The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1879-01-15
plants derive important nutritive

contain OX8llo aCIu, WHICH Is pOlSOu-
GUS to the most of our cultivated
plants. ;,
Lime combines with this acid,
forming oxalate of lime, compound
which is insoluble in water, but exists
in dissolved condition in the cells
of growing plants.
Lime also decomposes mineral
compounds, preventing the Injurious
effect of some, while it liberates
others, and places them at the dispos-
al of the plants.
The decomposition of organic mat
ter is fastened by the presence of
lime in the soil, and compounds inn
portant to vegetation are formed with
the result Of such decomposition.
Vegetable acids thus formed are neu-
tralized by the lime, and nitrogen
contained in the organic matter is
rapidly liberated and converted into
ammonia, nitrate Of lime, or nitric
acid-torms from which plants appro-
pirate this necessary elements.
Since lime is dissolved hy water
charged with carbonic acid, the pres
encc OF decomposing vegetable mat
ter, one ii the results OF which is the
evolution OF ,his gas, facilitates the
decomposition Of the lime, renders it
soluble, and hence increases its distri
button in the soil.
Caustic lime, however, is freely
soluble in water, and is not only
readily distributed through the soil,
but rapidly carried down beyond the
reach Of vegetation.
Since the quick lime, is soon con-
verted into the carbonate in the soil,
its chemical effects differs, but little
from that OF chalk or mari, but, be-
ing more finely divided, is more act
i've and valuable. m
Lime, besides acting directly as
plant-food, and chemically in the
preparation Of other substances, ex-
erts also an important influence as a
mechanical agent.
Sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, am
monia, and potash, also act both as
direct plant-tood, and as chemical
agents.
The interest of farmers demands
the most economical means for both
plant and soil fertilization, which
should, as far as practicable, be com.
bined. For this purpose, pea-vine
and lime in some form, together with
compost of cotton seed, animal ma
nure and superphosphate, furnish at
present the most promising source
for the farmers of Georgia. Mari is
located accessible in large portion
Of Southern Georgia, and quick-liine
in all of Northwest Georgia, and,
indeed, may be readily transported
to almost any part Of the State, at
reasonable rates, as soon as it is used
in sufficient quantity to justify its
being quarried and burned on y large
scale.
MECHANICAL AGENTS.
Lime, mari and vegetable matter
are the principal mechanical agents,
and should invariably be used to-
gether, since each materially increases
the efficacy of tie other.
Lime acts. mechanically upon stiff
soils by loosening them, rendering
them more triable, and hence facili
tates the penetration of the root of
plants. 1t also stiffens light soils by
pulverizing the coarse particles, and
thus renders them more compact.
Vegetable matter turned into the
soils, either green or dry. has the fol-
lowing effects when reduced to the
condition OF humus.
!. Humus renders stiff soils friable
and open.
9. 1t absor0s moisture IRON the at
mosphere. and thus supplies plants
with it.
3. It retains the moisture longer
than any other ingredients Of soils.
4. 1t furnishes considerable por-
ton OF carbon to plants either direct
ly or indirectly.
S. In its widest sense, it supplies
the mineral elements of decayed
matter in soluble forms for plant
food
6. 1t absorbs and holds free am
monia and its carbonate, and thus
supplies plants.
7. 1t absorbs lime and its carbon
ate, and renders it assimilable as
plant-food.
s. 1t furnishes a solvent, to the soil
(carbonic acid), for silicate of potash
and phosphate OF lime, by, which