The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1872-10-24
FARMERS COLUMN.
ANALYSIS OF THE SOIL.ABSORP
TON, ETC.


furnishes remarks that are of interest to
the general farmer. and especially to the
horticultural. lie says:
In the early days of agricultural science
much was anticipated from the services
which chemistry would be able to render
in the way of determining accurately the
several substances used in the growth of
crops, and the proportion of each of these
in different kinds Of crops. Having made
these several determination, nothing more
would be necessary than to ascertain what
element of plant food is deficient in the
soil, and supply it accordingly. This ap-
pears so simple, and at the same time so
plausible, that it is not surprising that
there should arise almost mania for soil.
analysis among progressive farmers. But
unforeseen difficulties arose, and these ar
dent anticipations were doomed to disap-
pointment; and the value of soil analysis
is now in danger of being as much under
valued as it was formerly overestimated.
The first and chief diff Guilty in the way
of profitable soil-ana!ysis is the great di-
versity and inconstant character of soils.
We may take samples Of soils from sew
eral places on the same acre of ground,
and analysis will show that each is diff
ferent from the others, SO that single
sample taken for analysis would be of no
value, and indeed, might mslead the far
mer in the proper improvement of his
soil. In relation to several important
elements of fertility, the composition of
the soil Is very far from being constant.
Ammonia is one of the most important
elements of plant food, but is exceedingly
volatile and if we examine soil when
it is first broken for Spring crop, and
repeat the examination after the field has
been exposed to the heat of the Summer
months, we shall find that the an monia of
the soil has diminished oRe-half or more
under the influence of Summer heat. On
the other hand, the soluble salts OF potash,
soda, lime etc., will accumulate under the
influence of dry, hot weather but if the
drenching rains of Spring are suffered to
wash the soil, these soluble salts will pro
portiOnately dimini,h. 1t will be readily
perceived that an accurate analysis of the
same soil at different seasons of the wear
) will show very different results j; = +
The power of a il to absorb and re-
tain moisture is an important feature III
regard to its productivenesS. This ap-
pears to be intimately related to the
amount Of water it is able 10 hold below
saturati n; and both these properties can
be determir ed by any one who has an &C
curate balance at command. These prop
critics, together with the facility Of perco-
lation and the activity Of capillary action,
depend largely on the firmnesS of !he par
tcles composing the soil. The proper
tion of clay in soil has usually been re-
garded as the measure of the several
properties Of soil in relation to water
| This is true on ly SO far as clay is not suf-
fered to become saturated with water, so
this condition it. loses most of its absorb
ent power.
The relation of soils to heat is subject
which is too often overlooked IN soil anal
isis. Investigations in this direction can
) be best prosecuted field under culti~
r walton. Several thermometers should be
, used at the same time in different parts of
/ the field in exposures as nearly alike as
] possible, so as TO determine the rate at
which each quality of soil acquires heat
as the day advances. In similar manner
the loss Of heat in the evening can be de-
termiped. These, and kindred investiga-
= tions can be conducted by the farmer
himself, with but little knowledge of
f science. IF farmer carefully observes
G the growth Of his crops, he will need but
I the application Of few general pr.nci-
s Piles to lead him to the proper improve
ment of his soil. If with q good sun ex.
p0sure his crops wear pale green, he
may fairly infer that there is deficiency
of available nitrogen in the soil. If the
straw Of his grain is soft and too weak to
bear the head, he may learn that there is
too little potash in his soil Or if there
S is habitually good growth OF straw,
with bat small amount Of grain, let
him resort to phosphates for remedy.
4 little careful observation of his soil,
and the manner in which his crops grow
on it, will teach the intelligent farmer
more important practical lessons in the
mana9 cement OF his farm, than he will be
S able to learn from the most exhaustive
: analysis.
How EASILY BUTTER IS SPOILED "A
farmers wife writing to the Ohio Forn,er
: says "Of all the product of the farm,
D butter is most liable to be tainted bv
8 nOXious Odors hoatlnr in the atmnsnhere