SCIENCE AND SOILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20597, 23 June 1930, Page 8

SCIENCE AND SOILS.

The establishment of a soil reconnaissance division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research promises to carry further, if not to complete, investigations begun some years ago into the causes of stock malnutrition in what is known as "bush-sick" country. Certain lpcalities in the North Island have acquired an evil reputation through the wasting and dying of stock amid abundant pasture. The facts were perplexing until agricultural chemistry demonstrated the deficiency of iron salts in the' soil of these localities. Experiment confirmed the deduction made from this discovery: recovery of afflicted animals was promoted by the administration to them of soluble iron, and sound animals were rendered immune by the game means. Nevertheless, these investigations and experiments. conducted chiefly at Mamaku, did not completely solve the problem, and it was deemed necessary to continue scientific research, associated with practical tests. In the step now taken there is welcome assurance of advance. The task of the new division is much wider, of course, than this vexing question of "bush-sickness." It covers the whole range of soil investigation, and signalises an endeavour to provide a basis for the classification of soils according to their constituents and for their soundly economic use and effective manurial treatment. Undertaken by skilled hands, the task should accomplish much for the pastoral and agricultural development of the Dominion.