The Restoration of Organic Matter in Soil

This investigation will not deal with all phases of the problem; rather it will deal with the single question of the production of organic matter under artificial or laboratory-controlled conditions. It is believed that this is the only logical way to inaugurate the solution of the problem as a whole. In this investigation will be included studies on the rate of decay of organic materials in soil, and on the quantity and quality of the organic matter produced, with particular reference to the relation of these points to the carbon-nitrogen ratio of the various materials used. The experimental data reported in this thesis will of necessity be incomplete. The main purpose will be to present the literature bearing on the question of the rate of decay of organic materials, and to discuss methods which have been developed for a further study of the problem. Advisor: J. C. Russe