The Use of Manures.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 3 August 1932, Page 8

The Use of Manures.

Gardeners often ask whether they should use artificial manures. The value of manure depends chiefly upon the amount of cultivation the soil receives. Unless the soil is in a good mechanical condition it is impossible to obtain good results from the use of manures. To be in a good mechanical condition it must be welldrained, either naturally or artificially This is the first step towards obtaining a friable soil; manure will then help to a certain extent. In heavy soils there is generally enough plant food, but it is in an unavailable condition, and it is to render this available that ""drainage and cultivation are necessary. The effects of cultivation are to break up and pulverise the soil and make it yield through the soil water those foods which the plants most need. Another effect it has is to make the soil hold more moisture, jand the more it can hold without rj^achii|gj,. saturation point the more foos-'irhere is available. When saturation point is reached and the soil is drained the surplus water is carried away from the roots. When draining and cultivation is carried out the use of manures is to supply a surplus of available plant food so that the plants are forced along faster than they would be in a natural state.