324 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



The agricultural utilization of potassic rocks, F. Makee (Rev. G6n. Chim., 

 n (lOl-i), No. 12, pp. 193-195). — Various processes for preparing potash salts 

 from potassic rocks are described. 



Feldspar as a possible source of American potash, A. S. Cushman and 

 G. W. CoGGESHAXL (Amer. Pert., 41 {19H), No. 12, pp. 22-29; Chem. Engin., 

 21 {1915), No. 1, pp. 4-11; Jour. Indus, and Engin. Chem., 7 {1915), No. 2, 

 pp. 145-151). — The subject is discussed on the basis of definite data as to details 

 of the process of obtaining potash from feldspar and of cost of the final product. 

 A general conclusion is that the plants necessary to supply the present American 

 consumption of potash from this source could be constructed for not more than 

 $6,000,000, and that the potash could be produced at a profit at the 1914 syndi- 

 cate prices. 



Can soda completely or partly replace potash in the nutrition of sugar 

 beets? W. KRtJGER et al. {Ztschr. Ver. Dent. Zuckerindus., No. 703, II {1914), 

 pp. 694-705; ahs. in Chem. Ztg., 38 {1914), No. 108-109, Repert., p. 471).— The 

 results of pot experiments are reported to show that soda can neither com- 

 pletely nor partly replace potash in the nutrition of beets, but acts indirectly 

 in promoting the assimilation of the potash of the soil. The soda is considered 

 to exert no direct physiological effect. 



Is the doctrine of the lime factor an hypothesis or a proved theory? O. 

 LOEW {Landw. Jahrh., 46 {1914), No. 5, pp. 733-752, fig. 1; abs. in Chem. Abs., 

 8 {1914), ^0. 22, p. 370 Jf).— Evidence is cited to show that the doctrine of the 

 lime factor has been established as a proved theory by the work of various 

 investigators with water, sand, and soil cultures, and that only a part of the 

 explanations are to be regarded as hypotheses. Results which do not bear out 

 the theory are described as due to changes in the soil by liming, to inaccurate 

 pot experiments, or to a lack of observation of the law of minimum. 



It is urged that in soil analyses the determination of magnesia should not be 

 neglected. 



The source, manufacture, and use of lime, E. F. Bubchard and W. E. 

 Emley {U. 8. Oeol. Survey, Mineral Resources of the United States Calendar 

 Tear 1913, pt. 2, pp. V +1509-1593, pis. 2, figs. .4).— This is a detailed report of 

 investigations begun in 1909 in cooperation with the National Lime Manufac- 

 turers' Association. The paper is designed to fui'nish the essential data needed 

 by the prospective lime manufacturer, as well as by the active manufacturer 

 who desires a combined summary of the raw materials and of the recent devel- 

 opments in the lime industry. It contains a short section on agricultural lime. 



Common salt and its use as manure in the Konkan Division, T. H. Gone- 

 HALLi (Dept. Agr. Bombay Bui. 59 {1914), PP- 19). — The general use of salt as 

 a fertilizer for mangoes, coconuts, rice, and other crops in this region is dis- 

 cussed, a common rotation with coconut and mango trees being cattle manure 

 the first year, fish manure the second, and salt (10 lbs. per tree) the third year. 



Some modification of government regulations regarding the salt tax whereby 

 this material may be obtained for such fertilizing purposes is urged. 



The use of radio-active substances as fertilizers, W. H. Ross {U. 8. Dept. 

 Agr. Bui. 149 {1914), PP- 14)- — From a review of investigations by others the 

 author concludes that " it seems incredible that radium or any of its products 

 can have any economical application as a fertilizer in general farming; and 

 still less credible that the so-called radio-active manure has any value, as far 

 as its radio-activity is concerned, since the radium already present, on an 

 average, in an acre-foot of soil, is about 100 times greater than is contained in 

 the quantity of radio-active manure commonly recommended for application to 

 an acre. 



