The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1900-03-03
FARMER AND PLANTER.
LINE IN AGRICULTURE.
Ae s"i"e of Lime I'm Agriculturs,
when Properly Used, IL be-
yond Estimate.

Ink suDJect or the use and value Oj
hipe In agriculture is both interesting
ana important. 1t is strange, though
how opinions differ as to this material
In some sections Of the United States
Tor example, ut certain seasons of the
year. the lands are white with lime,
whereas in other sections this mate
rial is seldom, ii ever, used. These diff
ierences are due mainly to the lack
oil intimate knowledge as to the true
functions Of lime in agriculture.
from theoretical point of view,
lime is as important for the growth of
plants as nitrogen, phosph acid,
potash or any other element of plant
ieod. From practical standpoint
therc is hardly cultivable soil which
does not contain in itself sufficient
!ime to meet the demands of the crop.
The soils which are most apt to be
dlrticient in lime are those which are
light and sandy in character, and
which have been formed by the decom-
position Of sandstone rock. At the
same time these lights soils are usual
~ deficient in phosphoric acid and pot
ush. As the fertilizing material which
are used TO furnish phosphoric acid
and potash contain some lime, the
farmer does not have to concern him.
self about making an application of
lime to serve as plant food.
Lime has its sphere of usefulness in
agriculture, and it is a very i'm
portant one. Briefly stated, its value
is in the following properties:
III land is sour, dose of lime will
sweetcn it and make it more produc-
tive.
II soil is too heavy lime will make
1t lighter, and, on the other hand, if
the land is very light and loose, a
dressing of lime will bind the parti-
cies of the soil more closely together
and thus render it more compact.
1T a soil contains an abundance of |
organic matter lime will tend to hast
en- its decomposition, which, of course
means that the plant food will become
more available.
Another very important function of
lime, and one not generally known. is
that it will cnre some fungous diseases,
and prevent rust and smut in
grain. IT also destroys certain insects
and worms which infest the soil.
Many lands contain an abundance of
small rocks and stones which, owing
to their composition, are slow to dis
integratc and become part of the soil
itself. 1t has been found that on lands
CT this kind the tiisintegration of these
rocks and stones is FASTENED by an
occasional dressing of lime.
When properly used, lime is a valu-
able constituent of plant food, but
when its use is abused can bring a
held to a state of sterility. 1t is in no
sense substitute for manure or fer
Illizers, and, if used alone, the plants
VIII take up the entire store of availa-
Die nitrogen, phosphoric acid and pot
lsh which is in the soil. 1t is an un-
wise practice to apply lime to really
,oor land, as this material can not
cry well do good unless the soils is
'iready well filed with plant food.
The function of lime is to alter and
improve the plant food ingredients al
eady in the soil and to make them c
more available for crops; further ,
more, one of the greatest advantages
I the use of lime is that it brings the .
oil into such condition that if addi- :
lonal fertilizer ingredients be sup
lied, they can serve the plant to bet
pr advantage.
AS to the amount to be applied, this is
'iii depend on circumstances. 1t may P
stated as general rule, that dose n
lime about once in five years is suf- 81
cient. About forty bushels per acre m
slaked lime would be considered a W
III application. 1t can be broadcasted II
Ter the plowed surface of the soil and m
Ill work in of its own accord.--Geo. N
ilson, in Farmers Home Journal. M
I'll