Oct. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 703 



Farmers^ Experiment Plots* 



Maize Experiments, 1919-20. 



Central-western District. 



B. C. MEEK, Assistant Inspector of Agriculture. 



The following farmers co-operated with the Department in maize experi- 

 ments last season : — 



G. J. Douglas, Fairfield, Coonabarabran. 



N. S. Meek, Lindfield, Hobby's Yards. 



J. Jones, Morbel, Canowindra. 



W. Burns, Goongawarrie, Carcoar. 



E. Blackburn, Belar Creek, Wairkton. 



J. I. Renshaw, Hampton Park, Binnaway. 



J. Davidson, Merrigonowry, Cowra. 

 Results were only obtained at the first three places, the season being one 

 of the worst yet experienced for maize in this district. Birds also played 

 havoc with most of the plots, swarming down from the bush early and late 

 for food which in ordinary seasons they rarely touch. 



Details of the Plots. 



Canoivindra. — The experience of Mr. J. Jones is especially worthy of note 

 in view of the agitation in the near west for some form of water conservation 

 for irrigation. After a careful preparation of the soil in a paddock on the 

 banks of the Belubula River, furrows were struck out 4 feet apart, and the 

 seed planted at the bottom with a maize-dropper. As there was every 

 indication of the continuance of the drought conditions then existing, a 

 small pumping plant was purchased and erected at a cost of £85. 



The first watering was given along the furrows on 10th December, and 

 the plants showed through three days later. On 23rd December another 

 watering was given, but the efiort was wasted, as a storm of over 3 inches 

 of rain fell in the next couple of days. The third and final watering was 

 given on 21st February, as dry weather had again set in. 



On about half the paddock, which could not be reached by pumping, 

 practically no germination resulted, as the natural precipitation was too 

 meagre, and occured at intervals that were too great; the irrigated section, 

 on the other hand, gave yields up to 68 bushels per acre. Early frosts on 

 18th April and following days stopped all further growth, which accounts 

 for the smallness of yields of the later maturing varieties. An occasional 

 case of smut was the only disease noted, and a few cobs were attacked by 

 earworm. 



