SPRING-AUTUMN SOWING

Taranaki Daily News, 26 September 1940, Page 2

SPRING-AUTUMN SOWING

LATTER SEASON BEST COMPETITION OF WEEDS 1 Under North Island conditions, spring 'sowing is not as common nor as generi ally to be recommended as autumn sow- ' ing, This is largely due to the fact that | weed competition is too great for the i proper establishment of spring-sown pastures, the autumn generally giving more ! favourable results in this respect. Howiever, there are some conditions where , spring sowing is to be favourad, but in 1 Taranaki with its heavy rainfall sowings in autumn generally give best results, I The-. sowing of grass seed with rape j or turnips in the spring or early sumI mer is not a practice to be recommendi ed where the ultimate object is to obtain permanent pastures. Unless the normal rate of seeding of the crop is greatly reduced, the sowing of grass seed with a crop results in poorer establishment due to the smothering, competitive effect ! of the crop on the pasture and the excesIsive trampling of stock. Also, the proper ! times for the grazing of the pasture and j of the crop do not coincide. If it is ! desired. the inclusion of half a pound j of rape, kale or chou moellier seed with a grass seed mixture will give an extra bulk of feed without the disadvantages mentioned.

Establishment of Pastures. In the spring establishment of pastures harm sometimes results from sowing too early, the severe conditions leading to stunting of growth and to the loss of valuable seedlings, especially clovers, as well as to increased trouble from weeds. One of the most frequent causes for partial failure in the establishment of a pasture is inadequate preparatory cultivation. A fine, firm seed bed is esj sential for successful pasture establish|ment. This means that cultivation operaitions subsequent to ploughing must be j thoroughly carried out and the soil j worked to a well pulverised state. There should be a period for light surface cultivation to destroy weeds. To ensure firmness the roller is usually necessary but the previous operations should be such as to allow this; implement to be effective. After sowing the seed it is advisable to roll if conditions are dry and fine but not under wet conditions with frequent rain. Liberal topdressing in the first year may generally be taken as a pre-requi-site for successful establishment, followed by annual topdressing. It should not be necessary to stress the importance of sowing suitable mixtures of seed and the correct strains of these seed s. A good pasture cannot result from the sow- ' ing of inferior or unsuitable seeds. Where information is required as to seed mixtures for local conditions. this should be obtained from the nearest district oflficer of the fields division. The saving of seed from suitably newly-sown areas should receive every consideration.