Investigation of soil salinity - analysis and testing

1192. 'The saline matters in the soil' observes Professor Solly, 'are principally the sulphates, muriates, nitrates, and phosphates, of the alkaline and earthy bases. The nature and quantity of these substances vary considerably, but they never constitute more than a very small portion of the soil; their influence upon vegetation is, however, considerable, for certain plants seem to require particular saline substances, and do not grow, well in soils not containing them.'