A Practical Test

Categories: THE NEED OF LIME

The importance of alkalinity in soils is so great,

and the prevalence of acidity has such wide-spread influence to-day,

limiting the value of the clovers on a majority of our farms, that a

simple and more convincing test is suggested here. Every owner of land

that is not satisfactorily productive may learn the state of his soil

respecting lime requirement at small expense. When a field is being

prepared for seeding to he grain crop with which clover will be sown,

a plat containing four square rods should be measured off, and

preferably this should be away from the border to insure even soil

conditions. A bushel of lump-lime, weighing eighty pounds, should be

slaked and evenly distributed over the surface of the plat of ground.

It can be broadcasted by hand if a spreader is not available, and mixed

with the surface soil while in a powdered state. The plat of ground

should be left as firm as the remainder of the field, so that all

conditions may be even for the test. The appearance of the clover the

following year will determine whether lime was needed or not. There is

no reason why any one should remain in doubt regarding the lime

requirement of his fields. If income is limited by such a cause, the

fact should be known as soon as possible.