LIMING PROGRESS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22419, 4 June 1938, Page 10

LIMING PROGRESS

MARLBOROUGH PROJECT NEW PLANT TO BE ERECTED An examination of recent statistics showing the total quantities of lime and manure used in the various land districts, in so far as they are applicable to Marlborough, reveals a disappointing state of affairs. The exists in the fact that a province with the large occupied acreage of 2,643,599 acres, and containing several outcrops of easily obtainable and high quality lime, should have the small area of 939 acres only top-dressed with lime. In comparison with other districts, the manurial position is similarly low. This state of affairs cannot be explained by the assumption that the arable and pastoral lands are naturally well supplied with lime. In some areas extensive cropping has been practised for many years, and little manure or lime has been applied, with the logical result that the soil in many cases has deteriorated, which problem is confronting many farmers at the present time. The lime shortage in the soil has been demonstrated both by chemical tests and by actual practice. In some areas a deficiency, of as much as four tons an acre has been indicated by official tests, while in others malformations of stock, due directly to lime deficiency in the pastures, are apparent. Cases could be quoted coming from these lime deficient areas with malformed bones which, when transferred to adequately top-dressed pastures, have speedily rectified their defects. Trials by the Agricultural Department and large scale applications of individual farmers have definitely demonstrated the fact that suitable applications of lime and fertilisers can remedy this state of affairs. Marked improvements in pasture growth >and the health of stock have followed such practices, with a consequent increase in production. Generally speaking, farmers are well aware of these facts, but for several years past the high cost of lime and the limited supply have been retarding its application throughout the district. . The position is likely to be alleviated by the operations of a further lime-crushing plant, which it is hoped will be supplying lime in a short lime. A private company has been formed,

and has obtained the lease of a large deposit at Willowa Point near the famous Blue Slip on the coastal line near Wharanui. The Department of Agriculture has been dealing with the subject. The deposit has been tested by the Department, and the average of a large number of tests shows approximately 85 per cent, calcium carbonate. The quality is very even and the supply is sufficient for many years to come. Providing it is properly crushed, an excellent agricultural lime should result. Contractors in the district have not been slow in realising the possibilities which the project opens up. Motor truck top-drassing, which preyiously has been definitely limited, will undoubtedly show a large increase, and to cope with this expected demand, several machines capable of sowing both lime and super, alternatively or together, are on order. It is apparent that Marlborough farmers will shortly have available facilities for improving their pastures which hitherto have _ been restricted, and the general impression gained from farmers is that full advantage will be taken of the opportunity, LINCOLN PLOUGHING MATCH PROGRAMME FOR JULY 19 ADOPTED The adoption of the programme for the annual match on July 19 was the main business dealt with at a meeting of the Lincoln Ploughing Match Association, over which Mr F. W. Carpenter presided. Most of last year’s classes were left unchanged, but an open tractor class was added for youths under 18 years, cut optional. A proposal to abolish prizes for teams led to some discussion, but was rejected by a substantial majority. The president and Messrs W. H. Boyle and J. Rickerby reported on the conference of associations held at Rakaia, and most of the recommendations from the conference were adopted, particularly those relating to assistance being given inside the headline marks. It was also decided to insist upon competitors in Class A starting and finishing with the -full team. The president, Messrs A. E. Payne, C. Thomas, P. V. Bailey, G. Ridden, W. H. Boyle, F. Carter, J. Rickerby, and M. Fleming were appointed a committee to inspect paddocks offered' for the match, and to report at the next committee meeting.

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