Lakeland Evening Telegram Newspaper, March 24, 1913, Page 7

0N OF FLORIDA SOILS Phos- ] Carbonic, Nitric, P Sulphurc, Neoessary P 4o Plant Life. By Mrs. gl there N. M. G. Prange. is no term more ng:o the Florida grower than wil” and noneé go little under- P Dig we speak of “nonbasic” ) would much better express . ation for, ordinarily, the situ . g:uble Jies not in too much acid Jittle base. Bini'tfi e acid fact i that cause &-\ve own, OF have for sale, some of the choicest properties ad- iR ’cfflt 0 ves. T LAKELAND, Sebring, 3 THE EVENING TELEGRAM, LAKELAND, MARCH 24, 1913, the chemical reactions which bring plant food into availability, and it is because of their product—nitric acid—that we so highly value our friendly basteria. Four acids—carbonic, nitric, phos- phoric and sulphuric—are necessary to all plant life. _ rdumus is valuable principally be- cause it produces so much carbonic acid and because it sustains bacterial life which forms nitric acid. Carbonic acid, next to water, is the greatest factor in plant life. Tak- en in by the leaves as a gas it forms over half of the solid matter of veg- etation, and, as a constituent of the soil water, it is the keynote to fer- tility because of is solvent proper- ties, SRS SOPOPOSIOEAS0ON0 * FROSTPROOF Land and Groves the town of Frostproof, including & few good bearing {mber, turpeutine and colonisation tracts. Also see us for Lakeland strawberry farmis, groves and city property. Ihlinger ’.‘;\ & Alfield Florida The Town of Beautiful Location The Town of Progress The Town of Opportunity ___‘_"‘_._—— byuire About It At Room 1, Raymondo Bldg, Lakeland, Flerida C. D. M'CAIN, MANAGER. Telephone 309. “PHO Nuts and all PROMPT DELIVERY DENNY =] NE 226 For Fresh Oysters, Fruits, Candes, Confections We have in our employ, Mr. S. Miller, who is an expert in his line. Let him figure with you on your Sheet Metaland Tin Work Do all kind of Roofing. For Gravel, Slate, Tile, Tin. Make or repair any- thing in SheetIron or Tin. A: carload of the Famous Strawberry Cup, the kind that fits the Boxes. Refrigerator A tull line of Sash, Doors, Builders’ Hardware, all at make it to your interest to let us have 1 share of your trade. eJackson ilson Co. prices which will ettt e e e e e et S—————————— Nitric acid is the form of oxygen used by the plant, and nitrogen is the controlling factor of all plant activities, ! Phosphoric acid is also a direct plant food, and besides its actual combinations in plant tissue, is .most essential as a carrier and digestor of other elements. Sulphuric acid is another direct plant food. It has been determined that many crops use as much or more sulphuric acid as phosphoric acid; that because of the solubility of the sulphates of lime, magnesia, etc., the loss of these sulphates in the drain- age waters is heavy; and that ‘‘such systems of fertilization must be in- augurated as will supply the soil * * ¢ a sufficient quantity of sulphur to meet the losses sustained by cropping and drainage.” (See Research Bulletin No. 14, Agricultu- ral Experiment Station, Madison, Wis.) I would, however, impress upon the minds of my readers that these acids do not occur in the soil as free acids. They are in neutralized form —nitrates, phosphates and sulphates —and bear no part of the soil’s acid- ity except as they take bases from the weaker organic acids. Before they can reach the plant -they must be dissolved. Soil solutlons are ex- tremely dilute, drainage waters showing a content of about one part of total solid matter to 500 gallons of water. The concentrated sap within the plant averages about one pound of total solids to 60 gallons of water, and from this sap the pro- toplasm selects the different ele- ments and compounds in quantities riore minute than our imagination can conceive. Good vs. Evil, There {8 the right environment for everything. The greater the power for ,good when properly di- rected, the greater the evil that may be done when right conditions do no! exist. None of us want to dis- card electricity because of what it would do in an uncontrolled state. W insulate the wires and take other nrecautions neccssary to eliminate hacteria which produce it if there be the danger, then we reap the good without further “fuss and worry.” Acids must be neutralized or they act against us. Even the highly val- ued nitric acid will kill the very ny base at hand. Van Slyke says: * * each pound of nitric acid calls for nearly a pound of carbonate of lime.” All other acids are equally insistent. A great many of these lime compounds are soluble and are leached away in the drainage wa'- e1s. If there is not a large natural bzeic content the soil gradually be- comes popbagic (“acid”) and the wezker organic acidy are left un- satisfied. “a Trade Talk. This undisputed condition of onr soils throughout the State has given an opening to unscrupulous traders to profit (temporarily) from the worries of the grower. They find him perplexed and, instead of realiz- ing that there is no lasting prosper- ity for the fertilizer manufacturer except as the grower prospers, imme- diately play upon his anxieties by representing that it is all the “other fcllow’s goods.” ' As a matter