Bulletin - Mississippi State Geological Survey Volume 14 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1919 Excerpt: ...a swamp or muck soil must first be drained properly as a preliminary to other treatment reclaiming it to cultivation. These soils are usually peaty, too high in organic matter and deficient in mineral matter, especially phosphoric acid and potash, and the organic matter is in unavailable condition. Hence, while drainage will promote aeration and nitrification, lime must be added to correct this acidity and to assist in these changes. Application of wood ashes and suitable manure will add the other desired elements and improve the physical condition of the soil. These should be incorporated with the soil by turning in with a plow, and the land allowed to stand for a while before planting, then oats, corn or potatoes had better be the first crop. When soils have been depleted of these plant foods by long and continuous cultivation, the remedy must be in fertilization--that is, supplying artificially the nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash in such a form as to be available to crops. It may happen that these elements exist in the soil, but if they are not in available form, the crops cannot profit by them. For example, swamp and muck soils contain abundance of organic matter, but in an unavailable form until drainage permits the air to penetrate and warm it, and promote the growth of nitrifying bacteria which make it available humus. Nitrogen.--Nitrogen is the most expensive of these three essential elements, and is supplied by artificial fertilizers in three forms--organic nitrogen, ammonia and nitrates. The value of nitrogen lies in its promoting a rapid and vigorous growth of vegetation. Under its application stem and branches become tall and robust and the leaves become dark green and luxuriant. Organic Nitrogen is that of animal or plant origin. Dried blo...