31 



several counties, and the soil samples, with very few exceptions 

 were taken according to directions furnished by the exp,iriment 

 station. Many wide variations were noted in the lime requirement 

 of soils from the same farm. The figures given in the summary 

 may not, therefore, be a reliable indication as to the probable amount 

 of lime necessary to use in all cases, in that particular county. It 

 serves, however, to show the almost universal need of the occasional 

 use ol lime in our system of agriculture. 



Lime requirements of Massachusetts soils, expressed in pounds 

 per acre, of actual lime (CaO) necessary to produce a neutral soil 

 one foot deep. 



It should be understood that for most crops it is not necessary 

 that the soil be made wholly neutral. Practical experience has shown 

 that even in the case of crops needing most lime, small applications 

 at frequent intervals are better than large applications at long in- 

 tervals. 



In the tables of analyses which follow, the 

 Explanation mixed fertilizers have been grouped into two 



of Tables of sections, — those having three elements guaranteed, 



Analyses. (nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash) so-called 



complete fertilizers, and the so-called ammoniated 

 superphosphates, which furnish nitrogen and phosphoric acid. Many 

 of these latter mixtures are in general make-up similar to brands 

 listed under complete fertilizers, excepting that the potash is entirely 

 omitted because of short supply and high cost. 