of fact, fertilizer ma- terials have the same tendency to acidity or alkalinity whether the tags bear one manufacturer’s name or another. These effects are fully explained in my hook entitled “‘Key to Success.” It is sufficient at this time to say that commercial formu- las of whatever make are generally neutral or alkaline in their lasting effect on the soil. The exceptions would be where other advantages off- set the acid tendefcy which might cccur—for instance, the use of sul- phate of ammonia as the entire source of ammonia in a fruit and vine formula for citrus trees. Such tendency, however, is because of loss of base rather than the actual ad- dition of any acid factor, for the sulphate of lime which is formed by the chemical reaction is very solu- ble and rapidly leaches away. The proof of the above is to be found not only in chemistry but jp the field. Test newly cleared soil that has never received a pound of fertilizer, and soil from unlimed cul- tivated land which has been fer- tilized," each by a different brand in- cluding the so-called “non-acid.” It will be found that where other con- ditions are alike the virgin soil gives an acid test, for it is full of organic acds from the decaying roots. As these are drained away the sail be- comes sweeter for two or three years, then it gradually loses its lime con- tent and shows less and less base as the vears roll on. What Makes Soil Acid. The free acids of the soil are from | organic origin. They are the weak- er factors and are left unsatisfied when there is not base enough for all. These organic acids are in- duced by: Decaying of roots left when clear- ing away virgin growth. o . Cultivating land when too wet.'a,rlcultural soils in the form of sul- especially in hot weather. phates. * * * Sulphates are found Burning sun on bare, moist soil. [in considerable amounts in drain- The first condition will gradually [ age waters and it is conceivable that correct itself; the others may be ov- ercome or avoided, but despite the grower's best efforts the soil will} gradually become ponbasis throuéhl the natural leaching away of the small lime content common to most Florida soils. Some of our soils are naturally basic, having lime rock deposits or a marl subsoil, but, generally speak- ing, Florida soil is very lacking in base and rapidly loses any it may have. The one corrective within our reach is lime. Lime will neutralize g]] acids, and with aeration will destroy all poi- sonous organic compounds known up to the present time. Some lime can be bought in cer- tain fertilizer materials, but when taking into consideration the effec- tiveness of these materials, their cost, and the very small content of basic lime any of them represent, this indirect way of securing base is most expensive and ineffective for correcting soil acidity. know in- stances where the growers, at con- siderable extra expense, have used only materials of alkaline tendency during a period of severa] years, yet their soil became no less acid. A straight out application of lime {n the form of crushed limestone is by far the best and most economi- cal method of supplying base. Hy- drated lime is also desirable, but caustic limé should not be a . . land as it burns out humus. Lime and fertilizer should not come in contact above ground, as ammonia is likely to be liberated. Thus it is well to let the lime appli- cation be at east four weeks before or two weeks after an appication of fertilizer. The time hastens nitri- fication, so loss by leaching is less likely to occur if it is put on just before a growing season. Perhaps the month of August best meets these conditions, but generally spmk!ng,\ the right time to lime land is just, as soon as you can do it. l All appreciate the value of (':Il‘-‘ bonic, nitric, and phosphoric uclds.‘ (Continued on Page 8.) CEMENT BRICKS, Will give you lasting satisfaction a3 they are far better than the clay brick, becoming stronger with age, more durable, more handsome in ap- pearance, giving a better looking job; in the end, the cheapest job. We have them any color. Get the best cement—the right mixtnre of best selected materials. See us about them before you build; get our prices. LAKELAND ARTIFICIAL STONE WORKS H. B. Zimmerman, Prop. MY LINE Newspapers Magazines Stationery Post' Cards Cigars INCLUDES |eases of Women and Men. PAGE SEVER, Mean Man. An Osborne man once let Me wil® g0 visiting her folks. The first wesll she was there he took the home per and out out a plece and sent paper to her. She wondered and wen dered and wondercd. The next weslk he did the same thing. She at ease packed her telescope and hurrie home. He told her it was only @ Joke and he emiled behind her bagk for a week.—Kansas City Journal KODAKS and SUPPLIES DEVELOPING and PRINTING HICH QUALITY- .LOW PRICES PROM NESE o> L TANPA PHOTO AND ART sy £ 310 TWIGLS STREEY, -fhe 3 TAMFA FLONDAL” Professions- DR. SAMUEL F. SMITH. SPECIALIST. Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat @lasses Scientifically Prescribed Pkone: Officc, 141; Residence, 23 Bryant Bldg., Lakeland, Fla. DR. J. F. WILSON PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON Phones—Ofice, 370; residence, 297-3 Rings. Munn Building, Lakeland Florids "R. W. B. GROOVER, PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON, Rooms 3 and 4 Kentucky Bldg. Lakeland, Florida. DR. W. B. XOON Special Attention to Chronic Dis- Calle promptly answered. Office in new Skipper Bldge., over Postoffice. Office Phone 250. Resl- dence phone 354 Red DR W. 8. RVIX DENTIST Decablisked In July 1%ué ¢tooms 14 and 16 Kentucky F.lldieg Phones: Office 180: Rrsider.ce 84 KELSEY BLANTON LAWYER but sulphuric acid and its resulting | Come and see me before pur |P 0. Bldg. Phone 319, Lakeland, Fla. compounds have been *“knocked” so hard by interested parties there is at least a question as to their value, if not an actual prejudice against them. This is unfortunate since our best fertilizers carry sulphates, That my readers may see the opinions of leading agricultural chemists, I have compiled the following extracts from standard authorities: Pierce’s “Plant Physiology:” Sul- hur is g constituent element of pro- teplasm, * * * The source "'. sulphur for most plants is the vari- ous salts of sulphuric acid common- Iy found in the soil and dissolved in ordinary waters,” Lipman's “'Bacteria in Relation lul Country Life:” “Sulphur is one of + chemical elements that enter into the composition of protein snh-l stances; it is therefore essential to the life of plants and of animals * * The tissues of dead plants and animals are made to give up their sulphur as sulphuretted hydro- ! by the common soil bacteria * and the sulphur finally re- appears as sulphate of lime, sulphate o magnesia, sulphate of soda, or sul- plate of iron and is in a condition arain to be utilized by green plants. * ¢ Enormous quantities of gypsum (sulphate of lime) are thus (by drainage waters) brought to the ocean daily and are constantly being added to by the restless streams. + * % |1t has been shown that sul- phates of lime, magnesia, potash and soda favor nitrification in most soils.” King's “Soils:” “Since sulphuric acid in some of its combinations in the soil s the only known source of suiphur in plants, and sincesulphur is an essential element in the mole- cular constitution of vegetable al- bumen and allied compounds, it fol- lows that fertile soil should always adequate percentage of sulphates in some form available to plants.” Lyon & Pippin’s “Soils:” “Gyp- sum * * ¢ jg effective in libe- rating potash and possibly other substances from the more difficully soluble combinations. Voorhees’ “Fertilizers:” “Gypsum (sulphate of lime) like other forms of lime, furnishes directly the ele- ment calcium and also exerts a fav- orable solvent effect upon the soil. *# ¢ ¢ Thus the application of plaster caused an increase in crop because of the potaash made avail- able.” Hopkins’ “Soil Fertility and Per- manent Agriculture:” “Sulphur would be furnished in applications o. acid phosphate, land plaster, po- tassium sulphate * * * magne- sium sulphate.” Van Slyke’s “Fertilizers and Crops:” “Sulphur is always a con- stituent of protoplasm and also of plant protein. Therefore, whatever * . Lack of aeration, particularly mo-|specific work it may do in plant nu- ticeable in poorly drained sofls. Turning under green vegetation. fts action is important. Sulphur is present in trition, chasing elsewhere. Your patronage appreciated. — Miss Ruby Danicl News Stand teanne of Kdisonla Theater [ JOTITDOYN! S0 you won't forget it-—take home lmverul A. 1. T. cigars to smoke this evening and spend an evening of REAI, ENJOYMENT. The A. H. T. cigar is an even burning, deliciously flavored product with an aroma that will make you insist on this clagr afterward. *The- A.HT CIGAR C YOUR TIME will always be right if you buy s wateh of us and let us regulate |Bet organ; elocke; cil stoves: elean and keep it in repair for you |gtoves; gas stoves; rackers; For JEWELRY DR. SARAH E. WHEELER OSYEOPATH PHYSICIAN Rooms §, 6 and 7, Bryant Building, Lakeland, Fla. Office Phone 278 Blue. House Phone 278 Black. 2 @. D. & H D. XENDENLALL Civil Engineers and Architects Rooms 212-216 Drane Hldg LAKELAND, FLA. Shosphate land examination veys, examination, reports. Blueprirting. A. J. MACDONOVGH, Room 6 Deen & Brysut Bldx Architect. Newest Ideas in Bunyalow Designing Lakeland, Florida. fun D 0. ROGERS, Lawyer, Room 17, Bryant Buildiny Phone 259. Lakeland, Florida. 2 B. BUFFAKER, -<Attorney-at-Luw— 2eer 7 Btuart Elds. DR K. L BR DENTIST. Skipper Bullding, Over Postofies Phone 339. Realdence Phone 300 Red LAKELAND, FLA W. 8. PRESTON, LAWYER (Oftes Upstairs Bast of Court Houss.) BARTOW, FLORIDA. Exzamination of Titles and Real Bstate Law g Specialty. PROFESSOR H. E. HAYDER TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE AND AN, 3 » Reom 11, Futch and Gentry Bidg. Hours: Mononday, Thursday and Saturday, 1 to §. LAKBLAND, FLA. At The Second- Hand Store Wheeler and Wilsn sewing machis, good as mew; bed lounge; beds, €~ lidrary table; mahogany set:- frigerators; anything. Goods b of all kinds come to us. We carry a |gad sold. complete line of the newest designs and best values in Jewelry at fair prices. Come in and see our display. H. C. Stevens || ARCHER The Second-Nasd Mas $10 Wegt Main Btreet, Lakeland, . ;, : . * PR