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Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1925, Page 2

It is to be hoped that the Progress league will be successful in the effort t:> secure a survey of Westland soils. The information will be of the greatest importance to the settlers concerned in the various localities, for it would supply something of a short cut to success. At present the method adopted is rather to muddle along experimentally. But this process loses seasons, and it is never sure of success. It is best to go to the seat of the difficulty at the outset and learn in one simple act just what is needed. The application of scientific knowledge to farming is not new, but it is not as widely used as it might be. No doubt the experienced farmer—the man reared on the land—feels sure of his own methods, and ft is not enamoured with newer ideas but it is a fact that science applied can be a most useful aid to any and all industrial enterprises It is of the

greatest value to know the contents of the soil—what it is richest in. what it lacks the most. It is generally safe here on the West Coast with so much hush land, to believe that the earth is charged unduly with acids, and these it is necessary to free. Lime is the readiest means at hand, and where lime is used here is invariably a ready response on the part of nature. But lime may he only half the battle, if the settlor knew tile contents of lii.s soil at the outset, and in this respect the survey of the soil would settle the question. in regard to swamp lands a soil survey is most essential if the land is to l>e brought speedily into established pasture. There is so much water in the soil that lime and sun while they play their part, may only do a fraction of the good necessary. Invariably for such soil a special fertiliser «il! lie required to supply natural defects or release special qualities. and experiments are an economic solution of the problem. The aid e science in such matters is essential, and seeing that Westland has much •swamp land waiting effective settle meiit, there is a useful scope of activity waiting the attention of the scientist. The Progress League might well get in touch with the branches of the Farmers' T’nion. and ascertain the most useful places for activity along the line suggested. Tt will be from the farmers themselves where the host information as to refractory soils will ho obtainable, and the League could not do better than go to ihat source for information. It. is to he hoped that the movement about to he taken in hand will he brought to pass for the results should he of incalculable advantage to the district as a whole.