V t’ i") i n , E l sill ...€__ - i' -' ' M 4.11,)‘; TEXAS AERIevETvRAE EXPERIMENT srmwrl- BULLET IN NO. Q5. DECEMBER 1892. TEXAS sows; A STUDY OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION. AGRICULTURAL AND IYIECHAXICAL COLLEGE 0F TEXAS. All B illetlm of this Station are issued free. Any one interested in any branch ofagriculture may have his name placed on our permanent mailing list, and secure future numbers, by ap- plication to GEO. W. CURTIS, Dmmcron, -_ j ' College Station, Brazos Co., Tex. In requesting Bulletins, write name and address plainly. i ‘MIIHIE !l w"? i l A0 o BRYAN, TEXASZ a COX, “THE NEAT PRINTER.” 1892. Hon. W. R. CAVITT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brygi "j-DR. J. D. FIELDS. . . . . . . . .4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ma.no: »HON. JNOAADRIANCE. . . j . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .‘ . . . . . "Coluinbi ..R. H. PRICE, B. S . . . . . . . . . .S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hortic-ulturirs sD. ADRIANCIQLLS“ .S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1\Ieteoro1ogist, Associate Chemist (2.6s) TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT‘ STATIO OFFICERS AND STAFF. GOVERNING BOARD. BQARD OF DIRECTORS’ A. AND M. comma. _ MALA. J RosE, President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salad; HoN. JNo. E. HOLLINGSWORTH, State Com. Agr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Austi TREASURER. PRESIDENT L. S. Ross, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . College Statioi STATION sTAEF. G120. W. Gowns, M. S. A. . . . . . . . . . .Agric1i1turist. Directori II. H. HARRINGToN,I\I. Sc. . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chemis M. FRANCIS, D. V. M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Veterinaria. J. W. CARSON», . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. . I . . . . . . . . . . . . .Assistant to Direeltojjf J. M. CARSON? .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant Agriculturi? P. S. TILSON, M. S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assistant in Chemist (259) ‘Texas; Hgvieultuval Experiment Station. iii-ii SOILS. (H. H IIARRINGTFON, M. so.) The question of the practical benefit shown to a farmer by soil analysis has been widely and long discussed. It is ably claimed that a soil analysis is not definite and conclusive in its results; that it does not determine for the farmer the comparative condition of his soil .; that the chemist cannot by analysis decide upon the crop-producing power of a field. This is the extreme argument upon one side of the question. It has been erroneously, but somewhat popularly believed, on the other hand, in some localities, that a chemist could determine the exact fertility ofa field. That just as he determines what should be the producing power of a fertilizer, properly applied, so by analy- S18 he should be able to place an estimate upen the relative chemical value of a soil——other conditions being properly controlled. There can be no doubt but that this view is incorrect and it is being rapidly abandoned. Neither should the extreme argument against soil analy- sis be allowed to go unchallenged. A soil analysis is of direct and practical benefit to a farmer; not when taken alone, perhaps, but in connection with a knowledge of the local conditions of the soil-its drainage, climate and behavior under cultivation ;whether residual- that is, derived from disintegration and crumbling of the rock beneath it; Whether a transported soil or an alluvial soil; character of timber growth, and indigenous plants; all of which, taken together, will aid greatly to an intelligent understanding of a chemical analysis. It may be impossible to decide accurately upon the amount of any ‘particular ingredient which a soil should possess to be fertile; it is none the less true that a knowledge of the amount of lime, hum-us, or sand, for example, may be made of great service in the treatment and preservation of the soil; as well as helping to interpret its proba~ ble adaptability to particular crops. Prof. Hilgard has indeed fixed. certain amounts of the various constituents that should be presentrini fertile soils; for example he states 0.02 per cent of sulphuric acid is: sufficient for a fertile soil; and lime, while varying from 0.1 to 0.3 per cent ordinarily, may rise with advantage to one or two per cent. But these fixed quantities, while emanating from so high an authori- ty, have not been generally accepted either by practical or scientific men, so far as I am aware. ' Let us look somewhat into the actionof the various