49^ 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[8 August, 1907. 



most seeds is beat effected at a soil temperature of from 60 tO' 65 degrees. 

 Drainage therefore, whether by natural means or otherwise is no unim- 

 portant factor in regulating the amount of production. A highly interesting 

 confirmation of this fact is being shown at the present time on ttie subsoil 

 section on the experimental fields throughout the wheat growing areas^ 

 Germination has been more rapid and growth is more vigorous on these 

 deeper cultivated portions of the field than where the land has been culti- 

 vated in the ordinary fashion, due no doubt to the better drainage con- 

 ditions. 



So far we have viewed the physical condition of the soil and seen how- 

 far-reaching are the effects of proper cultivation and soil treatment 

 generally. The presence of the four most important elements of plant 

 food — nitrogen, phosphoric acid, potash, and lime — is equally important, 

 and it is in this direction that the Agricultural Chemist has given such 

 valuable assistance and which in m) opinion, merits still more detailed 

 systematic investigation in the future. 



EcHucA Soils. 



For the purpose of illustrating the practical value both to the individual 

 farmer and the State generally of acquiring more information in connexion 

 with our Victorian soils, I have had collected some sixteen samples from 

 the Echuca district, which are representative of fairly considerable areas 

 of each tvpe Avithin 10 miles of the town. It is not claimed that these are 

 the only tvpes in this district, but they are sufficient in numbers to be 

 eloquent testimony of the need for a better understanding of the whole 

 question. The ten samples represented in the glass tubes show the greatest 

 \ariations in colour and texture. 



CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL ANALYSES OF SOILS IN THE ECHUCA 

 DISTRICT, 1907. 



Sandy soils . . Over 80 per cent. sand. Clay loam . . 25-40 per cent. sand. 



Sandy loams . . 60-75 per cent. sand. Clay soils . . 60 per cent. clay. 



Loam . . . . 40-60 per cent. sand. 



