SOIL BACTERIA

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3309, 1 April 1926, Page 13

SOIL BACTERIA

In England and on the Continent scientists are devoting increased study to the action of bacteria in the soil, with the object of discovering the causes of greater or less activity and the moat effective ways of encouraging the'little creatures in their beneficent work for the benefit of crops.

A soil full of clods possesses less bacterial activity than cultivated soil with a fine tilth. A well-aerated soil containing organic substances encourages the development of the organisms. The application of certain fertilisers, including sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of magnesia, bones, superphosphate and basic slag, have been found to be helpful. Frost depresses bacterial Ufa, though activity is rapidly regained with milder weather. The lower layers of soil arc not favoui’able; in this respect deep cultivation, admitting air to penetrate the lower layers, is of advantage. As Is generally known the presence of lime, rendering the soil alkaline, is beneficial; in fact, essential. Thus it would appear that the most favourable conditions are those which experience has taught intelligent farmers to obtain —viz., good tilth, deep cultivation, a supply of organic matter (humus), adequate supply of hrno and the use of '-suitable fertilisers, including farmyard manure and fertilisers.