ingredients of a soil, and we may be better able to appreciate the value of a chemical analysis. If we head the list with lime we shall have a great factor in soil fertility. In the first place, the experience of practical men has proven that all calcareous soils are fertile-‘—that it greatly, pro- motes plant growth; and that calcareous under-rock, shales* or ir€otte1a limestone, is a great help to a top soil. In Europe itphaspntlong, been the practice to apply lime by two, three, or even twelveitoiiis - to- the acre, on cultivated lands, at intervalsvof two, five or ten -»years, and this, in spite of the fact that onlya comparatively small ariioiiht of TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. lime is needed for actual plant ‘food. By reference to table analysis‘? the large amount of lime is noticeable from soils that experience proven to be very fertile. The tendency 0f lime to break up a clayey? soil, and set potash free, to decompose humus and set nitrogen free, to» increase the capillarity of sandy soils, are examples of the benefit accm-sli ing from a full supply of lime. Or, let us take sulphuric acid. This. is of course combined as some salt. For example, sulphate of potash, sulphate of lime (gypsum), sulphate of ammonia (in fertilizers)‘, or, a sulphate of magnesia. In many cases Where one of these salts is pmes- ent in the soil or applied to it, it breaks up what is known as a “vi-* cious set” of chemical combinations in the soil-combinations that? will not allow the full yieldof particular crops—and‘ in most instan- 1 ces the beneficial influences of sulphuric acid as sulphates, in a soilgf are to be ascribed to chemical action upon other soil ingredients p; rather than any direct effect as plant food. But how is it with nitro- t gen and phosphorus, or phosphoric acid‘? These act mainly as foods i to growing plants; and the quantity 1n the soil generally being so small in amount, they are applied in fertilizers as nutriment to the; plant. The same is true, in a more limited sense, of potash. The f. humus, ‘or organic matter in a soil, is the source of native nitrogen, » and regulates to a great extent heat and moisture. So that its pres- 1 ence is always desirable, and is one of the surest indications of the ‘g lasting fertility of a soil. If, therefore, analysis showed the absence or i? merely a trace of any‘ one of these consituents necessary for plant p, growth, such intelligence would be of great practical benefit to the farmer in the care and improvement of his soil. In collecting the soils, the following directions were, sent ,out:~~ “When possible procure a representative virgin soil; but whenthis cannot be obtained, select from a field of average fertility, but not from one that has received manure at any time. Please state charac- ter- of timber, what native grasses, or cultivated ones-average yield in corn, cotton, oats, and wheat if grown. ' DIRECIIONS FOR COLLECTING SAMPLE. With a hoe or spade carefully remove grass and trash. l)ig up the surfz-ice soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches, being careful to prevent mix- ture with subsoil; box this, and then carefully remove subsoil to a a (iebth of 4 to 6 inches, keeping it free from top soil—box separately, Be careful in selecting a spot for the sample to get one having the ; - same general character as the soil of the surrounding fields or Wood. ’ That is, do not run upon a spot totally different from the surrounding soil—either in top soil or subsoil. Remove all stones and pebbles" larger than a partridge egg. CLASeilFlCl-KTIONS. It is impossible to make a general classification that will include the , differentlocal conditions throughout the state; but in a rough way, the soils of the State may be divided into six different types,—which will be briefly described separately. /$l. T 716C008? @622. 27261. The Easl Texas 7362i‘. 3rd. T lze filack Trairie Bell. 4271. T he Fl. Worllz Trairie Bell. _ 5372. 1/ he Pancllzanclle Soils. 627a. T he alluvial soils. firm; COAST BELT. A Under this. head we place two divisionsas classified geologically by ' TEXAS soiLs. 