TURNING SANDY WASTES INTO PASTURES.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 16, 26 February 1918, Page 6

TURNING SANDY WASTES INTO PASTURES.

A Palmerston gentleman, who is deeply interested in economic botany, has been instrumental in introducing to that district a plant whch has already proved itself a valuable aid in reclaiming sand and other waste areas. The discovery of the plant in these latitudes is rather interesting, and was supplied to a “Standard” representative by the gentleman referred to. “Between Tasmania and Victoria,” he stated, “there is a fair-sized island, called King’s Island. Years ago it was a waste of white sand. A wreck occurred, and from it a bed mattress floated ashore. Where it rotted a green patch appeared, and the growth ultimately spread over the sands of the island, converting the barren areas into excellent pastures. The Victorian Agricultural Department introduced the plant to the coastal areas of that State with great success. For a long time its nature was not determined, but now it is officially classified as ‘melilotus parviflorus.’ It is a legume, and related to the clovers and lucerne. It grows luxuriantly, and the dying leaves add humus to the sands, and, being a legume, with abundant root nodules, it quickly nitrates the soil. In America it has been used on poor clay lands for reclamation, with gopd results.” The gentleman further stated) that ho believes that the sand areas of the west coast of the North Island could be turned to good use if this plant were extensively introduced. He has been successful in producing a quantity of the seed, and has supplied the “Standard” office with a parcel for distribution over such areas. It would be useless sowing it on good land, as its value is to reclaim poor soils. Correspondence from King's Island shows that the effect of this plant has not been exaggerated. The time to sow is in the month of February, and the seed should be soaked in water for several hours before sowing.