Speech #600043095

Some of the reasons for the necessity and demand for this work follow: The soil survey constitutes an expert opinion of the character of the soils In each community and of the class of crops which can be raised to best advantage and of the methods of cultivation and fertilization which are most certain to produce good crop yields. The soil surveys are used by agricultural colleges as a basis for further experimentation and demonstration. as a basis for instruction in soil science. and as a basis for advising farmers in planting and caring for crops. They are used by individuals in search of investments and homes. by companies and individuals having lands for sale. by individuals. communities. and public officials in directing immigration. and by investment companies in placing loans. In 1901 the Secretary of Agriculture. in his report. further defined the work of the Bureau of Soils. as follows: The Bureau of Soils is charged with the study of soil problems in their relation to practical agriculture. with the Investigation of the physical and chemical properties of soils and of the materials and methods involved in artificial fertilization and its influence upon the original soils. with the classification and mapping of soils in agricultural districts to show the distribution of the various soil types with a view to determining their adaptability to certain crops. and their management and treatment. with the Investigation of alkali problems and their relations to irrigation and seepage waters. the causes of the rise and accumulation of alkali. and the reclamation of Injured or abandoned lands. To assist in solving the many field problems which are met the laboratories investigate the distribution and movements of moisture in soils. the solubility of mineral matter in soil moisture. the chemistry of the various alkali salts. the mechanical distribution of mineral plant foods In the soil moisture. the nature and physical chemistry relationships of the organic constituents of soils. and also devise methods and apparatus for the physical and chemical study of soils.