252 



LIME 



again, acids check the activity of soil bacteria. Decompo- 

 sition is prevented. This means that the production of 

 carbon dioxide is limited, and, hence, solution of soil 



Fig. 64. — Lime and clover test. Lime at rate of 1000 pounds per acre. 

 Yield, 1960 pounds. Pennsylvania Station. 







Fig. 65. — Lime and clover test. Commercial fertilizer onlv at rate of 250 

 pounds per acre. Yield, 1560 pounds. Pennsylvania Station. 



minerals is lessened and plant food thereby diminished. 

 Ammonification and nitrification are very seriously checked 

 by acids and the supply of nitrogen for plants is therefore 

 cut off. The activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria is also 



