44° 



Manurial Experiments on Pasture. 



The results, so far as the weight of herbage is concerned, 

 show that all the manures have given a profitable increase. 

 That given on plot 3 by basic slag is especially striking. 



The plots were carefully examined before being mown 

 as hay. Plot r,. where no manure had been applied, 

 was distinctly the poorest plot ; the grasses, although pre- 

 sent in abundance, were weak and the bottom herbage was 

 poor. This plot looked very poor when contrasted with the 

 rest of the field which was dressed with basic slag. On 

 plot 2 (superphosphate) there was a good, thick, even sward, 

 white and yellow clover being much developed, and stemmy 

 grasses abundant. On plot 3 (basic slag) there was even 

 more white clover and leguminous herbage ; here the quality 

 of the bottom herbage was the best. On plot 4 ^basic slag 

 and nitrate) the nitrate had largely developed the grasses 

 and increased the bulk, but the quality of the herbage was 

 not so good. On plot 5, where kainit (a potash manure) was 

 added, the quality of the herbage was distinctly improved, 

 the bottom being greener, with more clover present. 



For improving the bulk and quality of the herbage basic 

 slag has in this case undoubtedly been most useful ; it was not 

 to be expected that the potash manure would have a con- 

 siderable effect on this heavy land. 



These results have been made on a clay loam, which has 

 been lying for a considerable time in pasture, and which is 

 probably deficient in lime. The value of the herbage has 

 been very much improved for grazing purposes by the 

 phosphatic manures, especially by basic slag, while the 

 potash manure has also greatly improved the quality. The 

 tables, therefore, do not show the full improvement given by 

 these manures. On the other hand, where nitrate of soda 

 has been applied the bottom herbage is coarser, and not so 

 suitable for grazing purposes, nor is the quality of the hay 

 anything like as good on these plots. 



The results at Herriard up till 1898 have been published 

 in the annual report of the Board of Agriculture on the 

 Distribution of Grants for Agricultural Education, but the 

 additional results for 1899 shown below are very striking. 



The experiments are being made at Herriard Park, 