261 E. T. Dunible, State geologist. The coast clays proper, and the soils of the Fayette Beds. The coast clays comprisea prairie region 5O to 100 miles inland from the coast. The surface of the country being generally very level-—-in many places too much so for proper drainage. The soil is a dark sandy loam-prairie-usually; but in many places is almost “black-Waxy”—containing an abundance of lime and clay. The subsoil is clay, usually red or yellow. Almost the entire area is susceptible of cultivation and some of it very fertile. ‘The district is given up mostly to cattle raising; but in certain localities very fine farms are maintained. It is Well adaped to fruit, and the Alvin and Hitchcock localities are acquiring a Wide reputation in this respect. Corn, cotton, oats, sorghum, sugar cane and rice- are theleading field crops. Joining the coast prairies on the north, there is a belt of black sandy ~soil——giving Way in some places to a sandy loam that is very fertile. On the east, this forms a part of the SECOND DIVISION. . The soils of this division vary very’ Widely in composition. The timber growth itself being Widely different in character. The vast body of timber in the southern part being long leaf pine, but on the Western borrlei‘ especially, this gives Way to post oak, black jack, sweet gum and hickory, intermixed With other varieties of oak, sweet gum and cottonwood. The. upland soil of the pine region is gray sand usually; not difliaront irim the s-arne soil occurring in the pine belts of the older Gulf States. It is almost puree sand. as shown by analysis beloW of samples from Rusk, Cherokee county, and from Colmesneil, Tyler county. No. I from Rusk-No. II from Oolmesneil : ' No. I. No. II. ELEMENTS. , g1 t ‘W Surface}; Subsoil. iiliSurfaceJé Subsoil. i . a . Moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 0.8 0.20 0.37: 0.3’; Volatile and Organic Matter . . . . . . . . . .. 2.05 i 9L0 y 0.64‘ Insoluble Matter and Sand .......... .. 96.212 y 91.164 y 9. 08-1 98.168 Iron Oxide, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.176 . 0.931 0J5 0.78 Alumina Oxide . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. _ Trace 0.009 [It . Calcium Oxide, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Trace l [race . . . a . . . . . . Magnesium Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Trace y Trace r0019 . . . . . .. Sulphuric Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Trace y Trace lrace race Phosphoric Acid . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .._.\ "rgrace ‘ grace $1.13: gygg: P t' h . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. race race p r8 Sgdiis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trace y Trace i‘ Trace Wave Carbonic Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x Trace 1 Trace i‘ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l . Of course such a soil can have very little fertility-n But the low- lands, valleys and alluvial soils are in many plases very fertile; as shown. by analysis below of creek bottom soils from Oolmesneil, ’I‘_ylercounty and valley soil, from Rusk, Cheroliefi OOIIHQ’. The hill" a sides also frequently embrace a sandy loam rich. innvegetable matter and underlaid by clay. This soil produces Well £LlT_lCl-;.,_1S generally easily Zcultivatcd. ~ ‘ N0, =I_,is creek-bottom élaiiil, Tyler ‘county- II valley land, Cherokee county. .262 TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. 1\'o. 1. l No. 11. ELEMENTTS. 4 Surface. Subsoil. Surfacel Subsoil. . s» —M“l“ Jtloisture . . . . . . . . . II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2 3Q ]_77 1 1.32 I 1,02 Volatile and Organic lflatmr . . . . . . . . . . . ' 322 Q55 4_6() ' 331 Insoluble Matter and Sand .. - .... 8949 91,99 8323 85,91 Iron Qx1de._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. to 94 1., ‘L1 5.82 I (3.44 Alumina Oxide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. "' 4' “' J ‘ 2,12 l, 1,70 Calcium Oxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 0,44 (r36 t (1555 0,255 Magnesium Qxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 0,08 ' 0.15 l 0.120 0.197 SulphimoAcid _. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Trace l ’l‘race . . . . . . . . . . . - - - . . .. Phosphoric 1101a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 0.03 1 0.03 0.21s i 0.141 Potash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....* 0.00 l 0.12 0.48 l 0.41 Soda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.07 l 0.10 0.40 0 49 Carbon Dioxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 0.44 0.187 Both of these samples represent the better types of soil in the East Texas belt of soils, and While the analysis can not compare with that of the richer lands 1n the State, it is very favorable indeed. Capt. E. G. Douglas, of Rusk, in sending samples from Rusk, w , , - Cherokee county, has this to say’: “Among the grasses I have observed Bermuda, sedge grass and crab grass. I Lmderstand that the average yield of corn ruer acre is about 12 bushels—and that of oats 15 bushels. This 1s evidently not a grain country, but judging from the products of the orchard and the