FARM PRODUCTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1939, Page 3

FARM PRODUCTION

STEPS TO ENSURE INCREASE FULLER USE OF PHOSPHATIC FERTILISERS. TOPDRESSING OF SUPREME IMPORTANCE. Thai fuller use of phosphatic fertilisers would provide the most effective means of increasing production was the opinion generally held by members of the Mastertcn District Council of Primary Production which held its first meeting recently. Inevitably primary production expansion must be a relatively slow process and generally can be achieved only as the result of long term and careful planning. Manurial responses are, however, almost immediate, at least where soluble fertilisers are being employed, and profitable returns can be guaranteed from all but the poorest of soils. Indeed, so far as the Wairarapa is concerned it may be said That superphosphate topdressing will always yield immediately profitable responses except, on possibly the poorest scrub hill country—bearing in mind the part played by subterranean clover and by lime on many areas in ensuring maximum returns from superphosphate. Fortunately, a definite assurance can be given that for the forthcoming season at least no shortage of phosphates need be feared and provision has already been made for a supply at least equal to normal requirements. It behoves farmers, therefore, to see that this full supply is utilised as any reduction in the amounts applied must inevitably be reflected in lower production during the forthcoming year. It is felt that there is indeed, little need to dwell upon this point. Money spent on topdressing is not a "cost" but an investment and few of us need urging to maintain our net income.

Whether we need concern ourselves with the securing of an increased supply of phosphates will depend on the extent to which farmers respond to the numerous appeals made for increased production. None can doubt the council’s opinion that quickest results will be obtained per medium ol the super bag—results, not only vitally important in the national sense but inevitably profitable to the individual. Whatever doubts may be raised as tc the economy of topdressing danthoniabrowntop hill country, none will question the profitable returns obtained from country of fat lamb and dairying quality. The fact remains nevertheless that less Than half of our fat lamb ans. dairying country is topdressed each year. In urging the more full exploitation of phosphatic topdressing, therefore, it is possible to expect double our present consumption before expecting that any country be manured which cannot return profitable results to the individual.

Another point raised at the council meeting was the congestion and difficulty that resulted from the majority of farmers delaying the ordering oi their requirements until a very short time before they were actually needed. It is hoped, therefore, that farmers will make a special effort this season to reduce the load placed on manufacturing and transport by placing their orders early. Almost all have ample shed accommodation at least at soon as shearing is over and by co-op-erating in this matter a considerable service would be rendered. It migh! be pointed out also that in the past, late orders have frequently been delayed so that topdressing is held up until well into the -winter. This is highly undesirable and results in less efficient utilisation of the fertiliser whereas by commencing topdressing as soon as possible after New Year the maximum autumn and winter growth could be assured. Many are apparently afraid that manures lying on the ground ,will deteriorate in hot weather. This might possibly occur in the case of blood manures but definitely does not arise with inorganic manures such as superphosphate, basic slag, etc., and there is. therefore, no need to wait for rain before applying these fertilisers.

The council appeals to all farmers, therefore, to take the first step towards maintaining and increasing production b?/ keeping up their normal tondressing programme and. on the easier country at least, by increasing the amounts applied where ever possible.

Briefly the appeal may be summarised as follows:--1. 9’opdressing, particularly with soluble phosphates, is the simplest, the quickest and the most profitable means of increasing production. 2. Congestion and delay can be avoided by the early placing of orders. 3. Best results are obtained by topdressing during the summer and early autumn. 4. Soluble manures are partly wasted if applied during the cold wet winter months, but inorganic manures do not deteriorate in fertilising value through lying on the ground in dry weather.