The Season's Prospects.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19810, 12 September 1936, Page 2

The Season's Prospects.

FAVOURABLE SPRING GROWTH. CLOSING OF FIELDS. FOR HAY AND ENSILAGE. At this period of the year farmers will be contemplating the shutting up of fields for ensilage anc, hay. Fortunately in most districts: the spring growth has been favourable, and unless a severe cold speh eventuates it should be possible tc close up the maximum areas this? year. Areas intended for ensilagi should be closed from stock early and then cut when grass is in tin leafy stage if the highest quality product is to be obtained. This, practice also ensures the most satisfactory aftermath growth, Avhich in turn provides useful sueculem forage. The. taking of ensilage am hay crops is much more exhaustm of soil fertility than where the areas: are maintained under grazing condi tions. In fact, a heavy crop it more exhausting than a crop o' wheat.

This indicates the desirability o: manuring the areas intended for ensilage and hay. The sooner this it done, and the heavier, within reason, the application of suitable fer tilisers, the better will be the return; in respect to both quantity an< quality of product. Further, tin more quickly and vigorously will th< aftermath groAvth come away am" provide succulent summer growth.

The evidence is accumulating tha' in topdressing fields intended for en silage and hay, balanced fertilisers should be applied. Phosphate, am' that in readily available form as ii superphosphate, is a primary essential. Then nitrogen markedly stimulates growth of the grasses, whilst some lime also assists in providing high quality forage.