vineyard, it has rare merits as a iruir growing region.” Of the soils from Colmesneil, ltlr. James lVheat Writes : The ctimbers on the creek. bottom lands consists of cypress, gum, beech, magnolia, oak, hickory, sugar maple, and black walnut, Average yield of corn about 25 bushels, oats 2Z0 to 30 bushels; cotton two-thirds of a bale to the acre. Bermuda and carpet grass grow Well on old ‘fields in the timber land-and the ‘average yield of crops is about one half as much as in creek bottom. We have also an upland hainmock here that is a good soil.” . A _ The next two divisions are based on the classification given by Mr. ltobtfl‘. Hill in the first report of the State Geological survey—the description of each, being essentially the same as given by him in that report, 19.1105 6i 869. ' r THE BLACK PRAIRIE BELT. There are~four divisions of this with only slight variations: The first on the cast, next to the timber belt, is distinguished by the presence of sand ingthe soil-with occasional pure beds of sand- illustrated by the analysis of soil samples from Terrell and Pecan Gap. West of this strip comes the main black Waxy area-characterized by a substructure of light blue or yellow calcareous clay, called by the residents “soap stone” and “joint clay,” from its laminated structure. Small depressions in the surface of the soil, called “hogwallows,” are quite common. These are caused by the unequal drying and expansion of the calcareous clays in poorly drained places. Greenville, Terrell, Kaufman and Corsicakmraaireif situated near the‘ dividing line between the above two divisions. Below will be found analyses of samples from TerrellgPecan Gap, Forney, Belton and Manor-the three latter soils illustrating the main black Waxy belt. (r ‘.||:l\1||< vl[ I 263 TEX AS SOILS. m d . w w a. 0.0 V. J1 - r. € Pm . H . a“ % w m¢ M mu... _..@@.F.w3.. nfl M n .. m ... ...... A c M... 0am 6% d O u C fi m . 8W. WU “m m fl 1% . n fl .1 1.; Q w. m m. 0 m m. n ... w. w u .... .... ... m w. M... ...... m. m m m. m W V m. h A G M S P P. “w C H5 52.? m=_+?.@.... . w? it. $3 2w f? . 9% 3% Q2 i... F: .3 mccmo: is wZ mficm F»... N3. 9% P8 o.C cbw 0.5 L» ?G>Z >5. mire... . . . . . . . . . . _ . : .. . . . .. 5W www am? .~w... 3a 2+ E w» .5 m.” .2 ...: gamer»... . . . . ...w. . . . . . . . ... . . . . .. v3 Q3 Q5: PE 5.3 w? a» .5 .5 Sw .2. . ww... cwzmwl SEE: >2? @E._.=...... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . ...... ........ ab.“ aflram 5m .1...“ 3.5% .5“ a2 m5 gm $5 @5501. . . . . W. . . . . . . . .. - ........ fa . v.3 Qwwm N? m a... 5.8 b» .5 Q2. x3: Ca 1m Qfimhw r o2; mcwwmmm. . . . .. .... . . . . ... . . . . . . . ... #9. :2 2%. in. 9i a? .3 .71: m5 Q3 3w ab; mswmoziiillii .. .. .93. 1Q»: .8.» N2... _ is. ........@ b5 p3 bu» .25 .5”. 3a . -. >zzo~F K mslmsm. . . . . . . .. . ...... ...... . . . . . . .. i: ab». awn. 9% W Ea Qwo 15 . f3 8 2w .3 t! mémcza. . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. #3 Q5 $3 NE _ m? i... Moi b5 .5». Ls u... $3 T, >2ow| n55 iwzaim . mslmmm .. . . . . . . .. w...“ 3.5 wiw... m9.“ 5% i: w: bd p5 ...... .2"; “Li wixaz. .. . . . . . . . . I2 . . . . . . . . . v8 $5 $3.3 P1 fir“... 3a a ~ .I_. p? .2.» b8. F: wresuzl. m5. .o..v;.<. ma...“ $5.1m. . m_:+»=@....... was 2m 15w 3&3 mm? bk .3 .5 w» kw _;.@._.W= msvwo: . . . . .. . . . .. . 1b. . . .. Ff w? Twp“ afié N3 FE .w~ .2». um .8 2...“... wmreovfllmn; (GZQJJ A - Q5591. . M mslmow. . .. . . . . . . . . . .. ....... . .. a 3 .38 ma... , “C; :5 h...“ .8 .5 T8 .3 ,3 mail. . . .. .... .. . . . . . .. .2; w? “$3 "i; I NE ......“ ... E .5. v3 . E . \ 264 The following explanations Terrell, by Mr. A. E. Alexander : _ “I dug several holes and found that in different places, the subsoil and top soil about the same in one locality, as in another; the subsoil was taken about 6 to 8 inches below thetop soil, and in appearance it seems to me that they are very’ much alike. Average yield of crops per acre-corn 25 bushels, wheat 12% bushels, cotton {,- to ii- bale.” From Ferns-y’, by Mr. Jno. M. Lewis : “I send 3 samples of soil— one from our hammock land. one from our prairie hay farms, and one from timber land next to ’l‘rinity bottom, not above overflow. This is fast coming into cultivation and is covered with a heavy growth of timber of all varieties, but the larger trees consist principally’ of spanish oak.” _ From Manor, Travis county-é-by Mr. Joe M. Puckett: “I have selected an ave: age soil of the surrounding fields. The timber is very scarce; mesquite, elm and hackberryr, are the principal kinds. The- average yield of corn is from 4O to 5O bushels per acre; cotton i} to 1 bale, oats about T5 bushels