Sessional_Paper_1929 — Page 177

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Sample F.-Remarks and recommendations.

This sample is a medium loam of an unusual pinkish-brown colour. There is very

little variation in mechanical composition between the top-soil and the sub-soil. The

water-holding capacity of the soil is fair. The amounts of water-soluble salts are not

excessive, but it is noteworthy that the percentage of chlorides slightly exceeds that of

sulphates. The reaction of the soil is acid.

Of the essential plant food elements, the amount of lime is rather low, potash is present in fair supply, phosphoric acid is extremely low in amount and the percentage of nitrogen rather poor. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen is normal. A large amount of "acid-soluble" alumina is present.

The chief requirement of this soil is phosphoric acid, following lime to correct the acidity and to prevent the reversion of the phosphate if the latter is applied in the soluble form such as superphosphate.