TOP-DRESSING PASTURES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 27 April 1925, Page 4

TOP-DRESSING PASTURES.

AUTUMN THE BEST TIME

REPLY TO INQUIRER

(To the Editor.) Sir, I notice in to-day’s Star a query by a soldier farmer as *o the proper time to apply manures to pastures. This, of course, depends to some extent on the class of fertiliser he proposes to use. For insoluble, and consequently slowly available, fertilisers, such as rock phosphate and basic slag, any time from now on to, sdy, the end of July is quite in order, though perhaps the sooner the better. Immediately available fertilisers, such as super-phosphate or basic-super, can he applied a month or two later if need be, although an early application, as in the foregoing, is desirable, thus boosting the grass along during the winter as much as Jack Frost will per, mit. There can be no logical argument against applying fertilisers during the winter months, but the autumn is much to lie preferred. The benefit of an early application will more than, pay interest in the meantime. Before top-dressing, the paddocks should be well harrowed to break up as much as possible the matted turf, and so encourage the clovers. Trusting these notes mav heln the inquirer, B —l am, etc,. ‘ ' CORPORAL. Kaponga, April 23.