LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8855, 4 July 1907, Page 2

LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

The committee appointed hy the Saudon branch of tho Farmers’ Tin ion met last night for the purpose of discussing the best methods of carrying ont local experiments, so as to provide an object lesson of the peculiaritos of the soil and conditions in the district. Tho Chairman, Mr J. H. Porrott, read a communication from Mr Aston, Chief Chemist to the Agricultural Department, regretting that pressure of , business prevented him from .being present. Mr Aston enclosed a “Mannrial Treatment -uu requested that a sample of the soil be sent to him as a guide to him in suggesting Which manures would 1 suit the experiments tho best.

'After considerable 'discussion it was‘decided to ask the Department to conduct experiments ;iu rape, swedes and turnip growing in _ a paddock ou Mr Porrett’s farm, which Will be of easy access to those interested’in 'watching the procedure in conducting tho experiments and results from different mixtures used. A sample of the soil will be forwarded as requested, also a description of the manures that farmers have been in the habit of using in the district. The time of the year is not suitable for experimenting with top-dressing for pastures. This feature will receive attention when the proper season arrives. Another meeting of the committee will be called when the report is received from the Department.

Many farmers are aware that the Chief Chemist is prepared to analyse soil free of charge, and will post them -a proper, forpv'lor them' to - fill in. The' instructioua for’ faking samples of the soils', as forwarded by the Department to the Farmers’ Union at Saudon, are as follows 5 Dig holes in throe or four places at fair distances apart to a depth of 18ih. to 2ft. ; clean out the holes; take a clean slice from each hole to the beginning of the sub-soil to a depth of not more than 9in; mix all well together, and of tlio mixture spud a sample weigh lug lOlbs,’ including stones, fibre s, and everything. 2. Send also'samples of subsoil. 8.. If the soil in different parts of the field is manifestly of different qualities, samples of each kind, made up as directed above, shorild be forwarded, At the conclusion of the farmers' meeting a suggestion was made that one or more members should prepare a short address or essay on some particular phase of farm work, to be read or delivered at regular [periods, and a general discussion on the subject treated to follow, These evenings should proyo "instructive, and au •exQhahge’ of ideas and experiences would bo of considerable value to those engaged in farming pursuits. •• ••