SOIL FERTILITY 



405 



Lime and limestone have a beneficial effect upon the physical 

 condition of the soil, since it produces flocculation or granulation. 

 This process is especially important upon heavy soils and those 

 deficient in organic matter, and for this reason is more beneficial 

 when applied to such soils. Quicklime is more effective in this way 

 than calcium carbonate. 



Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in Fertilizing Materials, Pounds Per 

 Ton of 2000 Pounds 



* To find the weight of phosphoric arid (IVH) per ton multiply the weight of phos- 

 phorus by 2..'}. 



t To find the weight of potash (KO) multiply the weight of potassium by 1.2. 



Forms in Which Lime May Be Applied. Lime may be ap- 

 plied to soils in several different forms. Quick or caustic lime may 

 be used, but it is now generally believed that it is not the best form 

 to apply because of its tendency to encourage the decomposition of 

 organic matter. 



Air-slaked lime is a form that may be used, but its extreme fine- 

 ness invites active solution and loss by leaching. 



Marl is formed by chemical precipitation in small lakes in glacial 

 regions, and consists of a more or less impure calcium carbonate, 

 usuallv somewhat loose and fine. It is only of local sismifieance. 



