DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GEORGIA. [388] 



and carbonic acid. It is found abundantly in nature in the 

 shells of marine animals, in coral, chalk, marble and lime- 

 stone. These shells and rocks, "when strongly heated, es- 

 pecially in a current of air, part with their carbonic acid, 

 and quick-lime remains behind." 



Carbonate of lime is found in considerable quantity in the 

 ashes of most plants, and especially in those of trees. 

 Quick-lime, or caustic lime, when taken from the kiln, is a 

 hard, dry substance which, when exposed to the air, slowly 

 absorbs moisture, becomes air-slaked, and crumbles to a 

 fine powder, in which form it is readily applied to, and 

 easily mingled with, the soil. Quick-lime is a compound 

 of calcium and oxygen. 



Air-slaked lime is extensively applied to cultivated lands 

 in Europe, and portions of the United States. It acts bene- 

 ficially upon stiff, clay soils, by rendering them open, and 

 hence more readily penetrable by rain, air and the roots 

 of plants. It facilitates decomposition of vegetable mat- 

 ter and coarse manures, and, by chemical action upon in- 

 soluble minerals in the soil, renders them available as food 

 for plants. It also, to some extent, furnishes food di- 

 rectly to the roots of plants. By its action upon vegeta- 

 ble matter, in breaking down its organic structure, it not 

 only liberates the mineral substances which the organic 

 matter contains, but converts the potential into actual am- 

 monia. 



It should not be applied to soils denuded of vegetable 

 matter. An important effect of lime in soils is found in 

 the neutralization, by its alkaline property, of injurious 

 vegetable acids. 



Since lime has a tendency to sink into the soil, it should 

 be applied to the surface. The quantity to be applied, 

 and the frequency of the application, will depend upon 

 the character of the soil and its previous treatment. In 

 some countries large quantities are applied at long inter- 





