ganicmatter, naturally present in such soils in only small amount, 

 may prove hamiful to the lighter soils. 



5. Ammonia and its compounds change into nitric acid more 

 quickly. In other words, ammonia nitrogen becomes more 

 promptly available, as nitric acid when combined with bases 

 which fomi nitrates is the most promptly available nitrogen 

 compound for most crops. Sulfate of ammonia, when used as a 

 fertilizer, gives poor results in many of our soils unless these are 

 first heavily limed. 



6. Lime mellows heavy and clayey soils. It does this because 

 it flocculates the clay particles, thus making the soil more friable 

 and permeable. Both drainage and capillary action are there- 

 fore improved and the soil is less likely to become over compact 

 and to form crusts and to crack. The maintenance of good tilth 

 is therefore more easy. 



7. A moderate application of lime, especially if used in con- 

 nection with green manuring or an application of any organic 

 manure, will increase the capacity of the lighter soils to retain 

 moisture. 



8. Heavy applications of lime in practically all locations in 

 the state as far as tested, appear to be absolutely necessary for 

 success with alfalfa. 



9. The presence of lime in the soil is highly unfavorable to 

 the parasitic organisms which are the cause of certain diseases. 

 Most important among such diseases are club-foot of cabbages 

 and cauliflowers and finger-and-toe of turnips and beets. If the 

 soil is badly infested lime may not prove a complete prevention, 

 but the free use of lime without doubt decreases the tendency to 

 these diseases. 



HOW TO DETERMINE WHAT SOILS NEED LIMING. 



1. Those soils on which, when seeded, timothy and clovers 

 fail, and where sorrel comes in largely together with red top, 

 usually need liming. It should be pointed out, however, that the 

 presence of sorrel is not a proof that lime is needed. This weed 

 will flourish even in soils which have been heavily limed; but on 

 such soils the grasses and clovers are likely to crowd it out, while 

 on soils which are in need of lime, they are unable to do so. The 

 presence of much moss or an abundant growth of bluets (Houstonia 

 caerulea), horse tails (Equisetum), or polypods (Polypodium) 

 is an indication that lime will probably be beneficial. 



2. When soil is sour it will turn blue litmus paper placed in 

 contact with it red. To carry out the test, make about a table- 

 spoonful of the soil into a thin mud with pure water and after it 

 has stood for a short time lay a piece of blue litmus paper on it 

 and cover with the mud. Be careful not to handle the paper 



