Greater Use Of Aerial Dusting

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30575, 19 October 1964, Page 8

Greater Use Of Aerial Dusting

Since the 1962-63 season, there has been a definite improvement in the agricultural aviation industry, and very large , increase in the tonnage of fertiliser applied by aeriel top dressing have been recorded, states the 1963-64 annual review of Pyne, Gould, Guinness Ltd. Improved meat and wool prices have been the main contributing factor to the increases and the tax concession scheme for agricultural development had also helped. Under this scheme farmers could deduct £l5O for every £lOO additionally spent on fertiliser and lime over and above the average usage of the last five years. This scheme had received support, the review said. A considerable amount of new information concerning

the fertiliser requirements of the South Island tussock country has been accumulated since the early 19505, and progressive runholders were now confident of the advantages of hill-country improvement. A number of trials carried out by the Department of Agriculture and others have demonstrated where phosphates, sulphur, trace minerals and the inoculation and pelleting of clover seed fit into the picture. These trials indicated that whereas in the past lewt of superphosphate was used, applications of up to 3cwt were now warranted, particularly for the initial application. In addition, oversowing with the improved types of pasture plant seed was essential and greater thought and emphasis was now placed on pasture management and sub-division. “We consider the Government should give high priority to further experimental work on hill country because the terrain of New Zealand is such that it is from the hill country that the greatest lift in production must come,” the report says. Pest Control "The control of rabbits, opossums and deer by the aeriel application of poisoned bait has continued in all parts of the South Island and in some districts of the North. The reduction of these pests proves what a great asset the aircraft has been to the country for this type of work,” states the report. “Agricultural aviation operators have now increased their efficiency with the introduction of more suitable types of specially developed agricultural aircraft and high speed loaders, and these coupled with improved landing strips and better bulk storage facilities on the farm will enable even greater tonnages to be readily applied in the near future with resulting increased production. “In past years there have been some very severe outbreaks of aphid in the grain crops in Canterbury and large areas have been sprayed by air for control measures. So far this winter there has not been the same need for this work, although there is a possibility that if conditions remain mild there could be spring outbreaks,” the review says. “Helicopters have been operating in the South Island for approximately five years and it is unfortunate that because of their high initial cost plus heavy insurance, etc., they have proved uneconomic to their owners largely because their work has been mainly seasonal and they have not been utilised to capacity. Until such time as continuity of work is available in the agricultural field and with Government departments, it appears that expansion of the helicopter industry is most improbable.”