FIELD NOTES FOR MARCH 1927

Shannon News, 22 February 1927, Page 4

FIELD NOTES FOR MARCH 1927

(.By M. J. McCulloch. Instructor in Agriculture, Palmerston North.)

The majority of the cereal crops would be stacked by the end of February and unless it is intended to thresh or chaff the stacks before the bad weather sets in, they should be securely thatched, as should be all hay stacks. A thoroughly stock proof fence should also protect the stacks, and a few furrows ploughed round them as a protection against fire. Unfortunately, considerable waste continues from neglect of these simple precautions. Catch Crops. Land which has grown early soft turnips or other fodders together with the stubbles should •be utilised for catch crops whether for fodder or for ploughing in. Unless the object is to fallow and clean out troublesome plants such as couch grasses, etc. land should not remain in idleness at this season, growing and seeding weeds. Although the season is well advanced, there are still a number of useful fodder crops which may be sown with safety, provided there is sufficient moisture. In some districts even swedes have been sown with reasonable success as late as the end of February, but swedes are hss adaptable than soft turnips for very late sowing. Algerian oats and Kyecorn sown this month make good winter grazing, or either of the foregoing at 2 bushels with one bushel Scotch Tares per acre provide useful crops. Likewise Black Skinless barley at from 2h to 2 bushels per acre being an extremely quick grower should be ready for feeding in from G to 8 weeks. Westernwolths is good in strong land, or Italian rye at 201 b. per acre with 5 or 6 lbs cowgrass makes a vigorous temporary pasture for periodical grazing, and one which can be counted on to last for two seasons if necessary. Crimson colver is sometimes substituted for cowgrass but on the average does not appear to givy the same amount of feed, and being only an annual, leaves such temporary pasture devoid of clover content in the second year, excepting that which comes naturally. All catch crops should be given a liberal application of a phosphatic fertiliser.

Sowing Of Grass. March is a much favoured month for grassing down in many districts, and preparations should be well in hand. Bush or scrub burns are usually most successful at thi s time. The mixture to be sown should be on hand in order that no time will be lost, and every advantage taken 0? the ash to form a good seed-bed. On arable land sowing should be completed by the end of the month If possible. Where such fodde r crops, such as rape, kale, etc., has been fed off, and the area is going into grass, the most successful method of preparation is to disc thoroughly instead

of ploughing. Consolidation of the seed-bed is thus assured, and the manure left by stock kept at the surface. Should ploughing be necessary then it should only be shallow, and worked later to a fine and firm condition. In making up mixtures, I local conditions of soil and ciimato are the most important factors, ana where ther e is doubt advice should be sought. Lucerne. Provided the conditions suit, abvantage should be taken to eradicato grass or other weeds from the stand. For this purpose it may first be necessary to break the surface with the discs, but for the eradication of grass etc. there is no finer implement than the special lucerne cultivator with narrow, long-pointed teeth. Where such a machine is not available, the special teeth can be fitted to the ordinary spring-tooth cultivator. If the stand has developed a good root hold, the cultivation should be deep and thorough, so that all grasses etc. will be uprooted and killed on the surface. Maize. This fodder will be proving very useful, and where not grown with tares or peas, the dairy herd should have access to pasture with an abundant clover pasture such as a hay aftermath. Soft Turnips. Also a most useful supplementary crop should be fed with reasonable care. They should be pulled at least from 24 to 48 hours before feeding to avoid tainL Rape. Early rape should still be continuing to provide a useful bite, and like other green fodder s if they can be spared will assist to freshen up the ewe flock just before tupping. Potatoes. The main crop will now be nearing maturity towards the end of the month and beginning of April, but no attempt to harvest them until the haulms are properly ripened off, otherwise the keeping quality will be impaired. Liming. Top-Dressing, Etc. In order that success can be relied upon all arrangements should be In hand where liming is proposed so that the fullest benefit may be derived the following spring. Likewise, where conditions*of soil, etc. suit the slower acting manures for top-dressing grass the work should receive early consideration. Basic slag anr rock phosphates should be applied at this searon if a benefit is expected in early spring. Super applied gives a better winter growth, and is a common practice in many districts. Hillcountry top-dressing is easier handled now and during early winter.