GRASS AS A CROP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21573, 8 February 1940, Page 3

GRASS AS A CROP

TREATMENT OF PASTURE Speaking on methods by which Ireland could increase her agricultural production, Dr Henry Kennedy, secretary to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, in a recent address in Ireland had much to say on the importance of grasslands, many of his remarks being applicable to this country. Pasture, he said, should be managed and treated as the most important crop. To realise to the full, the possibilities of grasslands, vastly increased quantities of lime and artificial fertilisers were necessary, together with more intelligent use of natural manure; secondly, better management; thirdly, better grass in poorer i-.reas by using the plough; and, finally, a more rational system of conserving the summer surplus for winter use. He thought it quite possible to double the production of grass by use of fertilisers and better management, including grazing of plots by rotation. Another point was provision of sufficient winter supplies to rest pasture land in the spring, and give the useful grasses a chance to become established before grazing began. Mainly for the production of winter fodder, he advocated the introduction of clover on a wide scale. Finally, and most important of all, was the conservation of grass for use in winter. That to his mind, was the fundamental problem of agriculture, and until it was solved there would be no real progress in farming conditions in Ireland.