SUPPLYING SOIL DEFICIENCIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 16, 19 October 1945, Page 4

SUPPLYING SOIL DEFICIENCIES

OPTIMISTIC claims are made in South Australia for a new system for reclaiming waste lands which have a reasonable rainfall by correcting mineral deficiencies. The minerals supplied in tiny quantities are said to be molybdenum, copper, zinc, potasisum, borax and manganese. The method of supplying minerals deficient in soil is not new, but some of the constituents, certainly are unusual and the results will be watched with interest. Remarkable results have been achieved in New Zealand, and particularly in the Waikato, by artificial fertilisation, while the use of a microscopic quantity, of cobalt in pastures has effected an amazing cure of a sickness in livestock. If this is possible in animal life, there is'some hope that similar results may be achieved with plant life. Excellent results are claimed in South Australia. If the system is as successful as its promoters claim, the re-fertilisation of waste land mig-it. have an important effect in checking erosion. The more luxuriant the growth of vegetation the less the likelihood of the wind carrying away the surface soil. In this connection, of course, rainfall or an artificial supply of water is of the first importance, but soil fertility also has its influence because it conserves moisture and b some believe v by growing vegetation ©Hcouxciges rainfall* "WnGrs dust storms have swept away much of the surface soil there will be an urgent need to resto're the fertility of what re* mains when the rains come again. New Zealand also has its problems of waste land. Settlement and production could be advanced to a great extent if deficiencies m poor lands could be supplied at reasonable cost. Therefore the experiments in South Australia are of close interest to tfoe Dominion.