524 EXPERIMENT STATION RECORD. 



on the diffusion of the nitrate in fallowed and cropped soils, and also the effect 

 of depth of fertilization on the growth and yield of sugar beets. 



The best average results were observed with the deeper fertilization, the 

 nitrate diffusion in both fallowed and cropped soils being more prompt and 

 uniform, and the nitrate absorption by sugar beets in the cropped soil and the 

 growth and yield of sugar beets being greater. Although the total yield of sugar 

 per acre was greater with deeper fertilization, the percentage of sugar in the 

 beets was slightly greater with shallow fertilization. It is concluded that for 

 prompt and uniform diffusion of nitrates in cultivated soil, fertilization should 

 take place with the cultivation preceding the seeding. The accumulation and 

 consequent utilization of nitrates near the surface by plants is attributed to 

 capillarity. The general conclusion is that nitrates are not carried out of 

 reach of plant roots by summer rains and that it is therefore useless to add the 

 fertilizer at intervals in fractional amounts. 



Nitrate formation in forest soil, K. Vogel von Falcken stein (Internat. 

 Mitt. Bodenk., 3 {191S), No. 6, pp. .^54-5^8).— Investigations with various kinds 

 of soils showed that light forest soils poor in lime, usually with a matted litter 

 covering overlying humus mineral soils, produced under favorable moisture 

 conditions sufficient quantities of nitrate to satisfy the demands of the forest 

 growth. In such soils, when dry, a new well-decomposed litter covering of 

 pine needles and beech leaves strongly promoted nitrate formation. Black 

 humus apparently had only an indirect effiect and did not promote nitrification, 

 and a dry peat covering was found to aid but little in nitrate formation. Mixing 

 the litter covering with the sand soils increased nitrate formation. It is stated 

 that dry peat layers when treated in this way should be limed to hasten decom- 

 position. 



In wet sandstone soils deficient in lime imperfect decomposition of the usually 

 large accumulation of humus caused a poor utilization of the total nitrogen, 

 which was most marked with peat litter coverings. 



Heavy forest soils rich in lime were always found to be richer in nitrates 

 than light soils poor in lime. The matted litter covering is said to be usually 

 absent in such soils on account of rapid decomposition, but the humus-rich 

 mineral layers produce considerable quantities of nitrate. The humus in these 

 layers is protected from too rapid decomposition but becomes very active when 

 air is admitted, and leaching away of nitrates is in large measure prevented by 

 the physical condition of the soil. The author concludes that the condition of a 

 soil as to nitrate formation serves as an indication of its forest-producing 

 powers. 



Rothamsted investigations on the production of plant food in the soil, 

 E. J. Russell (X. Cong. Internat. Agr. Gand, 1913, Sect. 2, Question 3, pp. 6).— 

 A brief account is given of investigations at Rothamsted, more particularly on 

 the nitrogen supply of soils. 



A list is given of publications on the subject by the author and his associates. 



Methods for the biochemical study of soil, J. Stoklasa (Z. Comg. Internat. 

 Agr. Gand, 1913, Sect. 2. Question 3. pp. 14). — A scheme for the complete 

 biochemical examination of soils is outlined. 



[Soil bacteriological investig>ations], F. H. H. van Suchtelen (Michigan 

 Sta. Rpt. 1913, pp. 149-155). — The opinion is expressed that soil bacteriology 

 can be successfully developed only by a thorough study of the soil solution in 

 relation to the growth of bacteria. A method of obtaining unaltered soil solution 

 by means of displacement with paraflin oil is briefly referred to. and results of 

 chemical and physiological studies with solutions so obtained are noted. 



Investigations on soil fatig'ue, H. Kaseeer (jititt. Landiv. Lehrkanz. K. K. 

 Hochsch. Bodenknl. Wien, 2 {1913), No. 2, pp. 375-410, figs. 6; ahs. in Ghem. 



