SILT FROM FLOODS

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 127, 1 June 1938, Page 13

SILT FROM FLOODS

LOW FERTILITY

The silt deposited in the Esk Valley by the recent floods will not improve the fertility of the land,, as is the general idea, according to Mr. R. B. Tennent, director of the fields division, Department of Agriculture.

"The assumption is quite erroneous," said Mr, Tennent, "The silt causing the damage is chiefly derived from soil which has been washed down from the hillsides or eroded from the banks of the river. From its nature it is of low fertility, being composed largely of fine particles of clay and sand. The fertile Esk Valley, which originally consisted pf a rich, black, alluvial soil, is now buried under this mixture of clay and sand, and it will be many years before the land becomes highly productive.

"The introduction of organic matter, will materially assist in accelerating the return of \ fertile conditions, but this will be a costly business. Clover growth in the pastures will need to be encouraged, so as to build up the land and encourage the growth of grass. Top-dressing will have to be given specific attention as a means of effecting improved conditions for the growth of clovers, and grass. "The Department's officers are in close touch with the settlers and their needs, and are co-operating fully with the various committees. The regrassing and fencing of the areas constitute a problem, but this is being smoothly and expeditiously dealt with."