KUDZO—THE GREAT FODDER.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 January 1917, Page 7

KUDZO—THE GREAT FODDER.

To the Editor. Sir,—This plant is a native of Japan, where it is a leading crop, and it is also highly commended by'the United States authorities. This is a perennial vine, and its numerous merits compared with lucerne, which is styled the "king of fodder plants," are many It succeeds in any class of soil, if drained, does not require any fertiliser, it rapidly enriches poor soil or barren hillsides into profitable use, it makes good permanent pasture, and it is not injurious to stock at any stage—either green or dry—and when fed to cows it will produce more and richer milk than any other single fted, as it is more nutritious than either luccrtie or bran. It is said lliat in the United Slates it has produced four cuttings of 2% tons each per aci'L annually. It is very drought resistant, as it roots deeply, and the vines cover the ground with foliage which acts like mulch and conserves moisture. It is also said that lnnd planted with Kud/.o soon becomes l'ke the rich soil that has rwently Deen cleared from the virgin forest, and it becomes richer each year through the large quantity of nitrogen deposited therein, ft should be cultivated in rows Bft. apart the first season, after which it will require but little attention.—l am, etc IS. HARRISON, F.R.H.S' Bnrtfngibar P. 0., N.S.W., January 4, 1917.