DRY WEATHER EFFECTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 28, 12 November 1949, Page 4

DRY WEATHER EFFECTS

CANTERBURY GROWING OCTOBER REVIEW / ' "Effects of the dry weather experienced during October on crops and pastures in the northern half of the South Island are described in the monthly report prepared by the district officer of the Department of Agriculture, Christchurch.

1 In Canterbury dry conditions continued to prevail generally during October, this being especially so in South and Mid-Canterbury, and the greater portion of North Canterbury, although reports indicated that rainfall had proved sufficient in the Oxford, Waiau, and Cheviot districts. Rainfall had been from G.62in to 1.16 in and its effects were largely nullified by strong north-west winds. Temperatures had been somewhat changeable, but for the most part were warm to hot with occasional cold easterly and south-westerly winds. Light frosts of up to 2.5 degrees were experienced early in October, mainly in MidCanterbury ' districts.

Crops

Dry weather was affecting wheat crops in Canterbury districts, especially those on the lighter soil types in Mid and North Canterbury, Frost damage (late September frdsts) appeared fairly widespread in these two districts. South Canterbury crops were normal, but cre/s in all districts would benefit from early rain. Crops in Marlborough and Nelson. were healthy. Oat crops in all east coast districts, excluding Nelson and “South Canterbury, were suffering frbm dry conditions. This was especially so of spring-sown crops and late-grazed autumn-sown crops. Yield prospects, generally, were hot encouraging. Barley sowings had continued in Mid-Canterbury, and earlier sown crops in Canterbury districts showed fair to good strikes, but were in need of rain. Crops were making .satisfactory progress in South Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough, with early crops coming into ear on light lands of the latter district.; Mildew damage to some early crops was reported in Marlborough. , - l

South Canterbury reports on potatoes were favourable. Planting had been proceeding under favourable conditions in Mid and North Canterbury.

Grass and Clover Areas

All reports from Canterbury on ryegrass prospects were doubtful. Dry conditions had affected growth and some areas initially intended for seed were already grazed, with prospects of further areas being so used if the prevailing weather persists. South Canterbury had reported better prospects for white and red clover seed crops, although much win depend on future weather conditions. The subterranean clover seed harvest will be early in Marlborough. Early cuts of both pasture and lucerne hay have been light in North Canterbury. Cowgrass areas for hay we? 4 well advanced in Marlborough, where lucerne first cuts and regrpwth were favourable. Growth of lucerne had not been vigorous except in Marlborough areas owing to dry conditions.

Pastures

Pastures in all areas, With the exception of the West Coast, were becoming affected by lack of rain and. on light to medium land in Canterbury areas, growth was rapidly drying and browning off. On .heavier soil types, and in * localised districts where rainfall has been more favourable, and where pastures had been irrigated the position was not so acute. West Coast pasture growth had been .vigorous, but sappy, and clovers were retarded. Seasonal cultivation work had been proceeding under favourable conditions on all arable areas. Continued dry weather had favoured weed control, especially in twitchy paddocks. Stock were reported to be doing well in most districts, although the feed position was becoming acute.