PEAS---A SOIL RENOVATOR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 88, 7 January 1918, Page 8

PEAS---A SOIL RENOVATOR

In common with other leguminous plants peas possess the power of gathering nitrogen from the atmosphere, and are therefore wholly independent of nitrogenous manures. They are an excellent soil renovator, and a. f,ood crop to grow on land that is, or is becoming, worn out. In the Kingston district (writes "F.W.L." in ""Australasian"), when the season suits they, they do well after potatoes, .but most of tile farmers prefer to follow the tuberous crop with wheat or barley, as either of those cereals is more certi/in. The land can be ploughed in February immediately after harvest, and harrowed down and across the pad/ock. It should then lie until June or July, to allow the winter rains and frosts to break down and smooth the surface. The customary rate of saecling peas is four bushels per acre, but if- tlie I ground is clean two to three bushels will suffice. The dun pea is most favoured by local growers. The setd is broadcasted and ploughed under to a depth of four inches. Aftar that the paddock should be harrowed a couple of times, and rolled if necessary. Peas do beat in a mellow seed bed, the preparation of which is greatly facilitated by ploughing twice before giving. Tbe crop is ready to harvest at any time from Christmas to New Year. As in the case of all other crops, the best results are attained by thorough tillage. In no circumstances should the seed be put into foul land if it enn possibly be avoided. There is no chnnco of cleaning the' crop once it is up, and the competition of weeds robs it of both plant food and moisture, In its initial stages of ' growth the weather k cold, and the crop is i.hus placed st a disadvantage in fighting rubbish. For that) reason sowing on w«II-worktd land ie imperative to assure a good yield.

■ At Maidstone Fair, reports the "Australasian" of December 29, the demand for Eomneys was good. Four rams sent for sale by Mr. R. L. Mond averaged £69. Sir A. Mond paid the record price of 100 guineas for one of tho four, and 45 guineas for another. Judges reckoned that the best ram went to Mr. A. Stevens at 70 guineas. The general average for 70 Romneys was £17 6s. The average for 76 Southdowns was £8 10s. Bd.