NITRIFICATION 13! 



cause nitrification are always inactive in acid soils ; 

 hence, nitrates are formed in such soils very slowly, in- 

 deed. When this is the case, lime must be applied so as 

 to sweeten the soil ; then the work will go on to the 

 advantage of the bacteria working there, and to the farmer 

 who seeks the crop. 



Finally, thorough cultivation and tillage and drainage 

 must be given, that an abundance of oxygen may be 

 available to this working force in the soil. There will 

 follow, also, a better distribution of moisture a most 

 essential factor of rapid bacterial development, and 

 hence, of nitrification. 



