ECONOMIES IN FARMING PRACTICE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XIII, Issue 5, 20 November 1916, Page 367

ECONOMIES IN FARMING PRACTICE.

A. M. McTAGGART,

M.S.A., Agriculturist, Fields Division.

The economies in farming practice touched upon in the following notes are applicable to conditions in this country, and some of them already obtain here. It is claimed, however, that their adoption more or less generally, as governed by conditions, would be of all-round benefit. In treating various aspects of the subject a certain element of repetition with regard to previous Journal contributions by the writer has been unavoidable, but there are many factors in agriculture which continue to require the giving of periodic prominence. A definite sequence has been followed, so far as possible, in the presentment of the different factors in economy.

Land insufficiently drained is . occasionally met with in process of treatment with lime and fertilizers. To the practical farmer this readily appeals as largely a waste of money and time; and this is the correct view to take, for land that is waterlogged or practically so will not make sufficient use of either lime or fertilizers. The land must first be treated from the physical standpoint before it can be treated from the chemical point of . view. Fortunately, this error in farming, involving as it does wasteful expenditure, is not a prevalent one ; but a practice that is somewhat akin to it is perhaps more common working of the land when too wet. Needless to state, ‘ this, is a great mistake. Rather than work land when it is wet the farmer would be better employed seated . within the house. The cultivation of wet land promotes a bad physical condition of the soil, the particles . adhering together in great aggregates rather than in more or less single-grain structures, and these aggregates upon drying out promote a baked, clodded condition. On the other hand, the working of certain —refractory clay soils in particularwhen slightly moist, facilitates the operation and promotes the desirable single-grain-structure condition.

The purchase and haulage of lime in form suited to the soil and situation is an important economic phase of the second essential factor 'in soil-treatment. Where there is a choice of using either burnt lime or carbonate of lime (ground limestone) for soils requiring lime, the latter form should be used in all cases, provided (i) that the price is not more than half to twothirds the price of the burnt form, (2) that the freight is negligible and the haulage from the railway is not a big item, (3) that

the powder contains a fairly high percentage of lime-carbonate. Where the land requiring lime is ' situated much beyond the limit of 100 miles free railage (on 6 - ton lots), or is located some distance from the railway or source of delivery, thus involving considerable haulage, the burnt form is to be preferred to the carbonate. The reason for this may be stated as follows: In 100 tons of carbonate of lime there are only 56 tons of calcium oxide (burnt lime), the other 44 tons being a gas (carbon dioxide), and the carbonate would occupy more space and would thus not be as concentrated as the burnt lime, which is the more suitable form for long haulage. Where, however, light soils obviously deficient in humus occur some distance from the railway or source of lime-supply, the burnt lime when chosen simply because of its concentrated form can be adapted (after haulage) for application to these light lands by air-slaking i.e., through exposure to the air by spreading out under the cover of open sheds lor not less than six months. Such exposure causes the lime to revert to the carbonate form, in which form it. is not exhaustive of humus, with which light soils are not as a rule plentifully supplied. The co-operative purchase of lime by more or less remote farmers is also an economy worthy of consideration.

The purchase of manures on the unit-value basis instead of by weight is an important phase of an important feature of farming operations. This new and approved system of manurepurchase involves the payment by the farmer to the vendor for each unit (i per cent, carried through the ton, or 22-4 lb.) of nitrogen, phosphoric anhydride (P 205 0 5 ), or potash a particular manure may contain on analysis.* This system is specially applicable to the purchase of manures other than the standard manures —superphosphate, dried blood, nitrate of soda, sulphate of ammonia, potash fertilizers, &c. ; but even for these less variable fertilizers it is desirable, for the farmer is paying for the nitrogen,' or the phosphoric acid, or the potash they contain, and these constituents are the manurial elements he requires for crop-production.

