Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1893-10-06
Analysis of Soils.

|
nection with it State Agricultural Ex-
pertinent Station, similar to those in op-
Grafton in nearly every state.
These stations exist for the purpose OF
conducting scientific investigation ana
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 OF large.
The legitimate work of these stations
is the endeavor to answer all questions
pertaining 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
diseases, 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 cul-
tivation of his crops, the care of his stock,
the management of his dairy, and the
preservation of his crops or stock from
insect pests and from diseases, that are
not being studied by one or more agri-
cultural experiment stations"
Our station is now prepared to take
up work in some of the lines above sug-
gested. But we cannot do effective work
without the hearty cooperation OF those
interested in agricultural pursuits. And
so we request all who read this to give
us as much aid and information as pos
sible upon such topics as we may from
time to time suggest.
The special object Of this press bulletin
is to invite cooperation with the chem
ical department OF this station in max
| ing a
SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF THE SOILS OF THE
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. AL
kali soils demand possibly more consld-
Grafton than others. Ii it were possible,
we would visit each county, and select
the samples ourselves. But as this is
not possible, we must depend upon 9TH
ers.
1t is exceedingly important that there
should be uniformity in selecting the
samples. To insure this, we give the
following directions for sampling;
|. The soil selected should be, as far
as possible, in its natural condition, not
modified by recent applications OF
manure. 1t is even better il the soil
from which the sample is taken has new
er been under cultivation.
>. All rubbish, sticks stones and de-
caying vegetation should be removed be-
fore taking the sample.
g. The samples should always be ac-
companied by all the information and
data obtainable.
4. In taking the sample, dig vertical
hole about Is to 20 inches deep. Ascer-
tain the point where the subsoil begins,
and from the portion above this point
take 30 or 40 pounds OF earth. Put this
on cloth or paper, break the humps, mix
thoroughly, and put up about quart
for a sample.
3. The sample sent for analysis should
ho q thorough mixture OF eeveral sam
nles taken, as just described, from differ
ent portions OF the field, in order to OBJ
tain fair average.
G. Send the samples by mail or ex-
rress to the Washington Agricultural
College and School OF Science, Pullman,
Wash. addressed o the chemist.
Before sending samples for examlna-
tion write to the chemist, giving full
narticulars. He will then give more eX-
nIicit directions. Unless this is done we
do not guarantee to make any examina-
tions.
We hope to receive hearty aid and CO.
onaration in this work. We shall also
he clad to receive information concern
ing any of the natural products oil the
state, such as water, limestone, gypsum
coal, etc, and will make examinations
and analysis as far as practicable
All communication will be promptly
and courteously answered. The bulle-
tins of the alton are sent free to all
who request them
Address,
ELTON FULMER,
Chemist, Experiment Station,
Pullman, Wash.