SOILS FERTILIZERS. YlS 



of typical soils of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta are reported, and 

 tlie pliysiograpliy of the region, general characteristics, and agricultural value 

 of the soils are discussed. The article emphasizes the general uniformity of 

 these soils, their richness in plant food, more particularly in nitrogen, and their 

 favorable physical condition, due chiefly to the large proportion of partly 

 decomposed vegetable matter they contain. 



In 8 samples of Manitoba soil examined the nitrogen varied from 0.346 to 1.005, 

 phosphoric acid from 0.123 to 0.288, potash from 0.144 to 1.033, and lime from 

 1.02 to 10.57 per cent. In 12 samples of Saskatchewan soil the nitrogen varied 

 from 0.134 to 0.572, phosphoric acid from 0.064 to 0.391, potash from 0.164 

 to 0.S9S, and lime from 0.50 to 3.51 per cent. In 9 samples of Alberta soil the 

 nitrogen varied from 0.215 to 0.673, phosphoric acid from 0.123 to 0.240, potash 

 from 0.250 to 0.673, and lime from 0.37 to 1.28 per cent. 



Analyses of cultivated and adjacent prairie soil show that continuous grain 

 growing for a number of years has considerably reduced the organic matter 

 and the nitrogen. Fallowing, while useful as a means of conserving moisture 

 and destroying weeds, is very wasteful of organic matter and nitrogen. 



Analyses are reported which show that Saskatchewan soil which has been 

 under cultivation for 22 years contains one-third less nitrogen than adjacent 

 untouched prairie, although the crops of wheat on this soil are as good as 

 at the beginning. The analyses indicate that twice as much nitrogen is 

 destroyed by cultivation as is removed in crops. The soils are as a rule rich 

 in readily soluble mineral matter and frequently become alkaline when 

 irrigated. 



Some characteristics of the western prairie soils of Canada, F. T. Shutt 

 {Jour. Agr. Sci., 3 {1910), No. J,, tip- 335-357, pis. 2). — This is substantially the 

 same article as that noted above. 



Deli soils, J. G, C. Vriens and S. Tijmstra {Meded. Deli-Proefstat. Medan, 

 5 {1910), No. 5, pp. 115-l.'f3, fig. 1). — In this report of a continuation of investi- 

 gations on Deli soils (E. S. R., 23, p. 224), the authors describe a new method 

 of arranging and comparing results of analyses, and report a large number of 

 analyses of soils of the Deli region, Sumatra, the results of which showed a 

 relatively high nitrogen content, a poor to medium lime content, and a low phos- 

 phoric acid content. Fifty per cent of the soils were low in potash. 



A study of the relations of nitrogen to phosphoric acid, potash, and lime, and 

 of phosphoric acid to potash and lime in the soils analyzed showed that a low 

 nitrogen content was generally associated with a low phosphoric acid content, 

 and a high nitrogen content with a high phosphoric acid content. A high nitro- 

 gen content went with a high lime content, and a low content of nitrogen with 

 a low content of lime. The relation of nitrogen to potash was usually the 

 reverse of this. A low phosphoric acid content was associated with a high 

 potash and with a low lime content, whereas a high phosphoric acid content 

 was associated with a low potash and with a high lime content. 



The chemical analysis of soils, W. P. Brooks {Massachusetts Sta. Circ. 29, 

 pp. 3). — A revision of Circular 11, previously noted (E. S. R., 19, p. 818). 



Manuring- of heavy soils, Andre {Ztschr. Angew. Chem., 23 {1910), No. 12, 

 pp. 566, 561; abs. in Jour. Soc. Chem. Indus., 29 {1910), No. 8, pp. 504, 505).— 

 Nitrogenous manures should be used sparingly for cereals on heavy soils; an 

 excess reduces the yield of grain. On such soils calcium cyanamid is the pref- 

 erable form. Superphosphate is the best form of phosphoric acid to use. Kainit 

 may harden the soil, but 40 per cent potash salt is beneficial, especially for 

 clover. In case of turnips potash salts may give a disagreeable odor and taste 

 to the milk of cows fed on the turnips, and in case of potatoes they may de- 

 crease the starch content. Lime is often needed, especially where potash salts 



