CONTROL OF SOIL EROSION

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26617, 31 December 1951, Page 4

CONTROL OF SOIL EROSION

U.S. Tests With New Chemical (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Refc. 8.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 29. A new chemical substance that might convert a barren waste land into fertile fields was announced in a paper prepared for presentation to-day at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. C. A. Hochwalt, vice-president in charge of research for the Monsarto Chemical Company, said the substance, known as krillium, was the first product of its kind to control erosion effectively and economically. It was between 100 and 1000 times more effective in improving soil structure than compost, manure or peat moss. It was not a fertiliser but a substitute for natural humus components which normally were plentiful in virgin fertile soils, but scarce in silt and clay soils of poor structure. “The primary effect of krillium, said Dr. Hochwalt, “is to form and also stabilise natural soil aggregates against the dispersing or slaking action of water.”

Tests made with krillium showed that 45 per cent, increase in crop could be obtained in potatoes, 15 per cent, in radishes, and 20 per cent, in corn. Experiments in other potential uses for krillium were being carried out. Krillium would not be offered for'sale until 1953.