442 SECTIONAL TRANSACTIONS.— M. 



Friday, September 3. 



Meeting in the River Trent Catchment Board Offices, Derby Road. 



Mr. F. Yates. — Crop estimation and forecasting (lo.o). 



Forecasts of the yields of agricultural crops can be based either on the 

 meteorological data or on quantitative measurements and inspection of the 

 grow^ing crop. The use of meteorological data requires a knowledge of the 

 effects of meteorological factors on yield and can only take into account 

 effects of meteorological factors. Observations on the crop, particularly 

 quantitative measurements, may serve to integrate the effects of both meteoro- 

 logical and other factors. The choice of the most suitable measurements 

 must be determined by trial. 



The sampling technique developed at Rothamsted provides a method, both 

 of estimating the average yields of the different crops promptly at harvest, 

 and of obtaining quantitative measurements of known accuracy on the growth 

 of the crops. During the last few years sampling observations of this nature 

 have been carried out on experimental wheat plots at various centres, and the 

 most suitable methods of sampling commercial yields have been investi- 

 gated. Interesting results have already been achieved. More recently 

 observations on sugar beet and potatoes have been undertaken. 



The accurate knowledge of the average yields of the principal crops 

 immediately they are harvested is of considerable importance in any con- 

 trolled economic system, quite apart from its use in evolving methods of 

 forecasting. 



Mr. W. H. Haile. — Drainage system of the Trent Catchment Area (10.45). 



Principal H. G. Robinson. — The agriculture of the district (11.30). 



The district discussed is that within a twenty miles radius of the city of 

 Nottingham, and concerns the central portion of the Trent valley. It is 

 an area in which the interests of agriculture and industry clash in respect 

 of labour demands, but the industrial population has provided good 

 markets which have had a marked influence on agricultural systems. 



Mixed farming is typical — indeed it is the most typical mixed farming 

 district in the country. The distinctive soil types introduce variations in the 

 farming system. The Bunter soils constitute a major agricultural problem 

 in this district, chiefly because of the low and uncertain rainfall. The 

 Keuper Marl provides a sharp contrast, giving rise to heavier and more 

 fertile soils. The Trent valley alluvial soils are often underlaid with gravel, 

 while the Coal Measures give rise to a system of agriculture that flourishes 

 because of good markets as distinct from a good farming environment. 



There are interesting historical associations, including Laxton, the only 

 surviving example of open-field forming, while Robt. Bakewell was a native 

 of the district. 



Present-day farming in the district concerns the production of milk as 

 the dominant activity, even on the small farms which are typical of the area. 

 On the arable side wheat and oats are the principal cereals, while of the 

 roots potatoes and beet find an important place in the rotation. 