per acre. Wheat is not grown here much, the yield being very small. Potatoes yield y*e1'_y* large crops, but do~ not know the amount per acre. The principal uncultivated grasses- are sedgeand mesquite.” An examination of the table of analyses presents a remzirkable. group of fertile soils, rich in all those substances that contribute to the fertility’ and endurance of a soil; vegetable- matter, carbonate of lime, phosphoric acid and potash. The quantity TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. accompany these samples-fronr y of sulphuric ‘acid is small i11<-or11pzti'isor1, but acsording to Prof. Hilgard, _ belt: vated, and are of the same character as the soil for miles around. growth, and next to this is the cypress. in actual amount, suflicient in quantity The next division of the black prairie belt lies to the west of the “black waxjy” proper. It is a narroyv strip, only about 2 miles wide; and reztching from Red river to the Rio Grande. Its surface is characterized by an outcrop of “white rock,” or chalky country. Some of the- most prosperous towns of the State are situated upon this narrow Paris, Sherman, NIcKinneyr, Dallas, \Vaxahachie, Waco, Austin, New Braunfels and San Antonio. _ A Below will be found anaysis of samples from Waxahachie and New Braunfels. Westof this strip there is still another narrow belt having a distinctive soil type; but which greatly resembles the main “black waxy.” This is the country east of Demon and Whitesboro, and reaching along the Missouri Pacific from Alvarado to \Vaco. A comparison of these with soils from the main “black waxy” show that they do not vary greatly except in the lime of the subsoil. The fol- lowing explanatory not-es accompanied the samples: Mr. \V. P. Metcalf writes of theWaxahachie soil: “I got the sztmples from a pasture that has never been cultivated. There arb fields all around it. The average yield of cotton is about one-half bale to the acre; about twenty bushels of wheat. The grass is thecommon prairie grass-no timber adjacent. . . A _ Mr. Emil Giesettke writes of the New _Braun_fels sample: “The black soil is found in many places “to a depth of three feet—sometimes~ reaching to seven feet-then you strike the yellowish black subsoil and in some places gravel. The samples sent have not been culti- The live oak seems to be ‘the largest and most common of the timber 6 Mesquite and Ifiermud-a. are " 1112x133 SOILS. 265 the prevailing grasses. The average yield of cotton is from three- fourths to one bale per acre; oats thirty-five to forty bushels; corn twenty to thirtv bushels; wheat is not grown.” Analysis of samples from Waxahachie and New Braunfels. No. I, \Vaxahach1e, N o. II, New Braunfels: r "_ i v No. I. l‘ Xo. 11. hLILMENTS. , surreee; Subsoil. lsurrueel Subsoil. 1 ...._____,_- _€1 _ ' ‘ 1 I Moisture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 9.06 A 7.64 ;’ 7.22 1 7.34 Volatile and Organic Matter . . . . . . . . . . . 7.77 | 5.80 4.96 I 2.24 Insoluble Matter and Sand . . . . . . ......~59.3 1 53.17 51.33 l 51.07 Uxide of Iron. .. -. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5.44 | 5.18 11 4.03 1 4.15 Oxide of Alumina ... . . . . . . . . . .. .... u 31 . 3.32 11 0 32 l 5.73 Oxide of Calcium (Lime) . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5.17 10 32 ,3 7.32 l 14.53 Oxide of hlagneeia. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .67 1.41 *1 1.3! .96 Mllphurir: Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..-..... .14 a .29 ll .30 .17 Phosphoric Acid . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .. .15 11 .41 1 .57 P 1- 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . .. .3‘ < .41 .22 .4" Siiditsi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .03 l .21 ii .13 l .12 Carbon Dioxide . . . . . . . . ..; .... . . . . . .. 3.93 ll 3.11 11 5.3 l 11.52 West of the Black Prairie Belt comes our fourth division of Texas soils. * FORL‘ \\'ORTH PRAIRIE BELT. This extends across the State immediately West of the Black Prairie, and parallel with it. The soils, except in the valleys, are generally shallow and rocky-tending to a yellow or chocolate brown in color. No samples of soi ls from this locality have been collected. T . IE FIFTH DIVISION . This includes the Pan Handle proper, and much of what is known as the “arid portions” of the State. The Pan Handle is the grain producing portion of the state-wheat, oats, barley and rye. The amount of rain- fall isdimited, varying from five inches to thirty inches. In some localities the rain fall is suflicient for the maturity of corn, cotton and sorghum. It is devoted“ principally to stock rais- ing-—the native mesquite grass affording good pasturage in summer and drying i11 winter where it grows, there is not sufficient rain at at this season to destroy its nutrition. Below will be found analysis of samples from Abilene, Wichita and El Paso counties, the last from the valleys of the foothills adjacent to the “Quitman Mountainsz” dimh 2&5 mfixw 28¢ mom+ .3522... l“ ._@.o¢..:2..u 3.5m Mo towns?» till !