230 



THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



Plot I — Mechanical Composition Expressed in Percentages on Air-Dried 



Soil 



TABLE IL 



affected by the irrigation or soil water and the irregularities in alkali 

 content as noted from year to year are due to uneven alkali deposi- 

 tions (as has been proven in many instances) and the fact that 

 successive collections are made at points some few feet distant from 

 one another. The important fact to be noted is that at no time 

 during the course of the experiment has the alkali risen to the root- 

 feeding zone. 



Plot II. — ^There is very little difference in the mechanical com- 

 position of soils from the two plots. That, from Plot I. contains a 

 small proportion of coarse particles, while that from Plot II. con- 

 tains practically none, but the proportions of fine sand, very fine 

 sand, silt and clay are almxost identical. Consequently, since the same 

 conditions in regard to alkali prevail, the investigations upon one 

 plot should serve as a check upon those of the other although a 

 slight difference should be expected due to the fact that Plot I. is 40' 

 south and 50' west of the head ditch and lateral, while Plot II. is 

 only 10' south and 10' west. After seven years' irrigation the upper 

 18 inches of this plot also are practically free from saline matter, 

 while, as in Plot I., very erratic results for the alkali in the subsoil 

 are to be observed. No doubt the cause of these irregularities is the 

 same for both plots. 



Field note records state that for seven years each plot received 

 three irrigations every season, and that at no time during the whole 

 seven years' irrigation has there been any surface indications of alkali. 

 After this year's investigations we may repeat with greater con- 

 fidence a statement of conclusions in last year's report: "Irrigation 

 under the conditions of the experiment has not caused any appreci- 

 able rise of alkali." Notwithstanding a close, almost impervious 

 subsoil, strongly impregnated with alkali, it would seem possible 



