EXPERIMENTAL ROOT CULTURE.

Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1242, 15 June 1880, Page 2

EXPERIMENTAL ROOT CULTURE.

(By Ciwcinnatus.)

The winter experiences of the past few years have clearly demonstrated the necessity for root crops if we are to continue growing beef with success and profit, and nothing can be plainer proof that graziers and cattle - breeders are beginning to acknowledge this than the large paddocks of turnips which meet the eye in all parts of the district. But although such is the case it is to be regretted that the greater portion of the crops are put in without any regular system in a haphazard sort of way that too often ends in failure and disappointment. The experience of root -growers in other countries, or, indeed, in other and distant parts of this country, is, comparatively speaking, perfectly unless when applied here. The only method, the adoption of which is likely to lead to profitable results, is to adopt a system of experiments upon certain crops, treating them in all the approved ways and altering the modes occasionally according to one's own judgment. Mr Douglas, of Tamahere, has adopted such a plan, and intends to follow it out. The piece of ground he has set apart for the purpose contains about 8|- acres, and was formerly cultivated by the natives, in whose occupation it was before Mr Douglas obtained it. Its nature is very similar to the rest of the land in that neighborhood, being a light loamy soil, the natural vegetation of which was fern. The previous cultivation had not improved it ; on the contrary, it was the means of introducing into it a lot of noxious weeds difficult to eradicate, while it did nothing to eradicate the fern. The latter is at the present time after three ploughings still flourishing. Of course, the crops obtained by Mr Douglas this year are not, although they have turned out remarkably well, to be taken as a criterion of what the land can produce. In the first place the ground, as I have said, is new and exceedingly dirty, and in the second the quantity of manure applied — 3 cwt. of Mexican guano to the acre — was not large. Of the total acreage, one acre was sown with potatoes, three with Swedes, two with mangolds,and the remainder was devoted tocarrots. Of these crops a correct estimate of the potatoes can alone be given. This crop yielded ten tons. The amount of the crops cannot be arrived at because they have not all been raised, and even if they were the work of weighing would entail considerable labor. Specimens of them can however be seen at Pearce's Commercial Hotel, Hamilton. Some of the Swedes taken indiscriminately from the crop weighed, without the tops, 15 lbs., and the mangolds are not far below them. The carrots are also very fine -specimens. Mr Douglas has also about 70 acres of turnips, upon which he has just commenced to feed sheep, and to these I hope to be able to refer in a future issue.