To Increase Production

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 12, 4 October 1929, Page 8

To Increase Production

Impressive Facts About> Topdressing NE of the most valuable of the lectures given from 3YA for primary producers was that on "The Case for Topdressing in Canterbury," by Mr. A. Y. Montgomery, broadcast. last week. This lecture went right to the heart of the subject, and emphatically proved to all primary producers the desirability, in their own and the national interest, of adequately topdressing their pasture land, to replace the mineral content removed by steady grazing. Mr. Montgomery quoted these figures, which should remain fixed in the memory of every farmer as invaluable proof of the need for adequate pasture treatment.. There has been removed from the pasture lands of New Zealand in the last 20 years, in the aggregates of beef, lamb, and sheep exported from the country, phosphate equal to 586,440 tons of 44/46 per cent. superphosphate. In recent years the rate of topdressing has steadily increased, and now replacement is taking the place to some extent of the original fertility so removed. Last year, however, 211,000 tons of superphosphate only were used, so that much remains yet to be done, particularly in relation to sheep country, as the bulk of the phosphate now used is applied to dairy lands. In Canterbury only 3710 tons of superphosphate were used ir that season. Although two and aquarter million acres are now topdressed annually in New Zealand, this represents only 18 per cent. of the sown grasslands of the Dominion. Much remains, therefore, to be done to in- . crease the carrying capacity of the } eountry. Kivery farmer who consistently applies topdressing finds that it pays, and pays handsomely. The reason is that it encourages adequate growth of the grass and clover, improves the feeding quality of pasture, and so maintains stock in health and vigour. The recommendations made by Mr. Montgomery for detailed use of farmers in Canterbury (and with adaptations elsewhere), are as follows :- "One ton of lime every four years, and 2-3 cwt. of super per year, applied in April-May, are suitable quantities to try out. One cwt. sulphate of ammonia applied in July of this year has given splendid August-September feeding on good rye pastures. Nitrogenous topdressing is particularly valuable in extending the grazing period, and in giving early spring feed.