110 Agricultural Chemistry. 



tion in the chemical processes of plant growth. In this connec- 

 tion the compound phytin is of interest. This is a complex salt 

 containing potassium, calcium and magnesium in combination 

 with an organic, phosphorus-bearing acid. It has been isolated 

 from a number of seeds, including the common cereals, where it 

 represents .a concentrated form of storage of ash constituents for 

 the embryonic plant. Phytin may influence the feeding value of 

 these seeds and their products. It contains practically all the 

 phosphorus, magnesium and potassium occurring in wheat bran 

 and gives to that dairy feed its laxative properties. 