In certain other countries which have adopted this system the standard prices per unit for the three essential constituents are set by qualified State officials, standard analyses of the various manures, and average prices per ton at definite centres from time to time, determining these values. Were standard unit values of the three manurial constituents periodically set so that comparison therewith of the unit values calculated by the farmer

could be made, the system could be instituted here, to the decided advantage of all concerned. Meantime, however, it is not universally applicable. The matter is merely introduced here in order to indicate a further important line along which agricultural economy may be effected. Of course, the stamping on the bag of the guaranteed minimum analysis and the forms in which the three constituents exist is of decided advantage to the purchaser of manures, but the “ unit basis ” method of purchase in addition is decidedly equitable to both farmer and manure-vendor.

The co-operative purchase, by more or less remote farmers, of manures is also an economic factor of some importance to agriculture.

The application of manures, mixed by the farmer himself after instruction, suited to the conditions of soil, crop, and -climate (only after the soil has been first treated from the physical standpoint), is another important factor in the, agricultural economics associated with this country. Through the use in many cases of manures that are obviously unsuited to the soil, crop, and climate many farmers lose considerably, or produce much less from their land than they would otherwise. It is true that in many instances manure-vendors send out satisfactory manurial mixtures for particular crops, but as the soil and climate of this country vary very much, even within a not very extensive area of country, these mixtures, while well suited for definite conditions, frequently do not fully suit the varying conditions obtaining throughout a given stretch of territory. Then, again, the farmer is often found using for a particular crop a standard single fertilizer that, from an examination of the soil and a knowledge of the climate■ particularly the rainfall— the locality, the trained man can' readily see is entirely unsuitable for the crop in question. The need for more knowledge of the application of fertilizers, from the point of view of crop, soil, and climate, on the part of many of our farmers is, indeed, most apparent.

The free use of manures during times of high prices for produce, and the small or moderate use of such during periods of low prices, involves an economic factor of some importance. At any time, in a country of plenteous rainfall more especially, there is loss of manurial constituents from the soil, particularly of nitrogen, hence the economy in reducing the quantities of manures used in times of low prices of produce. The losses are reduced to a minimum, and satisfactory production is maintained mainly on the natural fertility of the soil. On the other hand, high prices justify costly methods, manurial or otherwise, being employed in pushing production.

On the (comparatively few) farms where farmyard manure is produced in quantity this material should as far as possible be

stored, heaped up over a firm clay ground basin, under a roof of some kind, and not thrown out and so exposed to the - weather. Considerable losses take place by the washing-out by rain of the soluble constituents of the decaying manure, and by the evolution into the air of nitrogen in the form of ammonia. The heapingup of the manure, together where possible with periodic pumping over the . heap of the liquid (the most valuable portion of farmyard manure) that has been carefully collected in a cemented receptacle excavated for the purpose, materially reduces (through excluding the air as far as possible) the formation by bacteria of ammonia, and hence minimizes its evolution into the atmosphere.

In bush districts the preserving, under cover, of wood-ashes and utilizing these as a source of potash , and lime is . also an economy that is worthy of consideration, especially in these days of potash scarcity. Moistened somewhat before use, these ashes can be rendered ■ serviceable for applying to soils, particularly those of the light order that are not usually too well supplied with potash. The potash produced also from the periodic burning of hedge-cuttings should be distributed as far as possible over the land. These cuttings the young shoots of which, as shown by chemistry, are particularly well supplied with potash, instead of being burnt at the same distance from the hedge each time, should be consumed over a gradually extending area, within definite limits.

On most farms in New Zealand are to be found bones' of farm-animals, particularly sheep. Where these can be conveniently gathered they may be broken down by being placed in roofed watertight bins and enveloped with well-moistened wood-ashes or earth that has been thoroughly saturated with liquid manure. After remaining in the bins for some time the bones can be readily broken up and utilized on the land as manure.

