SOIL TALKS SOON

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 53, 4 July 1974, Page 5

SOIL TALKS SOON

Two top soil scientists are to give addresses on fertiliser requirements for Taupo's pumice soils at a farmers' conference on July 9. They are Dr W. M. A. Saunders, a well-known leader in the soil chemistry section at the Ruakura Agricultural Research Centre, and Mr R. J. Toxopeus, also of Ruakura. Dr Saunders' work has contributed a great deal to the knowledge of the phosphate requirements of soils. In particular, a series of his trials has covered the

Taupo pumice soils. The work of Mr Toxopeus on magnesiiim and potassium in plant growth and uptake is particularly important in the areas of pasture and lucerne production and establishment. Lucerne is not the easiest to handle when it cornes to hay making. A discussion by Massey University lecturer in agricultural mechanisation, Mr Ralph Sims, should prove timely with the current interest in lucerne as a fodder and grazing crop. Developments in the large one to three-tonne

bale and mini stack systems will also be discussed. Farfn management adviser Mr John Jack man will outline the use and role of farm accounts. The battle of the grass grub continues and on an ever-increasing frOnt, both in its spread and in the approaches to dealing with the problem. Mr B-ill Kain, the leading entomologist at Ruakura, has been working on the grass grub problem and will discuss control approaches. The conference will be held in the Memorial Hall.