The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 44
Chapter VIII. — Analysis of Soil, By A German Chemist
Chapter VIII.
Analysis of Soil, By A German Chemist.
The following is an analysis of the soil of the Province of Manitoba, by Professor V. Emmerling, Director of the Chemical Laboratory of the Agricultural Association of the University of Kiel, Holstein, Germany. This scientific analysis confirms in a remarkable manner the reports which have been received of the great fertility of the soil of Manitoba.
Translation of Letter to Senator Emil Klotz.
29th April, 1872.
"Hon. Senator,
Potash | 228.7 |
Sodium | 33.8 |
Phosphoric Acid | 69.4 |
Lime | 682.6 |
Magnesia | 16.1 |
Nitrogen | 486.1 |
Yours truly
, (Signed)"V. Emmerling.
Extract from Letter of Senator Emil Klotz to Jacob E. Klotz, Agent for the Dominion Government.
4th May, 1872..
"After considerable delay, I succeeded in obtaining the analysis of the Manitoba soil from Professor Emmerling, Director of the chemical laboratory of the Agricultural Association of this place, and hope it may be of service to you. Annexed I give you our analysis of the most productive soil in Holstein, whereby you will see how exceedingly' rich the productive qualities of the Manitoba soil are, and which fully explains the fact that the land in Manitoba is so very fertile, even without manure.
page 58"The chief nutrients are, first, nitrogen, then potash and phosphoric acid, which predominates there; but what is of particular importance is the lime contained in the soil, whereby the nitrogen is set free, and ready to be absorbed in vegetable organism. The latter property is defective in many soils, and when it is found defective recourse must be had to artificial means by putting lime or marl (a clay which contains much lime) upon the same.
"According to the analysis of the Manitoba soil, there is no doubt that for the farmer who desires to select for his future home a country which has the most productive soil and promises the richest harvests, no country in the world offers greater attractions than the Province of Manitoba, in the Dominion of Canada."
Analysis of the Holstein Soil and Manitoba Soil compared.
Holstein Soil. | Excess of Properties of Manitoba Soil | |
---|---|---|
Potash | 30 | 198.7 |
Sodium | 20 | 13.8 |
Phosphoric Acid | 40 | 29.4 |
Lime | 130 | 552.6 |
Magnesia | 10 | 6.1 |
Nitrogen | 40 | 446.1 |