404 Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. [June 2, 1920. 



Where this stiff clay subsoil exists near tlr^ surface, subst)iling may be 

 expected to prove a profitable oi^eration. This can be done roughly and 

 cheaply by removing the inouldboard from tlie ordinary plough. 



For still further assisting the drainage on the swamp land, ridge ploughing 

 can be thoroughly recommended. This consists in ploughing (always in the 

 same direction), in narrow "lands" or widths of 12 to 24 feet, leaving the 

 ^' clean outs " or dead furrows to act as open drains. 



• 



Crops and Fertilisers for Swamp Land. 



Even in cases where it is recognised that the swamp land is still subject to 

 overflow, it is possible that comparatively long periods may elapse between 

 such occurrences, and the land is so well provided with nitrogen that it is too 

 rich an asset to neglect, and in many cases the fear of overflow should not be 

 allowed to deter the farmer from cultivation. 



Summer fodders, such as maize, sorghum, Sudan grass, or Japanese millet 

 will be found to be the most suitable, and the latter two crops may be 

 regarded as the best to stand the wet conditions that must prevail at some 

 tiuie or other during growth. 



Other minor crops that are worth trial as being most likely to be suited to 

 this class of soil are celery, onions, rice, and mint. In these cases much 

 depends on close proximity to market. Where the land is well drained 

 potatoes and cabbages would i^robably do well. 



Although rich in nitrogen, the soil is extremely ill-balanced and will 

 usually respond readily to phosphates and potash. At least 2 cwt. super- 

 phosphate per acre should be applied with every crop sown, and tests should 

 be made of the most profitable amounts of potash to apply. On some similar 

 .soils it has been found that the ap|)lication of about 1001b. of a high-grade 

 potash fertiliser has increasied the yields up to 400 per cent. 



It is likely that the pastures on the s\>(amp land will also show a profitable 

 increase from the application of superphosphate (and perhaps of potash), in 

 addition to lime. 



Crops and Fertilisers for Upland Soils. 



Usually the upland soil is of sandstone formation, and cannot be relied 

 on to produce good crops continually without careful treatment. No 

 application of lime is necessary on this soil, and the most reliable crops ai'e 

 winter fodders — ^mrticularly wheat or rye. Neither of these are considered 

 <]uite as good feed for dairy cows as barley or oats, but they will produce the 

 better crops on the land in question. The summer fodders I'ecommended for 

 the swamp land should hardly be attempted here except, perhaps, a crop of 

 sorghum occasionally. The rye should be utilised for grazing at intervals, 

 and should never be allowed to grow to any height if it is intended to use 

 it to the best advantage. The wheat or rye should be followed by cowpeas 

 (sown in November or December), which can be utilised for grazing and still 

 liave some value for soil improvement. If this system is followed, with an 

 occasional crop of sorghum, tlie fertility of these upland soils will be maintained 

 with just the apjilication of 1 cwt. superphosphate with each crop at sowing. 



