Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-12-31
On the Application of Limo to Grass La.


When We consider the vast quantity of lime that |
is removed by crop of grass, it seems reasonable
to suppose that some means ought TO be taken to /
restore that element to the soil, if it does not area
dy contain. sufficient amount Two tons of red
clover will carry off $50 pounds of me-two tons of
rye grass 33 pounds This is from an analysis by
Professor Johnson whose high authority cannot be
doubted and from analysis we find all grasses toI
contain lime in large proportions, especially clover
and lucerne. Although the quantity of lime appears
great deal carried off by these crops, yet very small
when compared with the weight of the soil, as one
cubic foot weighs about so pounds; and the pres
ence of much greater quantity OF lime is necessary
to be present in the soil than what is actually re-
qured by the various crops, the roots OF feeding
organs do not come in contact with the hundredth
part of the soil The clear CLASSY part of the stems
of grass is composed of seate of potash or sill
cate OF soda and in the absence of either OF these
substances, lime in contact with sand or flint will
render it sufficiently soluble to enter into the organ
ism of plants, and will also set at liberty matters
that have been taken up in the soil, and quite
unfit in that state for the food of plants If grass is
not carried away in the shape of crop of hay, but
is used as pasture for mich COWS or growing stock,
till great amount of lime is removed by those ami
mails; 100 pounds of bones contain above 81 pounds
| of lime Milk too, carries off carbonate and phos-
phate of lime in great abundance. Yet it must be
remembered that there is marked difference be-
tween the full grown animal and young and grow
ing one; the former excretes carbonate and phos-
| phate of lime in its liquid and solid excrements,
whereas nature has so organized the young animal,
that the greater part of the lime in its food
assmulated for the growth and extension Gifts bones
if such were not the fact, how could bones possess
the immense quantity of lime in their composition Z?
&c. by this means, the soil becomes deficient of
lime, if all the excrements Of such young animals
were returned to it: if such soil did not contain
suf6cency of lime, which there is much reason to
doubt crop after crop removes lime, and lime is
seldom applied as dressing for grass land and
certain it that cannot arrive at anything like
accuracy in the absence of analysis; and practical
exrelimenters and farmers will do well to consider
| this.
A Mr. Wetherly, an English farmer, who has ex-
perimented largely with lime, states that the fall is
the best time to apply lime 10 land, it exercises
its most beneficial influence in the winter months.
That which contains the greatest amount of the pure
carbonate of lime is the best. About three tons
applied to the acre Its Stacked and spread evenly
over the land quick possible. Its should
be regulated to the kind of crops. Potatoes are
much benefited by its use; tons, with their tops
will take from the soil go pounds of lime-45 tons
of turneps with their tops will carry off 40 pounds
of lime hence the benefit arising TO turnep craps
from the of bones. from the fact of their supply
) ing lime in addition to the organic constituents.
Scientific American