Experimental Farming In Levin

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 July 1915, Page 2

Experimental Farming In Levin

A PUPIL'S ESSAY OX AGRICULTURE.

The following article shows how the learners of the Weraroa Experimental Kami 'occupy their time during tlio winter evenings. The .Manager with a low remarks gives the learners subject from which to write essays," theso are read by the 'writers, in turn, tlio following evening Below is the Lull text of an essay by learner Penrose; 10 weeks on farm and no previous farm uxperieiiee. He was educated at the Otaki High School which he left 'ii April l'Jlo. WHAT JiS AGIWCULTURE? (lifssay by Learner Penrose.) Agriculture is, as the derivation of the woru shows, the tilling of the ground. Agriculture embraces so many dill'erent varieties of cropping and tilling that it requires very careful study it has indeed become almost, if not wholly, a science, such as demands tlio time and attention of very clever men. jjoth science and the practical experience of farmers themselves shows that it is inadvisable to crop the same piecu of ground year after year •with the some crop. If possible a different crop should be grown on a lield every year, say potatoes or mangolds the tirst \ear to dean the ground, then ,sonic cereal, then tin nips and so oil. However. if it is . necessary to grow the same crop each year, care should be taken that the soil is supplied with a maijiire such that it will replace the plant food taken lrom the soil by that particular crop. The variety of implements designed lor the cultivation of the (soil is almost innumerable, but the plough, harrow, and drill are the three nicfit important. Nothing improves the ground like frequent ploughing ah the soil, like everything else, requires sunshine. Can we go on cropping for ever? No, the end is generally when the ground has been sown with" grass, and is then ready for grazing. But unlortunately in many cases it is when tile soil has become exn a listed. Agriculture should improvo the soil rather than impoverish it- With proper rotation of crops. good cultivation. and a. liberal dressing of manure, when necessary, will prepare the soil to be in a fit condition Tor sowing with suitable grasses. Agriculture ends at that point: Tiffs treatment will allow tlio held to have the required rest To- a time.