Abstract
I AM not at all surprised that Mr. Fletcher failed to reproduce, the conditions of a strongly heated soil by simply adding frequent doses of ammonium compounds to an unheated soil. Soil suffers considerable decomposition when heated to 170° C., and changes markedly in chemical composition, physical properties, suitability as a medium for the growth of bacteria, moulds, and other organisms, and as a habitat for the higher plants. Experiments become extraordinarily difficult to interpret when so many factors change simultaneously, and for this reason I have always preferred to adopt very much milder methods, treating the soil with antiseptic vapours (e.g. toluene), or heating to as low a temperature as possible (60° to 95° C.). Here less complication arises, because the decomposition effects are at a minimum, and one can study the various factors one at a time.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
RUSSELL, E. Soil Fertility. Nature 91, 160 (1913). https://doi.org/10.1038/091160c0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/091160c0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.