SOILS — FERTILIZERS. 323 



It is stated that " we can get some idea of the inefficiency of the present 

 methods of oxidizing nitrogen when we consider that when gram molecular 

 weights of the gases are used one has : 



N2+O2+43,000 calories=2NO 



approximately. The amount of energy used in this reaction is therefore about 

 1.7 (10)" ergs for about 126 gm. of nitric acid. Assuming 80 gm. of nitric acid 

 to be made per kilowatt hour, we should have an energy consumption of about 

 5 (10)'' ergs or an efficiency of about 4 per cent. 



" The small percentage efficiency of the present methods for oxidation com- 

 pared with theoretical efficiency indicate that improvements in the present 

 methods would yield most important results. . . , Probably no other one 

 scientific development would so materially add to the material well being of the 

 people as this." 



Nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture with special reference to the new 

 nitrogenous fertilizers, P. Kulisch {Jour. Gasbeleucht., 57 {1914), ^os. 7, pp. 

 151-156; 8, pp. 172-176; ahs. in Chem. Ztg., 38 {19U), No. 108-109, Repert., 

 p. 471). — A general discussion of the relative merits and economy of sodium 

 nitrate, ammonium sulphate, and the newer nitrogenous fertilizers. A mixture 

 of nitrates and ammonium sulphate is recommended, and great care in the use 

 of lime nitrogen is advised. 



Top-dressing with Chile nitrate, A. F. Kiehl {Bl. Zuckerriibenbau, 21 {1914). 

 No. 12, pp. 182-184; ahs. in Chem. Ztg., 38 {1914), No. 92, Repert., p. ^27).— The 

 author holds that any injury which may result from applying sodium nitrate 

 as a top-dressing as compared with row application in case of beets is due 

 only to the presence of poisonous constituents, such as iodates. 



The Elliston phosphate field, Montana, R. W. Stone and C. A. Bonine ( U. S. 

 Geol. Survey Bui. 580-N {1914), PP- 11+373-383, pi. 1).—A detailed study of 

 the geology and of the extent and character of the phosphates of this field is re- 

 ported. It is estimated that the field contains a total of more than 86,000.000 

 tons of 65 per cent phosphate, a considerable part of which is easily accessible 

 to railway transportation. 



The Bernard phosphate as compared with, superphosphate and slag, E. 

 Jelmoni (Rivista [Conegliano], 5. ser., 20 {1914), No. 22, pp. 509-512).— The 

 comparative plat tests reported in this article indicated the pronounced 

 superiority of the superphosphate but showed little difference in effect between 

 Bernard phosphate and Thomas slag. 



The manufacture of acid phosphate, W. H. Waggaman (17. 8. Dept. Agr. 

 Bui. 144 (1914), PP- 2S, pis. 5). — This bulletin deals mainly with a description 

 and explanation of the chemistry of the process of making acid phosphate. 

 Incidentally it deals briefly with raw materials used, the theoretical basis for 

 the manufacture of acid phosphates, impurities In rock phosphate in relation to 

 the manufacture of acid phosphate, reversion of superphosphates, cost of pro- 

 duction, and disposal of the product. 



It contains Information of value to fertilizer manufacturers, " but It is in- 

 tended primarily to give the progressive farmer a clearer knowledge of that 

 compound which is the basis of fertilizers, In order that he may more intelli- 

 gently buy and handle his fertilizer and determine for himself its true value." 



Deposits of potash salts and other minerals used as fertilizers {Bol. Agr. 

 T6c. y Eccm., 6 {1914), No. 68, pp. 739-743).— This article gives the text of the 

 royal decree and of a proposed law providing for government reservation, ex- 

 ploitation, and control of supposed potash-bearing lands in northern Spain. 

 80967"— No. 4—15 3 



