FOOD FOR THE SOIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1930, Page 16

FOOD FOR THE SOIL.

LACK OF PROSPEROUS. In certain sections of the United States, soils Jack an adequate supply of phosphorus aiyl the feed produced on it for dairy cows forms an inadequate dairy ration. Dr. C. H. Eckles, of the Minnesota Experiment Station, has been atempting to correct this condition, and since this particular deficiency is also characteristic of most New Zealand Soils, his findings are of interest here. Ho finds that the use of steamed bonemeal supplements the mineral lacking in' the feed produced on soils deficient in phosphorus. Dairy cows kept in these sections and fed on rations .grown on land .lacking in phosphorus show firsta desire to eat foreign material such as pieces of boards, manure, bone, and bqrk from trees. Hoard’s Dairyman reports that on a farm in North Dakota, where the cattle in the spring had taken the bark from a dozen or more trees, the animals did not show by physical appearance the lack of any substance in their rations, but the investigation carried on by. Dr. Eckles would lead to the conclusion that these animals need phosphorus in their rations; In the next stage, after eating foreign material, the animal becomes stiff, the Back humps, hair stands up, eyes are dull, and there is an indifference to eating any kind of feed. In the third stage, the animal’s joints creak as it walks. When Dr. Eckles has taken animals from-,sections producing feeds low, in phosphorus and fed them on steamed bone meal, they have recovered. He has also foum| that when a ration lacks phosphorus, cows will consume from twenty to thirty per cent, more feed. This is perhaps due to an abnormal appetite and the cow is attempting to satisfy her appetite. Cows in these sections suffering from malnutrition, due to lack of, phosphorus, do not develop to. full size, may not breed until three years old, and the only once in two years. Many years ago it was assumed that cattle in such sections did not receive an adequate supply of hay and grain, and their owners were blamed for not ■being good feeders Scientific research has revealed that an adequate supply of hay and. grain may be provided, but if the ration lacks some mineral substance, the cattle will not- grow properly, nor perform their natural functions properiy- ?'• 'f"■■-"■'■ 1 . -■