Planting Out the Crops.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 57, Issue 6, 20 December 1938, Page 542

Planting Out the Crops.

Tobacco Notes.

THE planting-out of tobacco crops in the Nelson District is almost completed. The weather experienced during November has been fine, with rather high winds—conditions which are not at all ideal for tobacco culture. A good take,” however, is apparent throughout the district. This is no doubt due to the fine preparation the fields have received prior to planting.Most growers favour the planting of rows 3 ft. 8 in. apart,, with the plants' 22 in. to 24 in. in the row. This width of row suits the manure-sowing machine better than the 4 ft. rows recommended in the Departmental Bulletin No. 37.

The machine places the fertilizer at the bottom of a furrow, which is then buried with the moldboards, forming a distinct ridge, upon which the tobacco is planted. :'' The amounts of manure used vary from 500 lb. to 1,000 lb. according to the quality of the soil. The method of ridging-in the manure confines it to the immediate use of the plant, and this should be sufficient to ensure the full development of the plant by /the time it. stands- approximately 3 ft. 6 in. high, which should be reached by .the end of January, when the tobacco leaf commences to ripen or turn yellow J The concentration of a limited quantity of fertilizer:near the roots of the plants

brings about the desired condition at that time to cause the leaf to mature and to ensure the even curing in the barns. ’ The reverse effect is caused by the broadcasting of manure over all the land. This forces the plant to forage for food over a wider area, and even then there is a great deal which is not assimilated. Every occasional shower of rain liberates a. further supply of available plant-food, thus causing the plants to maintain • a vivid green colour, which is not desirable at harvest-time.

Charles Lowe,

Motueka.

Tobacco Instructor,