CONTROL OF WEEDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 April 1940, Page 9

CONTROL OF WEEDS

ERADICATION NECESSARY. PRODUCTION REDUCED. On few farms can it be said that there is complete freedom from weeds. Even where pastures arc. generally speaking, in excellent order, there are often small corners, strips along streams or swamp edges, or uneven patches where such weeds as ragwort, blackberry and gorse abound. By their occupation of land which would otherwise be producing butter, mutton or arable crops, these weeds are to this extent reducing the possible production on those farms.

In fact, one might even claim that the losses are even greater, as the time devoted annually to their control could be more profitably employed on other productive work (states the "Journal of Agriculture”). Nor does this set out the complete loss, for, not only does the farmer spend much useful time in cutting and grubbing such weeds, but he may also lay out in cash certain sums for labour and materials in his struggle against weeds. Losses are thus threefold —firstly, the land is unproductive; secondly, useful lime is wasted! and thirdly, expense is regularly' incurred in controlling weeds.

Insufficient thought is given to this problem on the majority of farms: otherwise more effective measures would be taken to check this source of leakage on the average holding. A policy of weed eradication is an urgent necessity and should be prosecuted with all vigour. There are few farms where certain areas could not be made more productive by a system of drainage. Odd gullies, marshy patches, arms ol swamps, etc., are not producing to full capacity on many holdings. Even where the greater portion of a farm is well developed these patches are not uncommon.

Quite naturally—and. without doubt, quite correctly, too—the areas capable of being rapidly brought in have been developed, first. In spite of the soundness of this policy, however, one should not call a hall before an extension ol development is made to all parts of the farm. Frequently, these wot patches are potentially’ rich farming areas, merely' awaiting drainage as a preliminary to development and high production.

Gn occasions, certain marshy patches are incapable of drainage, bul this fact should not preclude development along ether lines. Generally, such areas are covered in vegetation of lilile or no economic value. However, with such useful species as Glycerin aquatica Phalaris arundinacea, and Mercer grass available for just such areas there is no good reason why the.v should continue to be unproductive.