NITRIFICATION I2Q 



about as important as anything in way of favoring both 

 the agents and the work they perform. Now, we may 

 be certain of this fact: any soil that freely provides ni- 

 trates as a result of active nitrifications is in a high state 

 of culture : it is ideal in physical condition and most 

 highly remunerative when considered from every stand- 

 point of land management and crop production. Every 

 effort that induces nitrification in stubborn soils is re- 

 warded by increased crops. Back of good crops is active 

 nitrification and back of nitrification is vigorous bacterial 

 life : back of all these are good tilth and good texture. 



The evil and the good bacteria. You will wonder just 

 how this combat that is taking place continually between 

 the denitrifying and the nitrifying bacteria will end. 

 Thanks to the bacteriologist, we are able with consider- 

 able accuracy to answer the question. And the answer 

 is not unfavorable to the nitrifying bacteria. It is well 

 that we have these two classes well in mind. One class 

 seeks liberty for nitrogen : it would set it free and send 

 it from the soil. The other class would hold it tight, 

 fast secure it in some nitrate, and there keep it until the 

 plant roots come to take it away. \Yhenever organic 

 matter is present in the soil, denitrification is taking place. 

 If the nitrates are there, these tormenting things seek 

 them out and tear them to pieces, and in so doing they 

 let the nitrogen go. Just as soon, however, as this or- 

 ganic matter is used up, the nitrifying germs advance 

 boldly to the front, the denitrifying germs withdraw, and 

 nitrate-making goes on as before. It is well to keep in 

 mind this suggestion : do not add any large quantity of 

 organic matter to the soil when any considerable amount 

 of nitrate is there present, for if you do, the nitrate will 

 be reduced and much nitrogen will secure its escape from 

 the soil. It is far better to supply fresh organic matter 



