FIELD NOTES FOR DECEMBER

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2309, 30 November 1925, Page 5

FIELD NOTES FOR DECEMBER

(By W. J. McCullough, Instructor in Agriculture, Paimehston North.)

As a result of the persistent rain, fall and consequent sodden soil conditions in the earlier part of the season, followed suddenly by dry weather the growth of both pasture and spring-sown crops has suffered more or less. However, where provision has been made enabling systematic intercultivation among the green fodder and root crops the soil moisture has been better hetained, and growth in consequence has been well momtalned.

Postures. —Should be carefully watched et this period, and any tendency to run into seed.head avoided by clipping with the mower set very high, or sheep following the dairy herd as they are changed to fresh fields, at the same time using judgment not to graze the cow paddocks too close with sheep towards the beginning of January otherwise the drier conditions to be expected later detrimentally affect the growth. The movement of stock or “grazing control” is no doubt one of the very important factors in pasture management.

Roots. —Intercultivation and thinning of the mangel and earlier sown soft turnip and carrot crops should be pushed ahead so that all available labour can be utilised in the hay bar. vest. Roots, and especially the 1 mangel, should be carefully weeded and thoroughly * cultivated during the earlier period of growth and careful attention in this direction will be well repaid. In many instances the area attempted is much too great and usually results in a very indifferent yield. The earlier planted potatoes should be thoroughly grubbed and moulded up. In many cases the main crop will be planted during the beginning of the present month. Where annual weeds are likely to be troublesome a great amount of weed seed will have to be germinated on the ridges shortly after planting, and considerable labour may be avoided by a stroke of the tino-harrows laid on their back, and pulled lengthwise along the ridges. This kills the small seedling weeds, and at the same time breaks down the ridges allowing the sprouts of the tubers to reach the surface more easily. The swede crop may bo sown any time In December, and the same remarks regarding the cultivation of mangels apply to this crop, although less is demanded. In districts still free from club root and dry rot there is no doubt that the swede is a very profitable crop. Sow 11 to 2 lbs of seed of any good standard variety, in ridges 25 to 28 Inches apart.’ If the weather is dry, roll the ridges with a Cambridge roller lengthwise. This brings the moisture to the surface and ensures germination. Apply a mixture in the proportion of 3 cwt. super and 15 cwt. blood and bone with the seed. If* sowing on the flat, use 8 to 10 ozs. seed through every coulter. Millet. —May be sown during the month in districts likely* to suffer with drought, and mixed with peas it becomes more valuable and provides good feed where! rape may not be successful for sbeep, or for grazing with the dairy herd. This fodder should be grazed each time as soon as it reaches G or 7 inches in height. Sowings of" Chou Moellier may still be continued, and also rape.

Maiae.—ln order to provide a sue. cession of this'fodder, sow the later raatuxinic varieties, and add seas, or

preferobly tares, to balance the ration and manure liberally. Lucerne may still bo sown In well prepared land. As it may still bo too early owing 'to unsettled weather to make hay of the first cuts In. certain localities this should be turned Into ensilage, and If the quantity Is not sufficient for the purpose it may bo mixed with gross or other available green growth. Hay.:—Early closed pasture may he ready for mowing towards the end of December, although in the majority of Instances, owing to the lateness of the season few early crops will bo cut until well Into January. Provided the hay paddocks have been previously top-dressed a vigorous aftermath will result and may prove of great, assistance to lide over the dry period in February.