III2 Report of the Nitrogen Products Committee, [feb.,. 



The effect of the phosphate is to hasten the ripening processes 

 and thus bring on the harvest some days before it would other- 

 wise be ready. This use of phosphates is well seen in some of 

 the northern counties where cereals liberally treated with 

 superphosphate are ready sometimes as much as ten days in 

 advance of the untreated crops. 



In dry conditions, or where the plant tends to ripen off soon, 

 another course must be adopted. Potassic fertilisers should 

 be here used, or faiHng them, salt. The effect is to continue 

 the growing processes longer than would otherwise happen, 

 with the result that yields are increased. This is probably one 

 of the reasons for the beneficial effect of salt or potassic fertilisers 

 on light sandy or chalky soils : but no doubt other factors are 

 concerned as well. 



In June, 1916, a Committee, known as the Nitrogen Products 

 Committee of the Munitions Inventions Department, was 

 appointed with the sanction of the 

 Final Report of the Minister of Munitions to deal with the 

 Nitrogen Products , ^ - j - ^v. x ^^ - 



Committee matters comprised m the followmg terms 



of reference : — 



To consider the relative advantages for this country and for the 

 Empire of the various methods for the fixation of atmospheric 

 nitrogen, from the point of view both of war and peace 

 purposes ; to ascertain their relative costs, and to advise on 

 proposals relevant thereto, which may be submitted to the 

 Department. 



To examine into the supply of the raw materials required, e.g., 

 pure nitrogen and hydrogen, and into the utilisation of the 

 by-products obtained. 



Since some of the processes employed depend for their success 

 on the provision of large supplies of cheap power, to ascertain 

 where and how this can best be obtained. 



To consider what steps can with advantage be taken to conserve 

 and increase the national resources in nitrogen-bearing com- 

 pounds and to limit their wastage. 



To carry out the experimental work necessary to arrive at 

 definite conclusions as to the practicability and efficiency 

 of such processes as may appear to the Committee to be of 

 value. 



As a result of the foregoing steps, to advise as to starting opera- 

 tions on an industrial scale. 



The Committee consisted of a number of eminent scientists 

 and representatives of Government Departments, and was 

 under the chairmanship of Colonel Sir Henry E. F. Goold- 

 Adams, K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G., R.A. 



