CARE IS NEEDED IN CONTROL OF BUTTERCUP

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 72, 21 July 1950, Page 5

CARE IS NEEDED IN CONTROL OF BUTTERCUP

(By E. R. Marryatt, Fields Instructor, Dept, of Agriculture, Whakatane). A note in the last issue of this newspaper stated that one pound of Frenokone mixed with sufficient lime or ordinary topdressing fertiliser to cover one acre will control buttercup if done at the proper time (September-October). This is quite true but there seems to be a danger that the word “mixed” may be misinterpreted. Evenly Spread

Obviously the one pound of the sodium salt must be spread evenly over the acre if it is to kill the buttercup on that acre. Equally obviously this means thorough mixing with the lime or fertiliser and even distribution through the topdresser. The question could be, what is thorough mixing? This is the method of mixing recommended. First thoroughly mix the lib of the sodium salt with -ne bag of lime or fertiliser. Then thoroughly mix this mixture with a second bag. Then mix this second mixture with the remainder of the fertiliser or lime for the acre. Irrespective of how many bags are being put on to the acre, at least three mixings, each thorough, are recommended.

Lime is best for this purpose, but any finely-ground fertiliser will do. There is danger in trying to get good results with coarsely ground fertiliser like some types of superphosphate for a small lump of superphosphate although it may be coated with the sodium salt will lie in only one place on the ground and will be denying this sodium salt to the nearby buttercup. Not Windy Days

Star-feed topdressers do not distribute the material evenly enough and centrifugal topdressers used on a windy day may result in claims from the neighbours for damages to their vegetables. This kind of trouble has already occurred in the U.S.A. «

Finally, besides being difficult, the mixing of the sodium salt with lime or fertiliser is unpleasant and the wearing of a mask is recommended. Better still, wait a little longer for machine-mixed lime and weedicides to appear on the market, or spray your weedicides. Advice on constructing your own lowvolume spray outfit is available on application.