128 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. [Vol. 40 



The solubility and assimilability of calcium phosphates, Lindet and A. 

 Bbuno (Compt. Rend. Acad. Agr. France. 4 (1918), Xo. 24. pp. 692-694. 705-708; 

 abs. in Chem. Abs., 12 (1918), Xo. 20, p. 2104).— The question as to whether rock 

 phosphate mixed with sulphur, as proposed by Lipnian and others, would be- 

 come citrate-soluble in a calcareous soil, is discussed, and various investiga- 

 tions Indicating that sulphur in the soil aids ammonifying bacteria and is 

 oxidized to sulphuric acid are reviewed. 



Recovery of potash from iron blast furnaces and cement kilns by electri- 

 cal precipitation, L. Bradley (Jour Indus, and Engin. Chem., 10 (1918). Wo. 

 10, pp. 884-888 ). — Among the conclusions drawn in this article are that "while 

 the Largest Immediate tonnage [of potash] may be obtained from desert lakes, 

 kelp, alunite, and a few other sources, nevertheless a study of the economic 

 problems will show that the surest way of making our potash industry a per- 

 manent and enduring one, able to supply all of our requirements, even against 

 German competition, is to develop and rely upon the by-product potash." The 

 !it development and possibilities of recovery of potash as a by-product 

 from blast furnaces and cement works are discussed. In the author's opinion, 

 the potentialities <>f recovery from blasl furnaces apparently surpass tin.se of 

 the cement industry. 



a classified bibliography of the subject is given. 



Recovery of potash from kelp, < '. A. HlGOlNS (Jour. Indus, and Engin. 

 Chem., 10 (1918), No. 10. pp. 882, 888, jig. 1: abs. in Amer. Jour. 8d., .',. ser., .',6 

 (1918), No. 276, pp. 764, 765). -This article describes ■ billy Improvements 

 in methods of harvesting kelp and recovery of by-products by a company op- 

 erating near San Diego, CaL 



In the author's opinion, the domestic demands for potash can not be supplied 

 from the Pacific Coast kelps. "Kelp, solely as a source of potash, will never 

 compete with unrestricted supplies from Europe or even with the potash re- 

 covered in modern cement or blast-furnace practice. The utilization of kelp 

 in SUCh a way, however, as to realize on all the other possible values of kelp 

 may help to render the users of high-grade potash for chemical purposes out- 

 side of the fertilizer trade Independent of foreign supplies." 



Potash from desert lakes and alunite, J. W. IIornsky (Jour. Indus, and 

 Engin. Chem., 10 (WIS), No. 10, pp. 89).— This article briefly reviews Gov- 



ernment and private investigation of sources of potash in the United states. 

 Including Seniles Lake. Great Salt Lake, and other American lakes, the Pin- 

 tados deposit in Chile, and alunite. 



In the author's opinion these Investigations have definitely resulted in the 

 development of a permanent potash industry in this country, since some of the 

 plants now in operation "will, undoubtedly, be able to continue after the war." 



Potash from Searles Lake. A. DE Ropp, jr. (Jour. Indus, and Engin, Ch< m.. 

 10 (1918), No. 10. pp. 889 >'i'i. figs. l.',).—\ description is given of the Searles 

 Lake deposits ami of the works established there to recover potash and other 

 products. It is stated that one plant in operation there Is now producing about 

 1 800 tons of crude potash salts per month. 



The Alsatian potash mines and works (Chem. Trade Jour.. 63 (1918), No. 

 1646, pp. //■''• $0). — Statements from both the German and the French points 

 of view are given regarding the capacities and present and possible develop- 

 ment of these mines and works. 



Lime, and the liming of soils, J. A. Hanley (Jour. Soe. Chetn. Indus.. 87 

 (1918), Xo. 12. pp. 185T-190T; abs. in Chem. Abs.. 12 (191S). Xo. 20. p. 2106).— 

 Results el" tests of the lime requirements of Yorkshire soils of different kinds 

 by the Hutchinson and MacLennan method (E. S. K., 33, p. 822) are reported 

 and discussed. 



