3SG 
Experiments with Salt upon Mangolds. 
crop has to be grown on a cold calcareous clay, or on similar 
stiff soils. 
At all events, the results of my experiments in 1862 were not 
calculated to demonstrate the utility of salt as a manure for man- 
golds. Knowing, however, how much the efficacy of all ferti- 
lizers is affected by the character of the land to which they are 
applied, I was desirous to try, another season, similar salt-experi- 
ments on a soil of diametrically opposite physical characters 
and chemical composition. A favourable opportunity for the 
performance of such trials was afforded to me, in 1863, by my 
friend and pupil, Mr. Kimber, of Tubney Warren, Abingdon, 
Oxfordshire, who selected one of his light fields for the purpose 
of trying the effects of quantities of common salt, varying from 
1 to 9 cwts. per acre, upon mangolds. I am much indebted to 
Mr. Kimber for the care and interest which he took in these 
experiments, and the trouble he bestowed upon them. 
The soil of the experimental field in 1862 was a light, almost 
blowing, hungry sand of great depth. By dint of good cultiva- 
tion and liberal manuring the surface-soil was enriched with 
some organic matter and also with lime, as will be seen by the 
subjoined analyses. 
Composition of Soil and Subsoil of Experimental Mangold-field. 
Soil taken Subsoil taken at 
G inches deep, a depth of 2 ft. 6 in. 
Moisture (when analyzed) 3-02 .... 2-03 
Organic matters and water of combination . . 4*19 .... 2-70 
Oxides of iron and alumina 4 - 13 .... 3"82 
Phosphoric acid . . . . traces .... traces 
Carbonate of lime 2-07 .... -62 
Sulphate of lime - 35 .... "59 
Magnesia and alkalies "41 .... -31 
Insoluble siliceous matter (chiefly sand) .. S5-83 .» .. 89 - 93 
100-00 100-00 
Both in the soil and subsoil as will be seen, sand greatly 
predominates. The experimental field in 1863 in this respect 
presents a striking contrast to that of the preceding year, for the 
field upon which salt was tried in 1862 hardly contained any 
sand, and was very rich in clay and lime. 
It will be found on comparison that the subsoil is much poorer 
in organic matter and in lime than the surface. In both the 
amount of alkalies (potash and soda) is very trifling, and that of 
phosphoric acid too small to admit of determination. In one 
word, the soil is a poor sand, yielding remunerative crops only 
when liberally manured. 
In addition to ordinary farmyard dung, the mangold-crop 
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