FERTILIZERS FOR TOP-DRESSING

Southland Times, Issue 24818, 10 August 1942, Page 2

FERTILIZERS FOR TOP-DRESSING

REDUCED ALLOWANCE THIS YEAR The Fertilizer Control Order 1942, which came into force on July 24, gives details of the rationing of fertilizers for the coming season. The allocation of phosphatic fertilizer for top-dressing purposes is 70 per cent, of the amount authorized to be purchased last year. Last year farmers desiring to acquire phosphatic fertilizer for top-dressing were required to complete a form setting out the quantities used during the previous two years, the ration allowed being 40 per cent, of the annual average used during that period. This year the completion of such a form will not be necessary. Tire following example shows the relative quantities of phosphatic fertilizer allowed for top-dressingA farmer whose annual average usage for the two-year period ended May 31. 1941, was 50 tons, last year was allowed 40 per cent? of this amount; that is, 20 tons. This year’s allocation, being 70 per cent, of last year’s allocation, allows this farmer 14 tons. This year organic fertilizers such as dried blood, bone dust and blood and bone are to be rationed. One hundred weight of organic fertilizers is regarded as being equal to a similar weight of superphosphate. As far as top-dressing with organic fertilizer is concerned, it is realized that there are isolated cases where farmers may have in the past been in the practice of carrying this out. Consequently arrangements have been made for farmers who have in the past top-dressed with organic fertilizers to obtain supplies for this purpose should it be available. The procedure to be adopted is that the farmer should apply to his nearest fertilizer committee before August 15. In his application the farmer should state: (1) The total quantity of organic fertilizer used by him during the two-year period ending May 31, 1941, for top-dressing. (2) The name and address of the vendor from whom such fertilizers were obtained. (3) The name and address of the vendor from whom this year's supplies are desired to be purchased. Any additional fertilizer authorized for this purpose may be acquired as either organic, phosphatic or may be partly •organic and partly phosphatic. All appeals should be in the bands of a fertilizer committee on or before August 15. Although an allocation of organic fertilizer is granted the securing of this fertilizer is wholly dependent on its being available.