CHAPTER XV 



RECLAIMING LOST NITROGEN: THE CALL TO THE 



AIR 



Nitrogen passes through its cycle continuously. Freed 

 by bacteria, it slips into the air, there to remain until 

 trapped again by other bacteria, when it becomes secure 



LOSING NITROGEN AND HUMUS 



Nitrogen is too precious to be sent off into the clouds. Besides the rotting 

 effect is needed in the soil. The trouble with old soils is: they need humus. 

 Hence, never burn humus-making materials ; let them rot in the soil 



in plants or is held fast bound in the soils. Lost and 

 then captured is the gist of the story : not one time, only, 

 but so repeatedly that the change becomes a continuous 



