USE OF FERTILISERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVIII, Issue 10944, 16 June 1927, Page 5

USE OF FERTILISERS.

IMPROVEMENT OF PASTURES. HOW FARMERS MAY ASSIST RESEARCH. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Much remains to be learned of the possibilities of the usfe of fertilisers in Canterbupry, said Mr Scott (agricultural chemist at Lincoln College), when addressing the South Canterbury farmers who visitedi the college yesterday. It was a subject, he said, in which the independent investigations of farmers were necessary for the success of the college's research. Mr Scott said his study of the subject led him to presume that his audience knew about as much as he of the subject, and that was* very little. (Laughter.) It was a study the success of which depended largely on the farmers themselves, and he would suggest ways in which this could be done. In the first place they should make a daily tally of the effects, recording the number of sheep under observation. It would mean closer attention to fencing in some cases—(laughter)—and that would be a good thing. The checking of set paddocks would be an interesting occupation for the farmers' older children if the farmer himself did not feel the inclination to carry it on himself. The results should be sent to the college, and from the data given the college staff would be in a better position to study the question than it was at present. , In the North Island, where the effects were visible, all farmers were keen on top-dressing, but it was no use undertaking it unless the farmer was sure of a return for his expenditure. Some Lincoln farmers were already assisting the college with the records he asked the farmers of Canterbury generally to undertake. In his opinion, top dressing was always best and showed its benefits, if not in wealth, then in the healthy state of the stock. In answer to a question, Mr Scott replied that one top-dressed section at the college, with sheep, showed a 13 per cent, better return. In lighter land an increase of 32 per cent, was shown. He wished to make it clear, however, that more; important even than fertilising was the proper: management of pastures. The Director of the College (Mr R. E. Alexander) afterwards said he wished specially to commend Mr Scott s suggestion concerning the assistance 'farmers could give in promoting the efficiency of the college's investigations on fertilisers. It was a matter that dpuld be successfully concentrated through branches of the Farmers Union.