Lime and Calcium Compounds 145 



volatile into the stable form of ammonium sulfate. For 

 this reason it is exceptionally useful as a deoderant and 

 absorbent in stables. It tends to preserve the nitrogen of 

 manure rather than to expel it as do burned and hydrated 

 lime. 



BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF LIME 



Few farmers realize or appreciate the practical impor- 

 tance of the biological effects of lime which are so im- 

 portant in controlling the various fermentative actions 

 which go in so abundantly in all soils. Lime not only 

 assists the decomposition of organic matter but it furnishes 

 a necessary base with which nitric acid combines in the 

 process of nitrification, and it is most important in the 

 formation of nitrate nitrogen. Lime creates conditions 

 favorable for the growth and development of soil organisms 

 which are so important in gathering and fixing nitrogen, 

 and at the same time destroys many kinds of bacteria and 

 fungi which are the cause of plant-diseases such as "rust," 

 "smut "and "club-root." 



Biological effects may be harmful. 



Too great an application of lime, causing a strongly 

 alkaline soil, may prevent the normal process of decom- 

 position and nitrification. Fermentation of organic matter 

 goes on when there is a certain amount of alkalinity 

 present; while, on the other hand, the presence of 

 acidity seems to retard and check it. Too great an 

 amount of alkalinity, however, would retard fermenta- 

 tion as much as too great acidity. This is true more 

 particularly in case of caustic lime, but the duration of 

 the injury ceases when it has been changed to the 

 carbonate form. 



