OLD GRASS LAND.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 741, 30 January 1915, Page 2

OLD GRASS LAND.

If the prospect of enhanced prices for the produce of arable land results in the return to cultivation of much of the land now under permanent pasture or in long rotation, several advantages, both to the nation and to the individual, will follow, says a leaflet issued by the Scottish Board of Agricutlure. The country will be less dependent on outside supplies, and the income obtained from increased home BUDplies will be spent in the country. The total head of live stock could be increased, as it has been proved beyond question that in countries where the land is intensively cultivated greater numbers of live stock can be kept than where a large proportion of the land is under grass. It should be kept in mind also that when arable land reverted to grass during the period of agricultural depression much less was known of the science of agriculture, and the tenant had less freedom in regard to dropping and general management. To-day the tenant may crop the land in any way he pleaßes without penalty, so long as he takes care that the farm is not deteriorated. Thus in breaking up old grass land he may take three or more grain crops in succession without deterioration of soil or crop if the land is suitable and an intelligent ÜBe is made of artificial manures. In several parts of England many successive crops of wheat have been grown on the same land without reducing the average yield or depleting. Consideration should also he given to the fact .that much inferior grass land Aould be improved if put through a course of cropping and re-grassed, and the present is probably a very favourable opportunity.

In breaking up old grasa land several considerations should be kept in view. Pastures on verv heavy or very light land, fields which are badly drained or subject to flooding, and very high-clasa grazing land are probably best left alone; but, apart from these, there remains a great area oi second-class grazing lands which are probably put to their worst use when kept undeo grass. Ploughing should not be too deep. Provided the grasa and weeds are properly buried, and sufficient soil is exposed to allow the harrows to cover the seed thoroughly, the land is sufficiently stirred for oats, which is the best crop for the circumstances. If the pastures has not been manured or cake fed for some years it is likely to be deficient in phosphates, and a dressing o£ Scwt. of basic slag or superphosphate per acre Bhould be applied. If the pasture is very old and "turfy," gas lime or various other forms of lime will produce both an immediate and prolonged benefit; gas lime will help in killing the insect pests and their larvae, with which the surface may be infested, while both this and the other forms of lime will improve the health and general condition of the soil.