SPRING SOWING

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3764, 30 September 1940, Page 2

SPRING SOWING

NOT GENERALLY RECOMi MENDED DIFFICULTIES WITH WEEDS Under North Island conditions spring sowing is not as common nor as generally to be recommended as autumn sowing, states a report from the Council of Primary Production. This is largely due to the fact that weed competition is too great for the proper establishment of spring-sown pastures, the autumn generally giving more favourable results in this respect. However, there are some conditions where spring sowing is to be favoured.

The sowing of grass-seed with rape or turnips in the spring or early summer is not a practice to be recommended where the ultimate object is to obtain permanent pastures. Unless the normal rate of seeding of the crop is greatly reduced, the sowing of grass-seed with a crop results in poorer establishment due to the smothering, competitive effect of the crop on the pastures and the excessive trampling of stock. Also, the proper times for the grazing of the pasture and of the crop do not coincide.

In the spring establishment of pastures, harm sometimes results from sowing too early, the severe conditions leading to stunting of growth and to the loss of valuable seedlings, especially clovers, as well as to increased trouble from weeds. One of the most frequent causes for partial failure in the establishment of a pasture is the inadequate preparatory cultivation. A fine, firm seed-bed" is essential for successful pasture establishment. This means that cultivation oper-

ations subsequent to ploughing must be thoroughly carried out and the soil worked to a well pulversised state. There should be a period for light surface cultivation to destroy weeds. To ensure firmness the roller is usually necessary but the previous operation should ze such as to allow this implement to be effective. After sowing the seed it is advisable to roll if conditions are dry and fine, but not under wet conditions with frequent rain. Liberal topdressing in the first year may generally be taken as a pre-requisite for successful establishment, followed by annual topdressing. It should not be necessary to stress the importance of sowing suitable mixtures of seed and the correct strains of these seeds. A good pasture cannot result from the sowing of inferior or unsuitable seeds.