Study on road dust

Press, 25 February 1983, Page 21

Study on road dust

Road dust from gravel roads in the country can upset the appetites of farm animals, inhibit plant growth and. perhaps, even wear down the teeth of grazing animals leading to early ing.So a researcher.at Lincoln College is finding out more about the effects x of road dust. Mr Peter McCrea, of the Agricultural Economics Research Unit, wants to find out from farmers if road dust has any effect on their farms, crops and animals. The A.E.R.U. has been commissioned by several county councils ’throughout New Zealand to undertake an economic appraisal of the effects of road dust on agricultural and horticultural production. The results of the study may be used by councils .to determine priorities for road-sealing programmes. Mr McCrea said data was sparse on the effects of road dust on crops and animals in fields alongside roads. “I would greatly appreciate hearing from farmers about their experiences, observations and opinions of the effects of road dust on production," he said. “Most farmers are aware of what road dust does to their cars and trucks, but are much less aware about the more serious effects on their stock and crops." Mr McCrea said he had already found that road dust reduced the appearance and marketability of farm produce, caused scouring in animals, reduced the effectiveness of sprays, and lowered the yield and appearance of fleece. Dust on leaves inhibited plant photosynthesis and reduced the rate of plant respiration; both resulted in poorer crops. Lower resistance to disease, aggravation of respiratory diseases and complaints such as pinkeye could also be caused by dust, he said.