Correspondence

Levin Daily Chronicle, 14 April 1917, Page 3

Correspondence

[Our correspondents' opinions are their own; the responsibility of editorial onos makes sufficiei:'. oallast for the ■ editor's slicuilders;. KUDZO—THE GREAT FODDER:. (To the Editor). S'ir, —This plant is a nati. e of Japan, where it is a leading crop, and it is also highly commended in tho United States by the authorities. Tt is a perennial vine, and its numerous merits compared with lucerne, which' is styled "the king of fodder plants," are many. It succeeds in any class of soil, if drained; does not require any fertiliser; it rapidly enriches poor soil; it does not require to be cut" at a certain time to save it. It will transform poor soil, or barren hillsides into profitable use, it makes good and permanent pasture, and it is not injurious to stock at any stacre—either green or dry—and when "fed" to cows it will produce more and richer milk than any other single feed, as it is more nutritious than either lucerne or bran. It is said that in the United States it has produced four cuttings of 2i tons each per acre annually. It is very drought resistant as it roots deeply ,and the vines cover the ground with foliage that acts like mulch and conserves moisture. It is also said that land planted with kudzo sooni becomes like the rich soil that has recently been cleared from the virgin forest, and it becomes richer each year through the large quantities of nitrogen deposited thereon. It should he cultivated in rows Bft 'apart the first season, after which it will requre but little attention.—Yours, etc., B. HARRISON, f.R.H.S.. Burringbar P. 0., N.S.W. March 31, 1917.