>33o 



Journal of Agriculture . 



[8 June, 1908. 



Analysis of Heath Soils. 



Samples selected from representative situations showed upon anahsis 

 potential fertility of no mean order as under : — 



Chemical Anali/sis. 



Mechanical Analysis. 



The North Portland (centre) heath shows the best proportion of plant 

 foods, the South heath being richer in nitrogen, but pooi'er in phosphoric 

 acid, potash and lime, and also contains a great excess of chlorine (salt). 

 The mechanical analyses show the proportions of gravel and sand, and 

 clay to be : — 



South I'ortland 



North Portland (centre) 



North Portland 



The figures indicate in all cases a too high proportion of sand to clav. 

 Such soils are very porous and dO' not retain moisture long enough to permit 

 of the production of abundant crops. During summer ?uch soils also 

 absorb heat rapidly and the surface becomes loose. The obvious defi- 

 ciencies are humus or vegetable matter which enables soil to store up 

 moisture and to retain the mineral ingredients — phosphoric acid and 

 potash near the surface. In the South Portland soil there is, moreover, 

 a great excess of chlorine or salt which indicates a necessity for drainage. 