\44|.‘1.|. 1 . Ylr TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION’. _ _ _ - .. . _ . . . . P... ma. m2» :23. .2. 9m. f...» “K4. mm w _ a“ w. o» w I m .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 3w m. mm. awn. dodffi aha. m». Few. 1.2m cad _ mvdh md ~56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........coa.ZD./.. . -. . . . -. . _ . _ . - . - ... ... .....%..& .~......H--..:Z.....Q ._=...N.....m 8 w 5. mwm . i... 2. . 2 d _ M: m. w... m a. m 3 o» a. a w. m ZSQQQ Lwfifilkiczob amboumpm C; m2“. 3w. 1Q. @.:..Q. v4. _ 9Q _ mww m5 Es“ 3m wfi... . . . . . . . . .... .. . . . . . . . ... . . zownsw _ .l~o.w a Qva- .¢-¢-¢n¢.-. ....-.uooa.¢o-».¢-.¢¢.mos..¢%»m . -. 1 -. . -. m .. _ . . .. .. .1 . _............ .............s|............@ $3 mi i...“ “yo. QQWQ. m». .3.» _ “w... 5m mbm 51¢ aw...“ ....... . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . ......._sw€_@ Em h... E. w”: mrég. F. I... ti... Z F? 1.; 5H . ........................o9~.~.5m L .555 wcwswmhlukmwwazhyoO azum each _ .. 5 p.25... m <1. _ mm. 2. 5 m... .5...C_ w...“ 3». mo w. mm t. mm... . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sig r55 S dZ $22.1 3% 8. m. mm. ..... B. mm m Ea» m3.“ m? ..... .. . . . . . . . . . ...; ....>.©n@w wofl H dZ .. . wzow gzooO 0.2.5 QH . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. .....:OmQ5w#. . - . ~ .. Xrvahw... . ...-.-.-.-. ....--.-.-| 1.. u. a J - 1 - all. . 1-O- u . . 1].] Q. A .1 Q i. . . . . ¢ co m we“... @ b A.@~ 1Q. 1i 00.6 .5... Qox. ....$ a...» wfi ~ ...... ........ . . . iomnnm mwm ma 94a Mimi. *3 vfi I; 5w i" w“ ...: 8 m Q5. w . . . . . . . . . ........o.:...~._=w .295 xofimnuwzmfiim< -11 i I: I I 1E1! éqazDQQ< 2K4 mimzfiwzfiH TEXAS SOILS. 267 These fairly represent, in a general Way, the soils of What is here denominated the Pan Handle. The chocolate loam predominates, and ‘is easier cultivated. The black loam from Abilene is a richer soil, ;more clay and lime, as Well as more organic matter. It is very sticky and ivax_y when Wet. The samples from El Paso eounty' represent .Mesa, and valley soils, not alluvial. It is sufficiently rich, anti would ‘produce Well With any thing like a ifair amount of moisture, being now zsupplied in some localities by irrigation. But this land is sometimes burden d With “ttlkztli,” Which Will be discussed separatteljyt ALLUVIAI, SOILS. . It is impossible to treat fairly of Texas alluvial soils; from the black ihammock of the smallest stream, to the chocolate loam of the Brazos, there is every’ possible variety, all XYlTPlTQg with each other in fertility; a _"richness that is annually increased in Ulilily instztntwes by inundation from the streams. But While much of this land is subject to overflow "this overflow’ comes at a time not to seriouslyf interfere with growing crops, or can be easily and safely levied. Perhapis the richtist t-ypc of “Texas alluvial soil is that of the Brazos. A valley 300 miles in length, ‘from Waco to the Gulf, averaging 4 miles in Width. t comprises a “body of land not surpassed for fertility and endurance, in the State; and that Will compare favorably With the richest alluvial land in the World; much of it is annually’ intindatetl With Water carrjwing silt that ‘is itself almost a commercial fertilizer. Indeed the Whole river valley ‘ is made ofa soil similar in composition to this silt, for 5O feet. of the same general character. But before passing to the analysis of this silt, it is W8ll to bear in ‘mind that the Red river, Trinity, Navasota, Colorado, and Guadalupe, besides a great number of small streams, have soils almost equal to “that of the Brazos, the richest portion of Which perhaps is Oyster creek :and Old Caney. The Brazos bottom perhaps may be said to carr_y three ~distinct types of soil: One is the chocolate loam, already mentioned, the most common type. Then a sandy loam, sometimes giving way to almost pure sand. The third type is a black soil, “peach ridge” as ‘it is called, from the characteristic growvth of the Wild peach. The Brazos soil is not diflicult to cultivate, gives itself good natural drainage and is adapted to a great variety of crops, the only diliiculty being that small grain grows too heavy, and falls down usually’ before "ripe