SOIL DEFICIENCY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 772, 19 September 1929, Page 6

SOIL DEFICIENCY

NGAROMA AND MAIROA SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Wed. A systematic scheme of research into the soil deficiency in the Ngaroma and Mairoa districts is being carried out by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, according to an answer to a question given by the Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Hon. H. Atmore. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo) asked the Minister whether he would indicate what steps were being taken to solve the soil-deficiency troubles in the Ngaroma and Mairoa districts. “The Government has realised the importance of the subject mentioned,” replied the Minister, "and, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, a co-ordinated effort on the part of the branches of science involved is in progress. Extensive chemical tests and analyses of the soil and vegetation on treated and untreated areas are being undertaken, and, in addition, officers of the Geological Survey are carrying out soilreconnaissance to test the various pumice layers and soil types. "The pathological aspect is being investigated by an expert physiologist working in the field with the director of the Wallaceville Laboratory. Experiments in soil-treatment and stock-feeding already in progress are being extended in scope, and every effort is being made to obtain information as to the exact nature of the disease and fresh knowledge which should be of assistance toward bringing this area of country into a profitearning condition.”