VALUE OF LIME

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 209, 1 June 1931, Page 3

VALUE OF LIME

As Farm Fertiliser EXTENDED USE URGED ' t - ’ '■ \ • I Special Committee’s Report An extended use of lime on farm lands nnd improved methods of distribution -'ire recommended in a report upon fertilisers by a special technical committee of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research which has been released' iiy the Prime Minister, the Kt. Hon. G. W. Forbes. . “It may be stated that over very large areas in New Zealand lime is necessary where the highest utilisation of fertilisers is' sought for,” tlie report states. “Were the visible response to applications of lime more readily detected there is no doubt that its use would be more general. It will be necessary' for the farmer to realise that very often the response to liming, while very real and reflected in stock health, increased pasture quality, is not visible.’ To extend the use of lime the committee recommends the installation, on a regional basis, of' crushing plants on such ri scale as will enable large-scale production of ground carbonate of lime to provide for those areas where farming is on an intensive scale and where access is ready.' It suggest the encouragement of small-scale crushers which can operate in districts remote from the larger works, and from the railway, so that local outcrops of limestone may be treated in the immediate vicinity. . Fanners’ Confidence. ; The report adds that, where any lime works are operating with any form of Government assistance the output should possess a certificate indicating that it is suitable for agricultural purposes. This is necessary in order to give farmers the confidence that their purchases of lime are on right lines and to avoid the discouragement which may arise through the application of classes of lime that are likely to be of little use. Attention should be devoted. to the fineness of the grinding, and this would vary in accordance with the degree of hardness of the limestone. The harder the limestone, in general, the finer should be the grinding. The cost of ground limestone per ton should be kept as, low as possible, and a price between 19/and 15/- at the works is. suggested. . “Rationalisation of the fertiliser -industry has already been mentioned m connection with distribution,” the reportstates. “All fertiliser companies in New Zealand should be organised on a Do-minion-wide basis so that., all . propaganda arrangements for distribution ana sales should be devoid of that element of rivalry which leads to waste by doubtful advertising. The propaganda for fertilisers should be based upon results secured from fully authenticated experi- ■ meats conducted in New Zealand. Such a course ultimately may be forced upon local manufacturers, of fertilisers by the development of competition arising from overseas..- .. ■'?.■■,■ . , ■■■■/■'. /Effective Control. “Rationalisation of the industry wfu secure the greatest benefits when '* controlled by an organisation fully equipped ' to represent all points of view • involved in the' industry, each in its right proportion. This will include memibers who have a thorough grasp of the scientific control necessary to operate and develop such an industry,' others with, a knowledge of marketing and distribution, and a representative who has complete understanding of the problems involved (

in securing the greatest benefit from \ these fertilisers when a-pplied to the soil. It is most essential that the . way should be kept clear whereby science _ can come to the assistance of the industry, thereby securing further economies. . • :' . ' „ , U \ “It is in the interest of New Zealand generally that fertilisers should roach the farmer at the lowest possible price, consislent with reasonable profit to the manufacturer, and adequate recompense to those undertaking the distribution of this commodity.’. Very .considerable ductions have been imide in prices in the last few years in' New Zealand, first in the North Island and now in the South Island, nnd prices now compare very favourably with those prevailing in other countries, taking into account the relative grades. The price jof superphosphates is now well under pre-war figures. "Increased consumption has been, made possible in the first place by very important developments having been inaee in the control of Ihe chemical processes . involved in the manufacture of superphosphate. By this means much larger outputs have beeni obtained from -existing plants, while low capital and operating costs have thumbeen secured in new plants, resulting in substantial reductions being made in overhead charges. It has. being made in overhead charges.”