PACIFIC ISLANDS PHOSPHATES.

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 31, 3 November 1921, Page 3

PACIFIC ISLANDS PHOSPHATES.

FINELY GROUND ROCK. The Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture, Great Britain, last month dealt editorially upon the use of Nauru and Ocean Islands phosphate as fertilisers when finely ground. The following are extracts from the article:— "Owing to the shortage of high-grade basic slag, a shortage which is more pronounced because of the increased interest in the improvement of grass land, the question of the availability of other phosphates is being closely considered. Many experiments show that finely ground rock phosphates will do the work of the basic slag and encourage the growth of clovers in the same way, especially on old grass land which is well provided with organic matter, and where the rainfall is abundant. Recent experiments in Essex, where the conditions are comparatively unfavourable, show that the action of rock phosphates compares favourably with that of basic slag. In America, the use of ground rock phosphates has become very general. Actual trials with these particular phosphates from the Pacific Islands have as yet only been reported from New Zealand, but there is every reason to suppose that they will be even more effective than the ordinary rock phosphates. . . Further experiments have been started to ascertain more accurately the applicability of the Nauru and Ocean Islands phosphate to particular soils and crops. Sufficient knowledge already exists, however, to enable the Ministry to reccommend with confidence Nauru and Ocean Islands phosphate to the farmer who wishes to improve his grass land, and to lay a good manurial foundation for his arable land.”