On soils that are somewhat deficient in humus, as indicated usually by the absence of good dark colour to a reasonable depth from the surface, also by the “ floury ” texture of the soil, economy is decidedly exercised by utilizing stubble lands for growing crops for ploughing under later. Such crops as white mustard, ■crimson clover, or rape can be grown on them by simply disking the soil, tine-harrowing, broadcasting the seed, and covering with tripod or chain harrows. Within a few weeks an appreciable growth is obtained, and if not required for feed or stock not available the crop can be turned under. There is no loss of season involved, for stubble land that would otherwise lie idle to a large extent is utilized, and the land is quickly and appreciably supplied with what it- lackshumus. We have on record many striking instances of the . effect of ploughing-under a green crop,

particularly a legume, in soils deficient in humus. An outstanding example is the strikingly increased growth of a non-leguminous crop that takes place in a sandy soil after the ploughing-under of a leguminous crop (lupins, &c.).

In districts of more or less plenteous rainfall the keeping of the soil on exposed positions and porous open soils as far as possible covered the year round with a crop of some kind, grass or otherwise, makes for economy of soil-fertility. Over the greater portion of the country nitrates are being formed all the time, and the growth maintained takes up these nitrates, and thereby prevents them to a large extent from being leached from the soil.

The practice of thorough and timely cultivation, consistent with the availability of labour and other conditions, involves elements of economy that are most important, . particularly in districts of non-plenteous rainfall. The conservation of moisture, the checking of weed-growth, and in general the promotion of better growth of crops are the principal objects of cultivation. During a prolonged dry spell surprising effects are sometimes produced by a single harrowing of a young crop of wheat, maize, or turnips. The harrowing promotes the formation of a “dust mulch ” on the ground surface, thereby checking evaporation, and so conserving moisture for use by the crop. Thorough and timely cultivation also makes for economy in that it materially assists in making the full use of manures, which cost money to the farmer.

There are many economies in connection with the selection, use, and care of implements on a farm. The suitability as regards weight and draught to the class of land, to the size of fields or farm, and to the power available, and as regards effective cultivation for the class of land and the system of farming, is a determining factor in the choice of cultural implements particularly. In the realm of farm machinery generally there are many improvements that make for economy in production, including that most important factor, labour, and in the effective utilization of staple farm crops.

There is also the important factor of employing implements —■ and employing them effectively—that are suited to the climate. Implements that are designed to some extent for use in the preparing of the land so that moisture will be conserved, in districts where such conservation is highly desirable, are specially recommended. In an article on cultivation, by the writer, published in the Journal for January last, a plea was made for more adaptive methods in connection with the arable farming of this country. It was claimed that there should be employed implements and methods that are suited to the varying conditions of climate and soil of New Zealand.

Finally, economy as regards the implement phase of farming can be effected in the proper housing and care of implements when not in use. The life of an implement is not only prolonged but valuable time is assuredly saved where such provision is made.

The adoption of a proper rotation of crops on the farm is decidedly in the interests of economy. This is effected by economizing in the manure to be applied to each successive crop, by conserving the fertility of the soil generally, by promoting ease in the working of the soil, by causing the systematic destruction of weeds, by tending to evenly distribute labour, and by increasing the production from the farm generally.

In the domain of cereal-growing economy can undoubtedly be effected by treating grain with formalin, for smut; by sowing clean seed of good sample; by sowing oats early in districts where rust is prevalent ; by cutting wheat and oats when not dead-ripe, thereby preventing loss by wind ; and by building good stacks with the hearts or centres well kept up and thatching them when intended to be kept for some time.

Economy is certainly brought about by the provision of a continuous supply of green feed, for soiling (cutting as required), or for pasturing during periods of scant pasture in winter and during a dry summer period, especially on land that is not prone to sustain a full pasture throughout the year.. These supplemental pasture crops are invaluable to the farmer during periods of shortage.

The growing of lucerne where possible, especially by the dairyfarmer, is decidedly in the interests of agricultural economy, in that the crop provides on a comparatively small area such a prolific perennial growth of fodder rich in protein—a potent fleshand milk-forming constituent of plants. When established, also, lucerne thrives under conditions of moisture and soil-disadvantage unapproachable by other farm crops. The cleaning and cultivation of the crop by proper implements, thereby maintaining a continuously thrifty condition, is a further factor that may be regarded in the light of economy.

