Sept. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S. W. 703 



soil cool, conserves moisture and favours tlie liberation of jjlfiiit-t'ood. Tlui 

 organisms which fix the free nitrogen of the air in the soil are also benefited, 

 thus increasing the nitrogen available to the plant. The various organisms 

 are specially stimulated by ploughing under organic matter in the form of 

 crop residues. 



Crop-rotation. — In districts of fair average rainfall, fodder cro])s grown in 

 rotation with wheat possess many advantages. Crops suitable for grazing 

 by sheep are very desirable. Shee[) and wheat tit admirably Australian 

 conditions. Continuous cropping with wheat exhausts the soil. Under a 

 rational system of rotation fertility may be increased, manui-es are more 



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Ploughing under Rape crop. 



economically applied, moisture conserved, and weeds checked. Rape, on 

 account of its value as a sheep- fodder and the residues available to Ije 

 ploughed under, is an excellent crop in rotation with wheat. ^lany other 

 crops may be chosen which would suit the various districts. Bare-fallowing 

 should be relied upon in the drier districts. 



Feeding-off Crops. — Early sown crops which have made considei'able growth 

 during the winter are frequently fed-oft' by sheep to advantage, if discreetly 

 practised. Crops should not be fed too late in the winter, especially where 

 dry weather during the early part of summer is the rule. Stock should not 

 be turned on in wet weather, especially on soils with a fair ^Ji'oportion of clay 

 n their composition. Continuous grazing for any length of time may be 

 harmful. It is wise to subdivide a paddock if the whole cannot be 



