AGRICULTURAL LIME 



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to flocculate clay, permitting a freer circulation of capil- 

 lary water. It also serves to bind together sandy soils, 

 making them more compact. The action of caustic lime 

 on muck or peat soils is usually very beneficial: first, because 



FIG. 34. Burning lime on the farm. Details of construction of a farm 

 limekiln, a, Cross-section, showing layers of rock and coal; b, 

 longitudinal section, showing side hill used as back wall; c, ground 

 plan, showing trench and grate; d, completed kiln, walled in and 

 plastered with mud. (Farmers' Bulletin 435, U. S. Dept. Agr.) 



it brings about the rapid destruction of organic matter, 

 accompanied by the liberation of considerable amounts of 

 soluble plant food; second, because it promotes the decom- 

 position of the excess of organic matter, resulting in improved 

 structure of the soil. When caustic lime is applied, there 



