Paspalum and a Warm Climate.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 4 September 1914, Page 7

Paspalum and a Warm Climate.

4 From reports to hand from the North Coast district of New South Wales, it is evident that Paspalum establishes itself in the warmer climate of that part much more rapidly than it does in New Zealand. Mr. F. V. Wareham, writing from Byron Bay, one of the north coast ports, says : —"lt only requires 81b. to 101b. of choice paspalum seed to be sown to the acre to produce good rich pasture in three months from the time it has (been sown, provided the season be favourable, and the ink-weed kept down while it is making a start. I have all my land unclei paspalum grass, mixed with white Dutch clover, and my stock are always in good condition. I admit that a change of grass from paspalum is good, but I cannot forget what this wonderful grass has done for the district between the Richmond and Tweed. Where can be shown in any other part of Australia the same immense carrying capacity, area for area ? "It has been asserted that paspalum wears itself out, and exhausts the soil. Of course, it in time ceases to grow with that abnormal rapidity it exhibits on new land, because a firm, hard crust forms upon the surface of the land in the course of years of traffic by stock. The remedy is to plough the old pastures up. My experience of this treatment has been that the grass grows quite as luxuriantly as ever. No need to replant, for the grass quickly springs up between the plough furrows, and in a short time is a joy to behold, and all stock rush it."