- 3 - 



Baltimore orioles, thrushes, catbirds, and robins were the most numerous. None 

 of the ba-nded birds were recaptured. However, ten Baltimore orioles banded at 

 the blueberry planting were recaptured at the vineyard. 



The data demonstrated that the population turnover of depredating robins was 

 high. In contrast, it showed chat depredating Baltimore orioles apparently ♦ 

 were comprised of a local resident population. From these observations and 

 results, it is possible that deterrent devices might be effective every day on 

 a species with a daily turnover in the depredating population. In areas where 

 there is less frequent turnover, a species may become immune to scaring devices. 

 Therefore, the composition of a population causing agricultural damage may well 

 be a vital factor in assessing effectiveness of scare techniques. 



The ultimate aim of research work in this line is to determine a method of 

 reducing damage to agricultural crops by birds. A device is needed that will: 



1. Repel or control birds. 



2. Be safe to man and wildlife. 



3. Not injure plants that are being protected. 



4. Not affect the crop so that it will be harmful to man. 



5. Withstand the elements. 



6. Be economical to use. 



Richard N. Smith 



I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 



RESEARCH FROM OTHER AREAS 



(Items included under this heading are for your information and may not apply to 

 Massachusetts conditions in all instances.) 



Research findings of Robert G. Hill, Jr. (Ohio Agricultural Experiment 

 Station Research Bulletin 857 titled "Red Raspberry Growth and Yield as Affected 

 by Soil Management - Nitrogen Fertilization - Training Systems) show that mulch 

 was superior to cultivation as a soil management system for raspberries. The 

 mulched plants made better growth and produced more and larger fruit. 



The mulch system of soil management at the establishment of the experiment 

 consisted of a late fall application of straw on the entire row and aisle area 

 to the depth of eight inches. Four inches of straw was applied in the fall of 

 the succeeding years to maintain the mulch. The straw used was either wheat or 

 rye . 



The cultivation system of soil management consisted of cultivation with a 

 summer cover crop of soybeans folloii^ed by a winter cover crop of rye. 



Hill also studied the effect of three levels of nitrogen fertilization on 

 yield, fruit size and quality, and ripening season. He concluded: 



