Feb. 2, 1920.] 



Agricultural Gazette of N .S.W , 



99 



Farmers^ Experiment Plots* 



Maize Experiments, 1918-19. 

 Central Coastal District. 



J. M. PITT, Assistant Inspector of Agriculture. 



Experiments with maize were conducted by the Department dui-ing the 

 spring of 1918, in co-operation with the following farmers : — 



R. Richardson, Mondrook, Manning River. 



M. Smith, " Bona Vista/' Paterson River. 



W. H. Duffy, Comboyne. 



G. A. Andrews, Charity Creek, Manning River. 



E. L. Andrews, Mt. George, Manning River. 



A. Smith and Atkins Bros., Bandon Grove, Dungog. 



A. G. Fra.ser. "Homestead Farm," Gloucester. 

 The yields, w^hilst not as high as those of last year, were good considering 

 the droughty conditions ruling during the spring and summer. Maize, how- 

 ever, is a crop that does not stand excessive moisture, especially in the early 

 stages; under such conditions a heavy growth takes place — and this is not 

 necessary to maximum yields ; moreover, this generous growth requires a lot 

 of moisture to maintain it later in the season, and a tendency to fungous 

 diseases is developed. The tasselling period is the most critical in the growth 

 of maize, and it is then and afterwards that ample moisture is required to 

 ensure a proper pollination and filling out of the ears. 



The majority of the Upper Manning, Comboyne and Dungog plots were 

 fortunate in having useful falls at this time, thus ensuring good yields ; the 

 crops, too, were entirely free from the attacks of leaf blight. The Gloucester 

 and Paterson plots, ho\vever, were less fortunate in respect to rain, and the 

 results in consequence were poor. Indeed, insufficient rain fell at the former 

 place to germinate the seed. The following figures show the rainfall over 

 the two seasons : — 



The cultivation methods adopted by the various farmers were satisfactory. 

 Ploughing deeply in the autumn has again proved itself to be indispensable ; 

 and it is pleasing to note that most of the farmers recognise the value of 

 allowing the land to fallow and sweeten during the winter months, giving 



