SOIL RESEARCH

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1930, Page 6

SOIL RESEARCH

NEW DIVISION FORMED

LMP(MUTANT DEVELOPMENT

The formation of a Soil . Reconnaissance Division of the Geological Survey Branch was announced last week by the Prime Minister (Hon G. \\ . Forbes), in his'capacity as Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. 'I lie new division will be chiefly occupied with research work upon soils especially in pumice areas, in order to increase their productivity by scientific treatment.

“Recent investigations in New Zealand have shown more clearly than ever the need for further '.knowledge of our soils by reason of -tlie .distinct bearing they have upon the; pastures that grow upon them;” the Prime Minister said. “Tins has been particularly apparent in the volcanic areas of the North Island, ih. parts' of which stock malnutrition problems become acute.

NEW SUPERVISOR

“In order to promote further investigations of these soils'.gitbiiaS been decided to establish a Suit Recqiinajssance Division of the' Geological Survey Branch. Arrangenmts■; have .gbeen made by Air T. Rigg, of the Caivthrou Institute, who has already carried out considerable soil survey work in the Nelson district, to supervise- the suijey which will be undertaken in the volcanic areas of the North Island by several officers of the Geological Survey’ Brandi. These officers already have gained experience of the nature of the problem of a series of investigations conducted during the past year and previously in the King Country, Rotorua and Taupo areas.

“Work already undertaken has shown that there is a distinct relation between the soil material, -both on the surface and in the lower strata, and the incidence of stock and, ,ness. The establishment .Soil Reconnaissance Division will enable work in this area to lie pushed forward more rapidly and, in consequence, it will serve as a useful guide to the laud settlement at present taking place on this class of country. •‘Tlie arrangements will allow of soil samples,collected in the field being mechanically and chemically examined in the laboratories of the Cawthron Institute and of ultimate analyses of these ’being carried out in the Dominion Laboratory.

BEARING OF THE WORK

“Soil reconnaissance work has a direct and immediate bearing upon such soil treatments us ploughing, topdressing. pasture establishment and stock management.- In view of the problems that occur on the unique soil types found throughout the greater part of the North Island, this investigation should prove of the greatest value as-fit*" -guide to land-«settle-ment and to farm practice. “The proposed survey will give the skeleton or geheral picture oiF'which may be superimposed by tlrei ment of Agriculture or chenrhrts attached to fbffcjlLser companies detail soil analyses- &P'smaller localities where factors such as resorting of material can be taken into account. However, the reconnaissance may be expected to indicate generalisations in regard to manorial treatment over wide areas.

RESULTS ALREADY

“The work to date has already indicated the soil characteristics of the Muiroa and ,the parts of Ngaroma on which bush-sickness is not likely to he met with. Local showers of andesitic asli should oilvc an explanation as to why the soils af. Horopito are healthy ami ..similarly .the neighbourhood of the Houle Pris-uf Farm, where there is also a. slight -'admixture jof waterborne ir rev-v, alike.

“The new method of approach to the various ■ malnutrition problems. has arisen out of the plotting of the limits of the various showers by Mr L. I Grange and the analyses of mineral content of pastures by the officers working in conjunction with Mr Aston.”