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Soils. The most extensive investigation was associated with the Napier Harbour Board's scheme for reclaiming areas raised by the Hawke's Bay earthquake. The texture, salt, and carbonate content, hydrogen-ion concentration, and plant food were determined in a large number of soils, and an approximate correlation found between the salt content of the soil and the plant covering. Mechanical analysis revealed a considerable variation in texture, but the predominance of a sandy or silty type indicated more favourable conditions for leaching of the excess of salts than, for example, those encountered in the Zuyder Zee reclamation scheme, where heavy clays were the rule. One of the most significant results of chemical analysis was the high proportion of phosphoric acid soluble in 1-per-cent. citric-acid solution. Several samples of water from the lagoon or from cracks in the newly raised areas were also analysed and found in most cases to be extremely salty, although at the fust visit in July, 1932, the whole of the lagoon waters were fresh to the taste, indicating that percolation of sea water takes place at times through the gravel bank between lagoon and ocean. A proposal by the Public Works Department to drain Lake Waikare (Waikato) led to the examination of representative samples from the bed of the lake. These soils were mostly heavy clays deficient in the sandy fractions, and therefore likely to be difficult to work when drained and exposed to the air. Plant food was not present in exceptional amount, so that the analytical evidence was on the whole against proceeding with the scheme. In the vicinity of Patutahi, Gisborne, floods left a deposit of silt of varying thickness affecting an area of over 4,000 acres, and representative samples were received for analysis. These soils, which were classified as silt loams, contained an average of 2-5 per cent, of calcium carbonate and were plentifully supplied with total lime, magnesia, and potash. The citric-soluble phosphoric acid was also above the average. A soil from Hospital Valley, Whangarei, on which vegetation would not thrive, was found to contain an appreciable amount of manganese partly in the active form of manganese dioxide, and only a trace of citric-soluble phosphoric acid, a combination of factors which apparently inhibited plant growth under local conditions. Some soils from Springvale, Central Otago, which were reported to be infertile were found to be fine sandy silts having a strongly alkaline reaction (pH 9) and containing 0-8 per cent, calcium carbonate, but only small quantities of sodium and magnesium salts. They were micaceous in nature, and it was concluded that the difficulty of growing crops was due to the poor texture and strong alkaline reaction. An arrangement was made with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research whereby samples of soil collected by officers of the Geological Survey were analysed for clay content or complete mechanical texture. Two papers on mechanical analysis were published in the N.Z. Journal of Science and Technology for February, 1933, dealing with the treatment of flocculating soils and with a revision of the system of classifying soils according to mechanical composition. The total number of soil samples dealt with during the year was 175. Lime and Limestones. Besides the usual testing of specimens for farmers a considerable number of samples of commercial crushed limestone have been submitted by the Fields Superintendents for report as to their suitability for granting of free railage. In one case where the fineness of grinding was poor approval was not granted until a more finely ground material was produced. An article was published in the Journal of Agriculture for January, 1933, on " Some Factors in the Availability of Ground Limestone as Plant Food," and suggesting tentative standards for fineness. Fertilizers. One official and twenty-four unofficial samples have been analysed. In one unofficial sample of basic slag the phosphoric acid fell considerably below the registered analysis, but no action was taken by the purchaser to have an official sample taken. The following relates to work connected with the registration and inspection of fertilizers for the past year : — Primary Vendors — A. Number of registered independent fertilizer firms.. .. .. .. .. 108 B. Number of branches of A (excluding head offices) .. .. .. .. 174 Total of registered firms and branches .. .. .. .. 282 C. Number of firms (including certain branches) allotted distinct registration numbers in accordance with statements received .. .. .. .. .. 147 D. Number of brandies not included in C .. .. .. . • • ■ • • 135 Total of registered firms and branches .. .. .. .. 282 Secondary Vendors — E. Number of firms registered as secondary vendors (excluding branches and primary vendors who also act as secondary vendors) .. .. .. .. 365 F. Number of branches not included in E .. .. .. .. .. 50 Total of registered secondary vendors and branches .. .. 415

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