SoME RELATIONS OF ORGANIC MATTER IN SOILS i 
the literature cited, due to the variations in experimental methods 
and in representation of results. In fact, in many cases there 
are no data to substantiate the statements made. Furthermore, 
the making of comparisons of one plot with another on the 
assumption that the natural variation in fertility is gradual and 
uniform, is subject to severe criticism. It is likewise impossible 
to study the effect of lime on organic matter in soils without 
knowing the original composition of the soils. Also, conclusions 
drawn from computations based on analyses of soils taken ad- 
jacent to plats under treatment and assuming that the results 
obtained represent the original analyses of the treated plats, are 
questionable. However, the general conception expressed by 
the literature is that plats which have been limed contain less 
organic carbon and less nitrogen than do those which have not 
been limed. There are some exceptions. This conclusion is 
based on very limited experimental data. 
EXPERIMENTAL 
In the present investigation two series of field plats, each 
1-100 acre in size, were used. The plats were sampled both be- 
fore and after treatment. The soil was analyzed for inorganic 
carbon, organic carbon, and nitrogen. 
The soil on these plats consists of glacial material reworked 
by streams and redeposited from glacial lakes (Lyon and Bizzell, 
1918). Owing to its sedimentary origin it is comparatively 
free from stones. The soil has been classified by the United 
States Soil Survey as Dunkirk clay loam. It is a heavy, compact 
soil, and requires careful management. Its average mechanical 
analysis is as follows: 
First Second 
foot foot 
(per cent) (per cent) 
PAINE MOM AV CLS oo isin cicerdiene oe rep eteca ia eon ares whet EA Oivaratalic sen ewerwnl See aien cas 0.13 
(COLMSIO SHINGO As oe Se nic eno ob oes eeeibioeeo-nia peas ORG Sees ea eh ieee Rice etn a 0.37 
WHE Ghippray "Seal SN t  E Se ea  eie ee ALO (SID a ates De Se rei tren ARH mete maieece 0.52 
IDiiNe ~ Seal Seseeko det aca Oe acaba ee oerae NES eepaley. stars anc ceatreaaaic Woes 1.65 
CTV eC arS AIT Ge a tararaie excl cache caves enum Shiclioue Jones Su SDD OS ete Meee le Beat cle geen Ree ae 127 
SUT MURR noe voconcue eect meacecateiene el cateud ereceraceus COPS Meee eat ane ae ee DOs oD 
