[SHUTT A CHARRON] NITROGEN-ENRICHMENT OF SOILS 



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ively, as it was thought desiral^lo to ascertain the nitrogen content to 

 these depths. Each sample was of a composite character, being the 

 result of carefully mixing a number of canisters of soil. The soil 

 canisters removed the earth in situ, to the desired depth. 



In the following table the percentages and pounds per acre of 

 nitrogen are recorded for these soils, the 'results being calculated to 

 the Avater-free soil. 



Nitrogen Content 'of Virgin and Cultivated Soils, Indian Head, N.W.T. 



Assuming that the soils were alike twenty-two years ago, the figures 

 indicate that the cropping and cultural operations (chiefly fallowing) 

 have caused a decrease in the quantity of nitrogen amounting to 1,432 

 pounds per acre in the first 4 inches, and 2,206 pounds in the 'first 

 8 inches of the soil.^ 



These quantities are certainly enormous, still we have the accre- 

 dited 'report that there is as yet no marked diminution in the yield — 

 such fluctuations as may appear from j-ear to year being apparently 

 consequent upon the climatic conditions of the season. At fi»st thought 

 it would seem contradictory to the teachings of science and practical 

 experience to assert that there was no falling off in productiveness ■^dth 

 such a large loss of nitrogen ; the matter, however, will be easily under- 

 stood when it is stated that this soil is not only one of great depth, but 

 that after twenty-two years cultivation, without manure, it possesses to- 

 day a nitrogen content about twice that considered necessary, under 

 existing methods of farming, for the production of a maximum crop. 



In passing, we may point out that the 'results furnish an excellent 

 illustration of the valuable assistance that chemistry can give to agri- 



^ In all probability this virgin soil has gained somewhat in nitrogen during 

 this period, for that is the tendency with soil in sod. We do not, however, 

 think that the increase could be such as to materially affect the argument that 

 we have based upon the present data. 