The purchase of none but clean seeds of strong vitality embraces an economy the neglect of ■ which is far-reaching in its effects, as is exemplified in the adage “ One year's seeding, seven years' weeding." Cheap unclean seed is dear at the lowest price.

In dairying districts particularly, the co-operative growing, on smallish areas set aside for the purpose, of seeds of more or less expensive forage and green-manuring crops embraces an economy of some importance. The farmers co-operating could supply themselves with seed and sell to advantage any surplus.

In the production of hay the cutting of grass when not too far advanced involves economy as regards the digestibility, hence productiveness, of this valuable form of fodder. When grass intended for hay is allowed to go too far the resulting hay is too “ woody,” and so is reduced in palatability and to some extent in digestibility. So also in the production of lucerne hay the crop should be cut when one-tenth to one-third in bloom, thereby providing a sample of hay of the most palatable and digestible order. In the making of lucerne hay good weather should -if possible be hit upon, and the hay handled only sufficiently to promote satisfactory curing. In so doing the leaves are preserved as much as possible, for it is in them that the highest percentage of protein exists.

Where feed is in abundance and much of it is in danger of being wasted (from the point of view of the production of animal products) by being trampled under foot, quantities of this surplus growth can readily be made into ensilage, in stack or silo, and preserved for periods of scarcity; and there are few districts in New Zealand that have not at some time or other experienced such periods and that could not profitably adopt this system of economy even on a modified scale.

Economy in feeding can be brought about by balancing rations under natural conditions —by bringing together in definite ratio, naturally or artificially, for the most effective feeding forage crops rich in protein on the one hand, and those rich in carbohydrates (starches and sugars) on the other. Examples of such balancing, more or less, are oats and peas sown together, rye and vetches, Italian rye and cow-grass, pasture grasses well accompanied with clovers, maize, and lucerne in the form of ensilage, &c.

Where .by-products on the farm would otherwise go to waste, the keeping of various classes of farm-animals that would utilize these is evidently economical. Such by-products and their means of utilization are well enough known to the farmer and need not be further referred to here.

Economy is effected by harrowing the pasture in the early spring particularly with tripod harrows or tine harrows inverted, in order to break the crust of soil formed as the result of the winter rains, to drag out moss, and to scatter animal droppings, which, if left undisturbed, encourage (by concentration of nitrogen) the coarser grasses to the detriment of the finer grasses and clovers.

In dairying districts especially the adoption of a system of rotation of pastures is decidedly economical in that it tends to evenly distribute the exhaustion of mineral constituents (lime, phosphoric acid, and to some extent potash) of the soil that takes place as the result of the continuous export of milk - products and, in many instances, of young growing animals. The continuous grazing of

particular areas by ‘milk-producing and young bone-producing animals tends toward comparatively rapid exhaustion of the mineral wealth of soils. Certain hill country that cannot be top-dressed with manures can in portion be improved appreciably by periodic crowding on it for comparatively 'short periods of mature sheep and cattle. This system, periodically carried out, is materially assisted by the growing on handy rich flats of forage crops on to which the stock can be transferred after grazing on the hills, and by spelling the latter subsequently. Following the methods used in obtaining the fully tested results of local experience in preference to the methods adopted in other districts may be recommended, in conclusion, as a sound principle making for economy. Such methods should only be adopted,, however, if they have been tested during many years, and so have persisted ' because of their advantages. The practices of certain other districts . may or may not suit the conditions of the district concerned; hence the wisdom —on the part of the new farmer particularly adopting the local methods that have stood the test of time. Obvious minor improvements, embracing the results of recent discovery or demonstration, could, of course, also .be adopted to advantage.

* The simplified method of calculating the cost per unit is as follows Cost per ton of manure ' . ~ =— - = cost per unit, according % nitrogen, or P.O, or potash to the class of manure being purchased.