Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1893-10-05
Farm, Orchard and Garden
ANALYSIS OF SOILS

ANALYSIS OF SOILS.
Press Bulletin No. I, Washington Agri-
cultural College Experiment station.
When the Washington State Agricul-
tural College and School Of Science was
organized, there was established in con-
nection with i. State Agricultural Elk.
pertinent Station, similar to those in OPP
Grafton in nearly every state.
These stations exist for the purpose Of
conducting scientific investigation and
experiment, and giving the results and
conclusions to the public; the object be-
ing the promotion of the agricultural in
terests. They are established for the
benefit of agriculture, and hence OF The
community at large.
The legitimate work Of these stations is
the endeavor to answer all questions per-
tanning to agricultural practice. These
questions arise from the tillage OF the
soil; the nature and action of manures,
both natural and artificial; the culture OF
crops; the care of domestic animals; the
dairy industry; plant and animal disease,
etc.
"There are but few things the farmer
has to deal with in the tillage Of the soil,
the saving and use of manures, the culti-
walton of his crops, the care of his stock,
the management Of the dairy, and the
preservation Of his crops or stock from
insect pests and from diseases, that are
not being studied by one or more agricul-
tural experiment stations"
Our station is now prepared to take up
work in some of the lines above suggested.
But we cannot do effective work without
the hearty cooperation of those interested
in agricultural pursuits, And SO we re-
quest all who read this to give us as much
aid and information as possible upon such
topics as we may from time to time sug-
gest.
The special object Of this press bulletin
is to invite cooperation with the chemical
department of the station in making
SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE SOILS OF TPE
STATE.
We consider this to be perhaps the
most pressing demand at the present
time, because Of the great variety OF soils
found in different portions of the state.
The station laboratory is well equipped
for this kind Of work.
We wish to have at least one sample OF
soil from each county in the state, and
desire especially samples OF any soil that
exhibits some marked popularity. Alkali
soils demanh possibly more consideration
than others. If it were possible, we would
visit each county, and select the samples
ourselves. But as this is not possible We
must depend upou others.
1t is exceedingly important that there
should be uniformity in selecting the sam
pies. To insure this we give the follow
ing directions for sampling:
1. The soil selected should be, as far
as possible, in its natural condition, not
modified by recent applications of manure.
1t is even better if the soil from which
the sample is taken has never been under
cultivation.
2. All rubbish, sticks, stones and de-
caying vegetation should be removed
before taking the sample.
3. The samples should always be &C.
companied by all the information and
data obtainable.
a. In taking the sample dig vertical
hole about 18 to 20 inches deep. Ascer-
tain the point where the subsoil begins,
end from the portion above the this point
take 80 or 40 pounds Of earth. Put this
on cloth or paper, break the Jumps, mix
thoroughly, and put up about quart for
sample.
s. The sample sent for analysis should
be thorough mixture of several samples
taken, as just described, from different
portions of the field, in order to obtain a
fair average.
6. Send the samples by mail Or express
to the Washington Agricultural College
and School of Science, Pullman, WASH,
addressed to the chemist.
Befare sending samples for examination
write to the chemist, giving full particu-
lars. He will then give more explicit
directions. Unless this is done we do not
guarantee to make any examinations.
We hope to receive hearty aid and CO.
operation in this work.
We shall also be glad to receive infor-
nation concerning any of the natural
products of the state, such as water, lime
stone, gypsum, coal, ores, etc., and will
make examinations and analysis as far as
practicable.
All Communications will be promptly
and courteously answered.
The bulletins of the station are sent
free to all who request them.
Address:
ELTON ETTT MED