Farming Without Land

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1937, Page 2

Farming Without Land

(By C. E. Cuming.)

Great claims are being made- in Britain for an experiment—for as yet it can be only regarded as such—the production of green fodder by the sprouting of grain in indoor cabinets. It is claimed that this discovery may revolutionise farming practice. A demonstration of the system held recently in London attracted considerable attention. For the purpose of the demonstration a large galvanised iron cabinet containing 80 trays was installed in a converted warehouse. On the first day the grain, which may be wheat, oats, maize, rye, or apy other cereal, is spread on trays and soaked in the nutrient solution which takes the place of the soil in the ordinary plant growth. On the second or third day the seed begins to germinate. After another day or two growth is very rapid, and on the tenth day the plants are ready to be fed to cattle. By that time the roots are thoroughly interwoven, and the whole matted growth is lifted from the tray. The composition of the nutrient liquid is apparently the secret of the inventors. They state that 481 bof maize or oats and sixpence worth of the solution will produce 2 cwt of fodder daily. Of course, the room must be kept at a fair tempei'ature—6s to 75 degrees F. The cabinets require only the attention of one man for an hour each day. The inventors (also, claim that the green fodder produced by this process maintains its full content of vitamins and chlorophyll equal to and often in excess of that contained in young spring, grass. Others who have adopted the idea say it takes the place of roots, that it is excellent for young growing calves and pigs, and keeps them in better bloom and health. Cows do not take to it readily at first, but after a time consume it eagerly. Unlike the dried grass idea, which, though possibly more likely to be ultimately successful, is- too costly to experiment with, the sprouted grain conception is fine which anybody with some time to spare can try for himself on a small scale, and at a trifling cost. Whether it will ever come to much it is at present difficult to say, but it seems not improbable that it may be used as a small part of the ration in order to provide winter food which will help to keep the animal’s system in better tone. This would apply more especially where other green foods, such as cabbage, rape, vetches, etc., would not be available. Many will no doubt dismiss it as impracticable without further thought, but what seems fantastic today often becomes the reality of tomorrow. There are no bounds to the onward march of science.