SOIL SURVEYS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 1 October 1927, Page 10

SOIL SURVEYS

A movement which has received too little attention is the development of the soil survey work by the staff of the Cawthron institute. This scientific institution was formed several years ago in Nelson as a result of the far-seeing bequest of one ol Nelson's most respected citizens. A substantial fortune for the establishment of scientific research—particularly in relation to the primary industries —was handed over to the public authorities, and a thoroughly qualified staff has been engaged in carrying out investigations and experiments. , Probably the most important work performed during the seven yeais operations of the institute is the soil survey of the Nelson district. This survey has been completed, and the work is being extended to Takaka and Collingwood. Such investigations yield an accurate picture of the production possibilities of the land, and can be most profitably applied by the farmer and fruitgrower. In the past the producer has been obliged to learn by guesswork, and often wasteful experience, what is the correct method of cultivation and fertilising, whereas the scientific method is to ascertain in advance what the deficiencies are and apply effort and finance in the direction of correcting those deficiencies.

A complete soil analysis is a most difficult scientific operation, and cannot be carried out quickly, but it is to be hoped that the Government laboratories will extend the scope of their operations in that direction. The work which has been accomplished by the Cawthron Institute in Nelson hag taken care of at least one province, and it is reported that the Department of Agriculture has collected fairly complete data on several other districts. In due time, no doubt, soil surveys of all the principal farming districts will be available, but meanwhile the producer must he content with various special tests. One of the most common of the tests which the Department of Agriculture undertakes is that of ascertaining the lime requirement of the soil. This laboratory operation is Jess intricate and less costly than the complete soil analysis, and is one which every farmer should take advantage of. From the results it is possible to tell accurately how much lime should be applied, a much more economical method than the old system of guessing a quantity to be applied. The soil is a wonderful heritage. A study of its capacities is one of the most profound problems that affect a human race. Every producer should see to it that he knows as much as it is possible to ascertain about the characteristics of his land.