A USEFUL GRAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1053, 27 June 1917, Page 11

A USEFUL GRAIN.

Rye is not a very generally-grown crop in the Dominion. It has special qualifications, however, which are set forth in the following statement issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, which are worthy of consideration:—

"Because of the wide range of adaptability of rye to the soil and temperature conditions, it is one of the most useful grains to grow on the farm, even though in most, localities its grain crop is less profitable than that of wheat. It will thrive on sandy, acid, or poor land. It is hardy and, therefore, can be grown in cold, exposed locations. It can be sown later than wheat, and for this reason fits well into the farm schedule. Rye is attacked by fewer insects and diseases than wheat. It requires less fertiliser, produces a more valuable straw, and, being earlier, makes a better forage crop. Rye also actually exceeds wheat in production value of grain per acre in some areas. "All hough rye will grow on very poor soils, large yields cannot be secured; from soils not of good fertility. "Rye can lie grown on almost any welldrained soil. One of its advantages is its adaptability. Sown early or late in the autumn on land, cither rough or well prepared, it can be depended upon to make a good growth, at the same 1 time conserving fertility and preventing washing during (he rainy season. Jt may be given the same treatment, whatever use is to be made of it, ami {lie farmer need not decide until spring whether to pasture it, cut ami feed it green, plough it under, or harvest it as :i straw and a gran crop. all other grains, rye is best grown in rotation. "

The Ashburion Second Division League Executive held a meeting last evening, Mr 11. M. Jones presiding. It was decided to approve the suggestion of other leagues to have the training camps for Second Division men in the four i enires. It 'was decided to hold meetings at. Mayfieid and Hinds, at the former place ou Tuesday next, and at. Hinds on the following Wednesday.! Mrs 11. •'. Chapman's concert party will accompany the league delegates.