enough for har resting. Compared to the growth along rivers in "the other Gulf States, the timber is light and the ground easily put in r-Icultivation. Above will be found analysis of chocolate loam, and jpeach ridge, together With deposit from back water of an overflow. From Which can be seen the character of material the Water carries in a suspension. This sample was gathered about 5O miles (by river schannel) above the Gulf. It needs little comment in addition to the face of the analyses. It ‘may not be out of place to say that samples of this soil were sent to --chemists in several different States, and of the reported Work from {our or five (lifferent experiment stations, the analyses closely agree withe-the-“wwrorkrihere published--~veri£_ying, if need be, theiremarkable "fertility of the Brazos river deposit; but the amount of lime is rather asmaller than I anticipated previousto the analysis. - ~ 26S TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION. MISCELLANEOUS SOILS. Under this caption we shall touch briefly the question of “flZYCaZi” $02.28. The term “alkali” as used popularly is intended to express the presence 0f. any incrustation (usually ivhite) upon the soil, or any chemical substance disseminated in the soil, that Will retard or prevent plant growth. Such spots in the ivestern part of the State are common, and are not unknown even in the eastern part; but it is the exception to find any large body of land unsuited for agrizsulturali purposes from the presence of alkali. The “alkali” of Texas generally" consists of common salt-sotlium chloride. Sometimes there naav be present sodium corbonate, and in one ins-tance I have found calciumi chl.oride—-chloride of lime. The folloiving analysis reported for the- State geological survey will illustrate the composition of Texas “alkali” spots: r BZacZ" yiZkaZi fmm lisZeicz. Lime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4.48 per cent... Sulphuric acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6.39 per cent... Carbon Dioxide . . . . _ _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2.23 per cent- Soda (Oxide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H1132?! per cent.. Potash (Oxide) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .09 per cent- Chlorine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6.53 per cent. The soda is present as chloride, sulphate, and carbonate; the lime as silicate and carbonate. SkzmpZe from Q50 GrazzcZe raZZey-Zezz nziZes $024272 ofFi. Hancock. Lime . . . . . .. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..7.73 per cent.. Sulphuric acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .51 per cent. Carbon dioxide- .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 . . . . . . . . .. .... .. .280 per cent- Oxide of cOdlUln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..1.l6 per cent... Potash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..0.4l percent... Chlornie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..l.l6 yer cent. This is the sample containing the chloride oflime, in sufiicicnt quantity to keep the surface of the spot moist, although there had. been no rain for several months. YV/ziie flZlcaZi. Asample of this has following composition: In 100 parts of the-i- water soluble material which amounted to forty-four per cent of the» entire mass. a 50.99 parts alkaline chlorides. i 3.88 parts of lime. 19.77 parts sulphuric acid. No magnesia present. SampZe from Laredo. Calcium oxi 1e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .392 per cent... Sillphuric acid. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .563 per cent. Carbon dioxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2.3fi per cent- Chlorine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .87 per cent. Potash . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32 per cent-a Sodium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 per cent.-. The general tendency of“alkali” when the soil is cultivated is to». work its way to the surface; accumulating here, it frequently prevents- the growth of certain crops. Tn prevent this surface accumulation... the recoil should receive deep cultivation; or be flooded with ivater that is allowed to drain from the soil—carrving the “alkali” writh it. TEXAS sorts. 