PLAINS PASTURES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2802, 18 November 1931, Page 6

PLAINS PASTURES.

STERILE COASTAL PATCHES. DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE. In his annual report for 1930-31 Mr B. C. Aston, ’Chief Chemist, Department of Agriculture, remarks: — “In certain coastal areas of the Hauraki Plains development of sterile patches in the pasture has given rise to some concern. An investigation and analysis of some of these areas revealed several injurious conditions all traceable to the influx of saline water from the drains and subsoil. The lime in the soil has been largely replaced by magnesium and dodium, which occasioned what is known as a deflocculated or puddled clay with a slightly alkaline reaction. Manurial treatment can afford only a temporary improvement, and the solution must be in the provision of adequate drainage and the cultivation of those species of pasture plants and crops which naturally flourish under such conditions—e.g., strawberry, clover and rape.”—"Journal of Agriculture.”