LIMING METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19871, 15 February 1928, Page 18

LIMING METHODS.

EXPERIMENTAL TESTS. Experimental processes in connection with a new system of applying lime to the soil are supplying promising results at the Michigan Experimental Station, U.S.A. The liming material is drilled simultaneously with the legume seeds in the small drill row and comparisons are made with the more general practice of broadcasting them separately. Under the new method the lime and seed are delivered to the soil by the same tubes.- Dealing with his experience in this connection, Professor McCool states, in the Journal of the American Society of Agronomy, that " these results appear to indicate that 7501b. applied in the row is as effective as much larger applications sown broadcast." It can also fee affirmed from the data that a fractional dose in the row greatly excelled a similar dose broadcast, and further, the alfalfa response to 7501b. of hydrated lime or finely-ground limestone in the row is equal to tliat from double or triple amounts used broadcast. For soil types of fair to medium lime-deficiency, these results, if corroborated by late experiments, should have a ready application. The practicablity of this method of iiming would bring lime to vast areas that otherwise would wait for years. The advantage of McCool's row method of placing lime, holds forth a cheerful promise for clover on many farms where scant clover crops are now the " bottleneck " in the rotation. The subject will, doubtless, be considered worthy of attention ia view of the prominence generally given to the question of adequate and efficient liming.