CROPS AND SOIL IMPROVEMENT 



an alkaline condition in the soil, even for a few 

 months. There must be some excess at hand to 

 unite with acids as formed later in the crop-ro- 

 tation, or limings must be given at short inter- 

 vals of time to maintain alkaline conditions. 



Experience causes us to assume that enough 

 lime should be applied at one time to meet all 

 requirements for a single crop-rotation of four, 

 five, or six years, and, wherever lime is cheap, the 

 unpleasant character of the labor inclines one to 

 make the application in sufficient amount to last 

 through two such rotations. It is a reasonable 

 assumption, however, that more waste results 

 from the heavier applications at long intervals 

 than from light applications at short intervals. 

 In any event need will return, and soil acidity will 

 again limit income if applications do not continue 

 to be made. 



[22] 



