THE HELP OF GREEN MANURING.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2672, 5 May 1925, Page 7

THE HELP OF GREEN MANURING.

The value of green manure crops has been clearly proved by years of farm practice in many countries. To maintain the organic content of the soil, green manure crops must be utilised. Any system of agriculture that tends permanently td lower ! the organic matter of the soil is impractical and improvident, as well as unscientific. If every farmer - would realise this fact, And then live up to" it, the. country -would double Its agricultural output in a few years. Organic matter is the measure of soil fertility. Theoretically one can get too much organic matter, but practically it is never done. Bight to ten tons of green manure is a light dressing, fifteen tons is a medium, and itwentyflve is a heavy dressing to the acre for ordinary soil. Manure is one of the best humus builders and fertilisers. An authority on fertility and crops says:—“Many thousands of tons of commercial fertilisers have been and are being applied without evidence of appreciable effect upon yields °f crops simply because used upon soils deficient in organic matter. ’’ Such a condition, for example, as compactness of soil can be reiriedied, not by application,, of concentrated fertiliser, but only by a generous and wise supply of organic matter. Organic matter is the life of the soil. Without it, soil is nothing but rock powder. It is useless to inject concentrated feed into a lifeless body. Organic matter acts like a sponge. It shrinks and expands in wetting and drying. It conserves moisture and holds heat. It holds fine particles apart, making a friable, loamy soil that will not cake. The best cure for a soil that runs together and packs is organic'matter. It absorbs plant food that is in solution, and prevents it from leaching out in the drainage water. It is the home of the soil bacteria, whose work is very important to plant life.