SOILS FERTILIZERS. ^ 129 



The action of zinc in pot experiments, P. Ehrenberg (Landic. Vers. Stat., 

 12 (1910), Xo. 1-2, pp. 15-1^2, pis. 6; abs. in Chein. Abs.. .', {1910), A'o. 9, p. 

 1212). — The work of other investigators on this subject is reviewed and the 

 author reports a series of experiments with mustard, oats, barley, buckwheat, 

 beets, and carrots which he has carried on for several years to determine 

 the effect of zinc on soils and plants, under different conditions and particularly 

 in connection with the use of ammonium sulphate aud nitrate of soda as 

 fertilizers. 



It was fouud that soils in poor physical condition were improved by the 

 addition of zinc, the improvement being especially marked when the zinc was 

 used in connection with nitrate of soda. The increased growth of plants 

 which was observed, particularly on soils of high absorptive power, is ascribed 

 to the action of the zinc in bringing about an exchange of bases and in checking 

 the action of harmful organisms in the soil. The injurious effect of the zinc 

 on plant growth, which was observed in some cases, is attributed to corrosive 

 action on the plant roots resulting from an increased formation of hydroxyl 

 ions accompanied by the setting free of ammonia, especially in soils of low 

 absorptive power. It was found that this injurious action was increased by 

 sterilization of the soil and by the use of new zinc pots. 



Annual report on fertilizers, B. P.. Ross {Bid. Agi: Dcpt. [Ala.], Xo. 29, 

 pp. 12-5). — This is a report of fertilizer inspection in Alabama during the year 

 ended July .31. 1909, with general information regarding fertilizers, the text 

 of the state fertilizer laws, and a brief discussion of the fertilizer requirements 

 of the cotton plant. 



Analyses of fertilizers sold in Maryland. H. B. McDonnell et al. (Md. Agr. 

 Col. Quart.. 1910. Xo. -}7'. pih 32). — This reports the results of analyses and 

 valuations of fertilizers inspected under the state law from September to De- 

 cember, 1909. 



Commercial fertilizers, B. H. Hite and F. B. Kunst (West Virginia Sta. 

 Bui. 125. pp. -'{7-102). — This is the complete I'eport of the fei'tilizer inspection 

 during 1909. The report of analyses is accompanied by a brief statement re- 

 garding the operation of the clause of the state law requiring a guaranty of 

 the quality of the material used in the fertilizers, as well as on the use of 

 lime to correc-t acidity in sour soils, which are of frequent occurrence in the 

 vState. 



Report of the agricultural chemist for the year 1908—9, H. H. Mann (Ann. 

 Rpt. Dcpt. Agr. Bombdii. 19()S-!). pp. .jO-o.)). — A brief account is given of the 

 work of the year, including examinations of waters, soils, manures and ferti- 

 lizers, foods, feeding stuffs, oils and oil seeds, and miscellaneous products. 

 In the examination of soils and waters particular attention was given to those 

 containing an excess of alkali aud the effect of certain of the waters in 

 developing alkali in soils is discussed. 



A brief account is also given of the use of " Rab "' in the preparation of the 

 seed bed for rice. The process known as " RAb '" in ludia " consists in burning 

 a mass of branches of trees or cow dung on the land where a rice seed bed is 

 to be placet], some time before the rains. It is almost universal in all the trap 

 and laterite regions of western India, where, it is stated, it would be difficult 

 to gi-ow rice without it." The author's investigations indicate that the chief 

 value of this practice lies in the heating of the surface soil, which causes three 

 principal changes, (1) alteration in the number and proportion of the differeut 

 soil bacteria, (2) the making soluble of a considerable amount of organic 

 nitrogeuous matter in the soil, and (3) improvement of the physical condition 

 of the soil. 



