6i8 ] oiiniaJ oj AgrHuUurc . Victoria. [loOcx.. 1912. 



Some timr must elapse before anv delinite conclusions can l)e drawn 

 from these field experiments, hut each \ear indications of value should be 

 obtained. The experiments will be extended and laid down in permanent 

 plots at the Central f^xixTiniental Farm, probal)lv next autumn 



Unfortunately. \ery little ex])erimental work has been done on the 

 lime question in Australia. It is admitted that tnere are wide divergences 

 in Australian and European agricultural practice. This was referred to 

 in dealing with the nitrogen question in the September issue.* It may so 

 happen that in some details of liming, Australian soils mav require special 

 treatment. If so, the prosecution of definite experiniental work in each 

 of the climatically different districts of the State under varying conditions 

 of soil treatment will indicate the direction in which improvements in 

 existing and traditional practic- may be brought aliout. 



Summary. 



1. Lime mav l:>e applied in one of four ft)rms : quicklime, slaked lime, 

 ground limestone, and gvpsum. 



2. One ton of quicklime is equivalent to 1.3 tons slaked lime, 1.8 ton.s^ 

 of carbonate of lime, and 3.1 tons gypsum. 



3. Lime has an important chemical, mechanical, and bi<ilogical effect 

 on the soil. 



4. It liberates phosphates and potash, decomposes organic matter, pro- 

 motes nitrification, and corrects the soil aciditv. 



5. It makes clay soils more friable, and tends to bind sandy soils. 



6. It stimulates bacterial activity, and promotes soil fertilitv. 



7. It may be applied in dressings from 5 cwt. to 2 tons per acre, 

 according to the kind of soil, kind of crop, and according to the frequency 

 of application. 



8. Small dressings frequently applied are more profitable than heavy 

 dressings applied at long intervals. 



9. Lime is best applied by special limespreaders. A good, handv man 

 can make one to work from the back of a farm drav. 



10. Quicklime and slaked lime are best applied in autumn, at least 

 some weeks before the seed is sown. Carbonate of lime may be applied 

 when con\'enient. 



11. If quicklime can be purchased for 25s. per ton. then carlionate of 

 lime is worth about 14s. per ton. 



12. Quicklime and slaked lime give quickest results. Carbonate of 

 lime is slower, but is ultimately the most profitable. 



13. Lime destroys humus, therefore, keep up the supplv of organic 

 matter to the soil bv green manuring. 



14. Lime must be supplemented with phosphates to keep the soil pro- 

 ductive. 



15. There is urgent need for systematic and permanent experimental 

 work in connexion with liming problems. 



Jiiurnnl nf Agriculture (Victoria), September, 1912. \\. .jiS. 