269 RECLAIMING ALKALI SPOTS. First, there should be made a chemical analysis of the alkali. If it‘ iis a chloride that is giving the trouble, use means above mentioned to prevent “surface accumulation.” In addition make applications of lbarn yard manure when this can be obtained. Certain crops will ggrow in spite of “alkali,” unless there is a very large amount of it. Beets and sorghum are conspicuous for their ability to grow upon an alkaline soil. Frequently the crops are unfitted for use from the presence of chlorides in them, unless for feeding purposes. If carbon- :ate of soda is giving the trouble, this may be neutralized by a plica- tion of _gypsu1n_-.,(sulphate of lime) as shown by Dr. Hivlgarchpgiving ~corbonate of lime and sulphate of soda, and restoring the soil to fertil- iitv. Plzospizaie Rock (.9) From Corpus Christi supposed samples of phosphate of lime Were ~~obtained and subjected to partial analyses: No. 1. No. 2. Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. 1.64 2.80 ‘Volatile and organic matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2.96 1.07 Silica and Sand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3884 25.74 lIron and Alurnnia. . . . . .. " " ' . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4.22 3 89 ‘Calcium (Lime) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2882 35.26 Magnesium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . . .24 1.00 iSulphuric acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.55 2.03 Phorphoric acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .338 .294 ?otash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .; . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .468 .. Soda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . -. . . . . . .. .397 By inspection it will be seen that the phosphoric acid is little more than that contained in some of the soils. But " this, with the potash present together with the large quantity of carbonate of lime, make it an excellent marl for local use. College‘ CZay. The College is located upon a black sandy soil with a White clay subsoil, almost impervious to water. But it contains occasional EPOCkCtS and streaks of sand that makes it cave and wash badly when -~once the top soil is taken away. It seems to be acformation of con- =siderable extent; characterized by a post oak and black jack growth -of timber along the Brazos; giving way on the east to belts and spots of prairie. But sometimes, the white clay is replaced by yel- ilow or red clay. Below is given analysis of a sample from the College farm : Water... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5.82 per cent. ‘Volatile and Organic Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.94 per cent. ~Silica and Insoluble Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76.17 per cent. “Iron Oxide . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2.99 per cent. Alumina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8.33 per cent. ‘Calcium Oxide (Lime) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .60 per cent. *Carbon Dioxide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 per cent. Magnesium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .55 per cent. Sulphuric Acid . . . . . . . . . .._ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106 per cent. Phospharic Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .083 per cent. Potash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 per cent. It will be noticed there is a large amount of potash, but a. small zamount of lime. If this were applied, by subsoiling, either as quick- 270 TEXAS ACiRHI/‘UIJTURAI, EXPERIMENT srlaurroN. lime or the carbonate or even as the sulphate, (gypsuml) it would probably help to unlock the potash and improve the mechanical condition of the soil. So that better crops would be obtained during a drouthy year. It can not be said, that this WOZJM result, but it is . most likely that such Would be the case. Oi the Work here reported, samples from State Farm, Brazos bottom deposit from the river, College clay, Forney, Kaufman county, hammock soil from Bell county, upland soil from Colmesneil, l-Vichita ' and Abilene soils, Manor soil, Pine Ridge and Valley soils from Rusk, Pecan (lap soil, and phosphate rock were analyzed by Associate Prof. Duncan Adriance. Assistant Prof. P. S. Tilson analyzed sanfiples of black waxy from Bell county, Brazos river deposit, creek bottom soils from Tyler county, lVaxahachie soil, Terrell, New Braunfels, two soils Cherokee (rounty, and “ alkali” soils reported. .1 1 >z>w20 $260 5E2? .......zownsw .5550 he??? .. ......:ownsw 2.56m. 5.9.15 5.55.0 .515. g2 . . on-¢Q-Q0QOIQ?FO@QYIw . 555cm x930 55:00 .655. . ...ouuoi5owA+sv/f4 ...-.¢-.....@£rwrY¥@:5m ...-»-.;@©@Q:w .-.o-.-n- - . . - - ..?iow 0 ...-¢- unao\iromngw o - n o u ¢¢oooooo . . . . flow 9:...’ M355 .3550 woxo$0 .........:om5:w . . Bbahm 23.85. .uuuo-n.-u-.jficwotsa @5395 Q30 nwowm P85555005