FOR TREE PLANTING.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 July 1914, Page 7

FOR TREE PLANTING.

The use of explosives for preparing the ground for tree planting was demonstrated. A hole about 3#t. deep was made, and a charge of Boz. of cheddite inserted, ignition being effected by an ordinary fuae.' The explosion loosened the strong soil lying on chalk to a depth of 3ft. 6in., and to about the same extent in diameter. It is claimed for the system that, besides a better rooting area for young trees. It has been proved that fruit trees planted in this way have taken root more quickly and made more rapid growth than those planted in the usual manner. The cost of the operation is from 4|d. to 6d. a tree, and one man can prepare for sixteen trees an hour.

Experiments carried out on these lines for loosening the soil have proved very eliective. Four-ounce charges of gelignite were inserted in holes made with the crowbar 3ft. 6in. deep at intervals of 10ft. The explosion left little impression upoE the surface, but the momentary effect was to raise the earth for * distance of sft. to 7ft. around the centre of concussion several inches above the ordinary level^ and when dug the subsoil was seen to be cracked and broken. It is believed that the effect will facilitate the spreading of the roots of plants, thereby encouraging fjrowtk and reducing the risk of iajurjr from drought. The cost of th» operation is estimated at £5 1O». per acre, but it would be required calf/ om* in i ten or twelve years.