556 experiment station record. 



phoric acid was increased by ignition and destruction of the humus, with which the 

 phosphoric acid was probably combined. 



It was also observed that the application of alkaline substances, such as caustic 

 lime and potassium carbonate, exerted an unfavorable influence on the assimilation 

 of phosphoric acid, and this effect is attributed to the neutralization of the acid humus 

 and the acid root secretions. 



On organic compounds of phosphoric acid in the soil, K. Aso ( Bui. Col. Agr., 

 Tokyo Imp. Univ., 6 (1904), No. 8, pp. 277-284) ■ — With a view to ascertaining why 

 soils yield more phosphoric acid soluble in hydrochloric acid after they are ignited 

 than before ignition, the author made a chemical study of samples of raw soil and of 

 soil which had been ignited, steamed for 3 hours under pressure in a sterilization 

 apparatus, and steamed under pressure in 3 atmospheres in an autoclave for 3 hours. 



He summarizes his results as follows: "(1) Phosphoric acid is present in humus 

 soil inorganic and inorganic forms. (2) The chief organic phosphoric compound 

 is nuclein. Besides, a very small quantity of lecithin is present. Both compounds 

 can be partially due to the bacterial flora of the soil, partially to the decaying plant 

 roots. (3) The phosphoric acid in the organic compounds becomes available by 

 burning the humus soil." 



The after-effect of phosphates, H. Bachmann (Fuhling's Landw. Ztg., 53 (1904), 

 No. 21, pp. 790-797). — The results of a series of experiments on private farms to 

 compare Thomas slag with 2 grades of so-called agricultural phosphate are reported. 



The action of the individual elements of plant food (nitrogen, phosphoric 

 acid, and potash) in the form of commercial fertilizers, W. Schneidewind 

 et al. (Ber. Versuchsw. Lauchstadt, 1904, p. 60; abs. in Chem. Ztg., 28 (1904), No. 

 67, Repert. No. 19, p. 230). — The results of several years' experiments with various 

 manures and fertilizer mixtures are summarized. The conclusions drawn are spe- 

 cific rather than of general application or interest. The utilization of soda by certain 

 root crops, especially fodder beets and sugar beets, is discussed. 



Dictionary of fertilizers and agricultural-chemical products, E. S. Belle- 

 noux (Dictionnaire des engrais et des produils chimiaues agricoles. Paris: C. Reinwald, 

 1904, pp. XI [ 158). — This is a series of brief articles, alphabetically arranged, on 

 fertilizers and related topics intended for the use of the practical cultivator. 



Analyses and valuations of commercial fertilizers, J. P. Street, W. P. Allen, 

 and V. J. Carberry (New Jersey Stas. Bui. 176, pp. 23). — Analyses and valuations of 

 280 samples of fertilizers examined during 1904 are reported. 



Report of analyses of commercial fertilizers for the spring of 1904, W. H. 

 Jordan, L. L. Van Slyke, and W. H. Andrews (New York State Sta. Bui. 253, pp. 

 269-317). — The results of analyses of 371 different brands of fertilizers are reported. 

 ( )f these, 275 were complete fertilizers in which the total nitrogen varied from 0.54 to 

 9.74 per cent, averaging 2.12 per cent; the water-soluble nitrogen from to !U32 per 

 cent, averaging 1.01 percent; the available phosphoric acid from 1.26 to 11.38 per 

 cent, averaging 8.52 per cent; the potash from 0.16 to 10.74 per cent, averaging 4.77 

 per cent. 



In 45 out of the 275 brands examined the potash was in the form of sulphate free 

 from excess of chlorids. The average amounts of nitrogen, available phosphoric acid, 

 and potash exceeded the guaranteed averages by 0. 1 1 per cent, 0.9(5 per cent, and 0.27 

 per cent, respectively. The average retail selling price of the fertilizers was $27.56; 

 the retail cost of the separate ingredients, unmixed, $19.85. 



Analyses of commercial fertilizers, W. Frear (Pennsylvania Dept. Agr. Bui. 

 126, pp. 139) . — This bulletin includes a review of the wholesale fertilizer market from 

 September 1, 1903, to March 1, 1904, and analyses and valuations of 493 samples of 

 fertilizers inspected during the spring of 1904. 



Commercial fertilizers, H. J. Wheeler et al. (Rhode Island Sin. Bui. 102, pp. 

 14). — This bulletin contains analyses and valuations of 49 samples of commercial fer- 



