634 



Journal of Agriculture, Victoria. 



[jo (Jct., 1912. 



The question arises: Ts tliis potash readily avaihtble? In the case 

 of the soils of table A this appears doubtful. In view of the low (ime 

 contents a large proportion of the potash is probably held in zeolitic and 

 other combinations, largely in the shape of double silicates. From such some- 

 what loose comljination lime is able to displace potash. An application of 

 lime is coiisecjuentlv equivalent to an application of potash, and when the 

 very considerable difference in Drice in favour of the lime is taken inta 

 account, this means of unlocking the latent potash supplies, is thus, not 

 onlv desirable, but financially easy. Such theoretical considerations re- 

 ceive practical confirmation in a striking manner in parts of the Goulburn 

 Valley, where several growers are satisfied that thev have obtained greater- 

 benefit from the application of lime than potash. 



The f'oRRKCTioN OF Acidity. 

 Aciditv or sourness is well known to be an undesirable condition in a 

 soil ; and vet very manv Victorian soils present an acid reaction. Thc^ 



J^uukiiig towaids ll(i|ikiiis J{i\(i. Tin- uiiiguig sand dunes contain SU per cent, ealeium carbonate. 

 Cross on tlu' left shows position of railway line. 



whole of the soils of which analyses are given in table A are more or less; 

 acid, with the exception of No. 11 ; on the other hand those of table B 

 are neutral or alkaline, whilst those of table C are distinctly alkaline. 

 Lime poverty and acidity are thus directly connected. Lime, being 

 stronglv alkaline, is a direct corrective of soil aciditv as well as being the- 

 cheapest obtainable. Its use for this reason alone is most desirable in 

 all soils, presenting the defect of an acid reaction. 



Lime as a Soil Improver. 



In addition to the chemical actions mentioned abo\e, lime is capable- 

 of bringing about considerable physical improvem,ent, especiallv in soils 

 containing much clay. It flocculates or curdles this substance, thereby 

 rendering soils containing it in considerable proportion more friable and 

 more easy to work. 



^^"ith the exception of sandy formations, su^di as the pine ridges 

 occurring at intervals throughout Northern Victoria, the .soils, and more 

 especially the sub.soils of the State, are of a clayey nature, and are- 

 capable of lieing much improxed by the application of lime. A striking- 



