SOILS — FERTILIZERS. 23 



linio. analyses are given of the available materials which can be used to supply 

 these tleticiencies, iucluding phosphates, limestoue, kraal manure, blood meal, 

 and guano. 



Investigations of soils, B. C. Aston, {New Zeal. Dcpt. Agr. Ann. Rpt., 17 

 {1!>0!)). in>- Jo7-'/8J, /)/v. G). — This article refers to studies of the humus soils 

 and tt( ra of the southern islands of the New Zealand group, the results of 

 which lire to be published later, and reports examinations and pot exiierimeuts 

 with samples of tailings from gold mines, with unproductive moor soils, and 

 with soils containing an excess of magnesia and potash salts. Examinations of 

 soils containing various abnormal constituents, such as amethyst, resinous 

 matter, citrate-soluble silica, hydrated aluminum sulphate, and quartz sand, 

 magnesium sulphate, and sodium sulphate, and of several samples of hardpau 

 are also reported. 



The mine tailings were found to contain a substance injurious to vegetation, 

 possibly zinc sulphid, which was present in small amounts. 



The fertilizer experiments with the unproductive moor soils showed that 

 drainage and heavy applications of lime and phosphatic slag greatly improved 

 the soils. Gypsum was the most effective lime compound in increasing the 

 yield of cruciferous plants on the soils containing an excess of magnesia, but 

 ground limestone was the most effective in increasing the yield of oats and 

 grass. The harmful effect of potash salts was very marked on certain of the 

 soils tested, which coutainetl an abnormally large amount of potash soluble in 

 citric acid. An increase in the yield of fruit resulting from applications of 

 phosphatic fertilizers on plum trees is reported. 



Analyses of the soils experimented with as well as of a large number of 

 other samples from different parts of New Zealand are reported, with recom- 

 mendations as to the fertilizer requirements of the soils as indicated by 

 analysis. 



Commercial fertilizers, H. W. Smith et al. {Rpt. Agr. New Brunswick, 

 1000. pp. 160-11 If). — This article points out the advantages of cooperative pur- 

 chase and home mixing of fertilizers, giving formulas for different crops and 

 the experience of various organizations in the cooperative purchase and mixing 

 of fertilizers. 



The fertility of the soil, J. Dumont {Jour. Fabric. Sucr., 51 {1010), No. 5, 

 pp. 1, 2; teller. Indig. ct Colon., 75 {1910), No. S, pp. 175-170).— This article 

 briefly discusses various factors of soil fertility, especially emphasizing the im- 

 portance of humus compounds, and reports experiments with Derome's so-called 

 peptonized organic fertilizer. This material is described as a humate prepared 

 by the treatment of vegetable organic matter with alkaline soda solution. In 

 experiments with soils poor in humus increases of from 18 to 30 per cent in 

 yield were obtained with this material. 



Peptonized fertilizers, J. Dumont {Siior. Indig. ct Colon., 75 {1010), No.' 

 It, pp. 2JiO-252; Bctterave, 20 {1010), No. 500, pp. 85, Sfi).— Experiments on 

 beets, carrots, potatoes, and grasses with Derome's peptonized fertilizer in 

 comparison with fertilizers compo.sed of superphosphate, potassium chlorid, 

 and dried blood, horn, or nitrate of soda, are reported. The results were very 

 favorable to the peptonized fertilizer. 



The utilization of atmospheric nitrogen, particularly for the manufacture 

 of air saltpeter, A. Rkrnthsen {Tran.s. Furaditij aS'oc, 5 {1010), No. 3, pp. 207- 

 S05). — This is an abstract of a paper read before the Seventh International 

 Congress of Apitlied Chemistry at London, 1!)09 (E. S. K., 21, p. 531; 22, p. 24). 



Potash experiments in eastern Holstein, Kuhnekt {Landw. Wcliiihl. Grilles. 

 UoIhL, ho {1010), No. 0, pp. 150-162). — Cooperative experiments with rye, 



47147°— No. 1—10 3 



