The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1915-10-28

I market certain burnt lime groun
D into particles which is ready TO appl
( to soils. This is known as 'granulat
, ed" lime. The granules in shaking il
} the soil break up into very fine pow
: der.
} While lime acts as a plant food it !
very seldom a soil becomes so deficien
I that there is not enough lime to NEE
, all plant food requirements. Its chic
action is that of overcoming soil acid
ity. This is a matter of importance
with most farm crops, corn and rec
top being least affected, while alfalfi
and clover stand at the head of thos,
crops requiring lime. Lime is very
beneficial to those crops comprising
the legume family, which Of course
are Of utmost value in maintaining
and increasing soil fertility. Not only
is lime of use in overcoming soil acid
ty, but it is also effective in making
available many kinds of plant foods,
and in making conditions favorable to
the growths of minute and invisible
plants called soil organisms, which aid
immensely in building up soil fertility
Another effect, and peculiar one, too,
is the influence of lime on soil struc-
lures. An application of lime on clay
soil, which is hard to work because of
its water holding capacity, will result
in the soil particles being Joined to-
gether making the soil less sticky and
more crumbly, and allowing air and
water to pass through more freely.
The practical effect of this is to make
cultivation easier, and droughts less
effective because Of the plant roots
striking deeper into the soil On
sandy soil the effect of lime is to aid
the soil in retaining moisture. The
carbonate is the best form for this
purpose.
In choosing a lime for soil appica-
ton it is sufficient to remember that in
general the most caustic forms, that is
burnt and slaked lines, may be used :
on the heavier soil types, particularly
most clay soils, while it is usually the
best to use carbonate on light soils.
1t is very essential to avoid the caustic
forms on soils deficient in humus or
matter. Much harm may be
done to both soil and crop if this point
is neglected.
Having decided what kind of lime,
the next consideration is when shall
lime be applied and what amount
should be used. Where one seeds
grass with oats it is well to apply
lime in preparing the land for the
oat crop. Lime is not effective when
oppressed on grass or carelessly COW
,red on cultivated ground. The reas-
IN is that lime is not soluble as COM
nercial fertilizers are; hence it must
,e very thoroughly mixed with the t
oil if good results are to be obtained. c
The best way is to apply lime on land |
hat has been plowed and narrowed S
nee, and then harrow several times t
fter lime is applied. The method of 4
pplying lime must be chosen with
are. The more caustic forms need
cry careful handling. If the day is
t all warm or windy, both man and
cast will suffer. Where the lime
lows against moist skins or into the d
yes or nose severe irritation results. y
his is true only Of the burnt and v
laked lines, no such trouble occurring u
hen ground limestone is used. Burnt
me in Jumps will require placing in
caps of about bushel and after
lrowing on a pail or two Of water
lese heaps should be covered with
irth and left day or two before
Ground lime, whether
Irnt, slaked or limestone may be
bread with shovel or by means of
ill.
What amount Of lime is needed is
,st determined by taking sample of
Ie soil upon which an application is
ntemplated and sending same to
ounty Agent, or State Experiment
alton, for analysis. Not only can it
determined whether lime is needed
not, but how much lime per acre is
quired may also be determined.
In conclusion, it is well that the fol-
wing points be remembered. Lime
extremely valuable in maintaining
il fertility. There are three forms
lime which may be used, namely,
1estone Tor carbonate), burnt lime,
slaked lime. Which Of these to
e is dependent upon cost per ton,
lount Of calcium oxide contained
,rein, the fineness to which the lime
ground and the soil to which it is to M
applied. 1t must be thoroughly 'A
xed with the soil--not topdressed TT
ur County Agricultural Agent or
tie Experiment Station stands
ldy TO aid you in determining what