More Research On Soils Suggested

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30294, 21 November 1963, Page 16

More Research On Soils Suggested

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, November 20. It was to be hoped that the Lands Department had learned something from its mistakes, especially that superphosphate, perhaps with lime, was not the panacea on all soils, Professor T. W. Walker said today.

Professor Walker, who is head of the soil science de-' parwnerrt at Lincoln College, was addressing the annual conference of the Fertiliser Manufacturers’ Research Association at' Otara. 'This department has done a very good job,” he said. “Now that they are aware that some of the soils they have to develop are a bit unusual, I hope they will take the precaution of sending in a team at scientists to solve basic problems of what fertilisers to use, and what other steps may have to be taken to establish improved pasture

before they barge in wirtt their bulldozers and ready' made recipes for success.”

Soil testing, as used by the Department of Agriculture, had a valuable part to play in conjunction with field experiments in guiding farmers in the use of phosphate, potash, and lune. “At the same time,” said Professor Walker, “a number of private soil testing concerns have sprung up, and while I do not question the motives of most of these in- ! terests. I must query the i value of their advice. “It is appalling to find farmers using expensive mixtures of trace elements which they are advised to use on the basis of soil tests carried out by private laboratories. “One farmer I know’ in the Masterton area was recently sent various mixtures of trace elements said to be needed on his farm, along with bills amounting to £4OOO. “An expanded service provided by the Department of Agriculture would cut out these mushrooming activities.”