SOIL SURVEYS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 225, 19 June 1936, Page 7

SOIL SURVEYS

Emphasis Laid on Value

PLANNING FOR PROGRESS Dominion Special Service. Hastings, June 18. The value of soil surveys was emphasised by the Secretary of the Departaient of Scientific and Industrial Research, Dr. E. Marsden, in an address at the National Dairy Conference to-day. It was considered, he said, that the work involved In the systematic preparation of soil maps of the whole country would be well worth while. The better understanding of our soils and pastures was the first step in quantity and quality production.

Dr. Marsden said there were extensive regions in all parts of New Zealand where, in spite of apparent plenty of grass feed, the stock, particularly in lamb ewes, lambs and calves, were unthrifty and at. certain seasons tended to become emaciated. The effect varied in extent, and possibly in nature, but they had bush sickness in the pumice area, dopiness in parts of the King Country, troubles in parts of the Nelson Province and Southland, and latterly reported even from certain areas in North Auckland. Baffling Problems. During the past three years, the department had been making experiments in soil surveys in an attempt to understand some of the baffling problems of incidence of deficiency ailments in stock, and also because of the desire to simplify the interpretation of fertiliser response trials. Soil surveys had proved worth while in many other countries, particularly jn Germany and the United States of , America, and should prove particularly so in New Zealand. , - “I can see huge possibilities of more economic production arising from the proper use of the maps,” said Dr. Marsden. “The maps form a (basis or picture for reference in regard to pasture, problems, fertiliser requirements, management practices. They are of use in land valuation, not that I am suggesting that land for farming should be bought on the strength of the soil map alone. “Up to the present, the valuer who is seeking the unimproved value of a farm has had to depend largely on his own farm knowledge. He knows the price paid for farms which recently changed hands, but for other farms must compare carrying capacity, etc., with those whose value he knows. This method must introduce anomalies. Even though the valuer conscientiously does his best to avoid it. the tendency may be for the bad farmer to get a low valuation and the good farmer a high valuation. Naturally a soil survey is only the basis. We need a land utilisa'tion survey relative to the soil.” Dr. Marsden said there had already been completed and published soil maps of a number of counties, apart from general reconnaissance maps of Taranaki. Last season the department attempted an ambitious programme—to survey the natural resources and potentialities of two districts, Hawke’s Bay and North Auckland. The complete programme, involves topographical maps based on air photographs, soil maps, climate survey, geological survey for minerals and other resources, pasture surveys, management surveys, etc. This information was intended to be analysed and .published as a guide to developmental policy, and it was hoped to go on to other provinces until the whole of New Zealand was covered. In Hawke’s Bay the results already showed the fundamental value of the soil map. For example, in two areas examined the survey had shown an additional 2600 acres suitable for various fruits. Pasture type and soil type appeared to show general correlation, but there were cases where a farmer had discovered how to. obtain improved pasture on a certain soil type, and the map showed where his practice may be safely extended. Developments and Changes. “Developments and changes will be helped enormously by such surveys, and more bconomic production made possible,’’ said Dr. Marsden. In the general economic welfare of the country we must view the varied uses of the land as a whole. The uses'of land greatly influenced the welfare, not only of individual farmers, not merely of regional groups of farmers, but of all other elements of the population as well, whether they be engaged in industry, in commerce, in the professions or in the Government services, In old countries, by a process of trial and error over centuries, the most advantageous uses of land have usually been discovered. In a new country, especially one with our special soil problems, this needs to be. done by a speedier method. I would like to see the various districts organise to get alongside us in these efforts. There is A danger of the work slowing down because of finance. Perhaps our plans or hopes have been too ambitious, though not more so than the occasion demands. I am convinced that these surveys will be necessary and that thev should bo understood by individual farmers. if full . economic value of the land is to be obtained.” Dr. Marsden said the whole Subject of animal diseases, in particular mammitis and contagious abortion, was obviously due for some sustained attack. It was estimated the annual loss from animal diseases in New Zealand was approximately £6,000,000. “The real wealth of New Zealand lies in productive land and a healthy, vigorous population.” he concluded. “There was never a time when there .was so much conscious effort to do the right thing, but we need to plan progress intelligently through research, or there will be a relative failure in achievement.”