Better Maize Growth Where Paddocks Are Well Rolled

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17953, 3 December 1932, Page 9

Better Maize Growth Where Paddocks Are Well Rolled

JT would appear that in certain seasons heavy rolling of areas for maize planting is a distinct advantage in giving the crop a good start. An instance of this was seen in the Gisborne district. One portion id' a paddock that received a double rolling more from accident than design is now showing up much bettor than the rest of the crop put in at the same time. ■ The well-rolled section a few days ago was about Gin. taller than the remainder. Jri the case mentioned, the farmer had two paddocks for his maize crop, and the access to the second was through the first. The first paddock was rolled, and when the roller was taken into the second paddock a small strip along the fence-line of the first, was rolled again. The roller again passed over this strip when it was returned to the shed at the completion of the operations.

Iu explanation of this, it is stated that in a dry spell rolling brings the moisture to the surface and induces vigorous growth. Jt has the disadvantage of releasing the moisture more readily from the ground, but the good start given to the young plants is considered, in a season such as this, to counterbalance the disadvantage, for once a maize plant is well established it can withstand a very dry spell. Frequent cultivation after establishment. greatly assists later growth. In other seasons, however, rolling may not be necessary. On this poini, results of experiments conducted by Hawkosbury Agricultural College, Australia, are of interest. Those experiments were conducted to show the difference between rolling and harrowing and harrowing only, and were outlined in these columns on October 2d. The report on the experiments stated that rolling the land in spring, unless followed by harrowing, is usually a source of loss, although it is pointed out that rolling is an advantage it a dry spell follows planting. If the winter and early spring have been dry. the results indicate that it is advisable to roll and harrow the land, but it a wet winter or early spring is experienced the rolling could be dispensed with and the land finally prepared with the harrows.