98 MANUFACTURE OF FERTILIZING MATERIALS 



in nitrate of lime is sold at the same rate as the 

 nitrogen in nitrate of soda. 



Calcium cyanamide has of late years been 

 the subject of numerous agricultural experi- 

 ments. It must be observed in a general way 

 that calcium cyanamide neither suits humic 

 acid soils, peaty soils, nor light sandy soils. 

 On the other hand, it may be used in all loamy 

 soils of average fertility. Owing to the formation 

 of dicyanamide, this manure ought to be spread 

 at least eight days before sowing and covered 

 in afterwards in not too superficial manner. The 

 action of cyanamide is weaker than nitrate of 

 soda; it is also slower than the latter. But as 

 the unit nitrogen is supplied cheaper by the 

 new manure, a greater amount can be used to 

 restore the balance. Without doubt cyanamide 

 deserves great attention. According to the ex- 

 periments made, this manure succeeds very well 

 on clay soils, but less so in sandy soils. It has 

 been observed that the conversion of cyanamide 

 into ammonia in the soil is effected by bacteria, 

 for example, by the B. Megatherium and My- 

 coid and other species in part new. Nitrate of 

 lime acts normally up to the second application 

 in loamy soil and up to the third in sandy soil; 

 but beyond that there is an injurious action, 

 especially in loamy soils. The high percent- 

 age of basic nitrate of lime and the still higher 

 percentage of nitrate of lime produce injurious 

 effects. 



