PASTURE GROWTH

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 310, 25 August 1932, Page 6

PASTURE GROWTH

INTERESTING EXPERIMENTS AT OPOTIKI DISTRICT HIGIL Some interesting experiments are bemg carried out at the O.D.H.S. in connection with artificial manuring of pastures, where Mr. E. Seville has been instrumental in 'the formation of .experimental grass plots. A mixture has been used consisting of perennial rye 121b, Italian rye 51b, cocksfoot 81b, timothy 21b, red clover 31b, white clover 21b. This has been divided into three portions, A, B and C. The whole piece has been top-dresssd at the rate of 3cwt per acre in the following proportions: — Super 12, Nauru 5, sulphate of ammonia IS, sulphate of potash IS. The purpose of these experiments is to try and effect an earlier spring growth and a later autumn growth, and with this end in view, Section A has received no further top-dressing, B has been dressed with additional phosphate and C with phosphate and nitrogenous manures. Plot C is already much greener and shows an increase in growth, which can be observed with the eye (this means not less than 20 per cent.). ) These manuring experiments will have to be carried on for some time before any definite results will be obtained. Any farmers who are interested are cordially invited to inspect these plots and if they wish, make suggestions for further experiments. Grass Growth. In addition to the experimental plot, there is an experimental bed showing samples of different grasses under growth. By means of these, the nature of different grasses and period of growth can be compared. Nearly all the well known grasses are to he found in this bed, and in addition there are four samples of what is termed "mothor seed," that is to say, seed which has been growing over a long period of years. These special samples are difficult to obtain and were supplied by the Department of Agriculture. It is very interesting to note the difference in the spreading qualities and sturdy growth of th'ese specially selected plants.