SOIL SURVEY.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 164, 23 December 1926, Page 5

SOIL SURVEY.

OF PUMICE AREAS. An extensive soil survey of all the pumice areas lying between the towns of Tauranga, Whakatane, Taupo, Te Awamutu and Matamata is now being undertaken by the Agricultural Department under the direction of Mr. B. C. Aston on the lines of the chief chemist’s reefent addresses. An officer of the department, Mr. R. -E. Grimmett, M.Sc., has commenced work in the Matamata county, and is at present covering the Tokoroa district. Seen by a representative of the Putararu Press, Mr. Grimmett stated that much useful information w-as being gained, but that, until the whole survey had been completed and the various reports tabulated, he was not in a position to give any great detail in regard to the outcome of the work in hand. PURPOSE OF SURVEY. The survey aimed at delimiting the various types of soil so that the experience gained on one particular type might be of use to others engaged in farming on that same class of land. When the complete survey was made maps would be prepared showing the various areas suitable for farming or for afforestation purposes, which information of course would be extremely valuable when opening up new country. SHELTER-BELTS NEEDED. Speaking of Tokoroa district in particular, Mr. Grimmett stated that along the Maraetai road he had noticed some good farms where he thought the soil was composed of shower pumice. Tokoroa pumice areas had a big advantage over the Mamaku areas in that they were 500 feet lower, and consequently were not as bleak as the higher plateau. However, he felt convinced that one of the great needs of the Tokoroa district was the planting of shelterbelts of trees. BIG DEMAND FOR DRUG.

Touching on “ bush-sickness,” Mr. Grimmett stated that ‘the medicinal treatment of stock had proved very efficacious, and that farmers were

following in a marked manner the ‘ methods advised by the department. I Indeed, so great was the demand by | farmers for the drug which the de- | partment supplied at cost price that . officials were at times hard pressed to cope with their requirements. However, there was no fear of any shortage, and farmers could rely upon getting their supplies with the , utmost despatch, but it was a strik- ' ing tribute to the efficacy of the treatment that the demand had been so exceptional. LEACHING OF THE IRON. , Asked to give a statement in re- ; gard to the shortage of iron in the ; pumice soil, Mr. Grimmett preferred 1 not to say too much at the present juncture, .but mentioned that he had found that the flat high country was more likely to be affected with sickness than the lower flats. This was possibly because of the leaching of the iron from these areas by the ; heavy rainfalls, which would natur- - ally tend to carry it off owing to the . very porous nature of the soil and sub-soil. Such areas were far more likely to be affected by this leaching process than lower broken country covered with springs, which would tend to return the iron to the surface, and which areas would also be helped by the seepage from the hills. The high water content of the lower areas also tended to make available what iron there was in the soil. SUPPLYING IRON TO ANIMALS. Replying to a question as to the methods of giving iron to animals in their drinking water, Mr. Grimmett j mentioned that a method which was , proving very satisfactory was by ' means of an automatic ball-cock arI ranged in a small-sized trough. This 1 trough was just large enough to supply one cow with water, and each | time it was emptied sufficient iron | solution was lot down by means of i the bail-cock to mix with the fresh ! water to supply a dose for each anii rr.al. This method prevented loss of | the iron by precipitation, and was | proving very satisfactory.