assimilating plant food and require- 

 ments in this respect are of the highest importance, especially as regards lime. The 



