The Goderich Signal-Star, 1985-04-24, Page 34PAGE14A--GODERICH SIGNALSTAR,
DN1lJ�,SppAy,,4Ak'JL 24,1985
FAANINEWS
Soil testing for Atrazine residue is
important before changing crops
BY BRIAN HALL
Atrazine has been a,good herbicide for
corn growers. It controls a wide spectrum of
weeds, has residual activity and is
economical. The residual nature of atrazine,
has made soil testing for residue levels im-
portant. This testing is especially important
becauseatrazine can carry over more than
one year, and many variables affect the
amount of carryover.
Weather is one variable that affects the
amount of breakdown of atrazine during the
year. Breakdown is slower if dry weather
persists especially during the summer. A
high Ph soil, ie. over 7.5, also slows the rate
of breakdown.
Under normal conditions 90 percent of the
atrazine applied in a year will break down
before spring of the next year. If for exam-
ple we had applied one pound active
atrazine last spring, carryover into this spr-
ing is 1/10th of a pound. This would be a safe
level to grow beans or alfalfa this year. Of
course this is under normal circumstances,
which don't always occur. So to be on the
safe side we should figure on a 20 percent
carryover (twice as bad). This will allowfor
areas in the field where we put on double the
rate of atrazine from sprayer overlap, areas
sn ,l as knolls, or plows that plow too deep.
The safe levels of atrazine for various
crops are: Greater than 0.2 ppm - Just corn,
0.1- 0.2 ppm - Soybeans and barley general-
ly safe - to beans safe 0.1 level, 0.5 - 0.1
ppm - Fora "s and cereals safe.
MORE THAN ONE YEAR
Atrazine can persist in the soil more than
one year. Let us go back to our example of
one pound applied in 1984. At a 20 percent
carryover rate, this would give a carryover
of 0.2 lbs into 1985. This is borderline for soy-
beans or barley. If in 1983 you had applied 2
lbs active atrazine, the carryover into 1985
would be 0.08 lbs. Now we have a total
atrazine carryover of -0.28 lbs. Too much
atrazine to grow anything except corn.
Because of this carryover from previous
years, I would recommend no atrazine the
year previous to growing beans or alfalfa.
SOI.. TEST FOR ATRAZINE
The avenues for getting a soil test done for
atrazine residue is becoming limited,
because it's getting late.
The first one is to take a spi sample and
send it to the Provincial Pesticide Residue
Testing Lab at the University of Guelph.
You will need a soil sample the size of a
sample Used. for getting fertilizer recom-
mendations. This service is free and is on a
first come first serve basis. At this time of
year, the lab is heavily taxed. The forms re-
quired for this test are available at the
Agricultural Office. Right now it is taking
about three weeks for a soil sample to be
tested.
Centralia College will also do a soil test for
you. They will plant the crop and check its
growth. They need at least a six quart
basket of soil six to eight weeks before you
plan to sow.
It's hard to do your own atrazine test, but
you can take a sample of soil and plant
about one hundred oat seeds. About 3 - 4
weeks after they emerge is the time to check
for stunted or off colour seedlings.
In doing any of these tests, the sample of
soil you take must represent the field ac-
curately. One sample for each 10 - 20 acres is
needed and don't sample too deep.
Planning ahead is needed in order to use
atrazine in a crop rotation program. ..
Publication 296, "1985 Field Crop Recom-
mendations" lists a number' of ways to
reduce the hazard of atrazine residues on
the succeeding crops on pages 66 and 67.
Over X2,000 young people in 4 -FJ
BY KAREN RODMAN
A program that annually attracts over
22,000 young people must have some amaz-
ing benefits to it. What can the 4-H program
offer you and why should you join?
The reason is obvious when you see a 4-13
club in operation. The members" are having
a great deal of fun! They like meeting new
friends, doing activities with "old friends"
and working with a variety of age groups. 4-
11 members quickly learn the meaning of co-
operation as they work with few members to
complete exhibits, clip a calf, learn from a
game and make a recipe.
4-H club work provides the opportunity to
expand and develop ck01a under the ranahle
and knowledgeable direction of a leader.
Less obvious benefits of being a 4-H
member are the opportunities to develop
personal skills. Learning to assist a less ex-
perienced member or sharing a skill with
your club requires the development of good
communication skills and leadership
abilities.
How many organizations can offer you the
ease of learning to speak publicly in the
comfort of 10 or -15 friends - and also
challenge you with audiencesof 100 or more
when you are ready to handle them? The
ability to communicate effectively with
public groups is an important talent to ac
mire,
The thrill of having tried something new,
of finishing a tough project or of helping a
friend is the best builder- of self-confidence
and self-worth available to anyone.
There are many benefits to being a 4-H
member. Different challenges, situations
and opportunities attract various members
to the program.
The overall personal benefits can best be.
summarized in the words of a present 4-H
member: "4-H is building a better me". For .
more information on joining the 4-H pro-
gram contact the Ontario - Ministry of
Agriculture & Food Office, 20 King Street,
Clinton at 482-3428 or 1-800-265-5170. .
Farm Credit Corporation lowers interest rates
from 131/4 to 121/2 per cent effective immediately
Agriculture Minister John Wise today an-
nounced that Farm Credit Corporation
Canada (FCC) is lowering its interest rates
effective immediately. •
Farm Credit Act loans under the Corpora-
tion's Shared Risk Mortgage now carry an
interest rate of 121/2 per cent. This is down
from the 131/aper cent rate that had been in
effect since the inception of the program on
April 1. The interest rate on a Shared Risk
Mortgage is adjusted annually but the in-
creases or decreases are shared equally
between FCC and the borrower, and there is
a ceiling of 21/2 per cent on any interest rate
increases over the six-year term of the mor-
tgage.
. Farm Credit Act mortgages with a five-
year fixed interest rate term have an in-
terest rate of 13 per cent, down from 131/2, per
cent, the rate in effect since March 18. The
rate on loans with a ten-year fixed interest
rate tern is 131/2 peri cent. a rPdrvtinn from
the previous, rate of 133/4 per cent. Mor-
tgages with a twenty-year fixed term are
available -at an interest rate of 133/4 per cent.
Theprior rate was 14 per cent.
Under the Farm Syndicates Credit Act,
which permits the joint purchase of
machinery or buildings by a group of three
or more farmers, borrowers can obtain a
loan at an interest rate of 13 per cent, down
from the previous rate of 131/2 per cent.
Week promotes animal health care in
Canada for livestock and pet animals
Focusing on the special relationship that
exists between animals and people is the
aim of the first national Animal Health
Week on April 28 - May 4, 1985, sponsored by
the Canadian Veterinary Medical Associa-
tion (CVMA).
Animals are an integral part of our lives
as beloved companions, , as working
members of our society, or as a source of
The -Royal,
Canadian
Legion
Goderich
meant. No, 109)
Branch
NOTICE
e THE A.V.M. J.A. Sully
and Legion Br. 109
SCHOLARSHIP
Legion Branch 109 Invites ap-
plications for the above named
scholarship from former
students of the Goderich
District Collegiate. who have
completed one academic year
at the Canadian University in
one of Medicine, Dentistry,,Asir
Engineering or who have com-
pleted two years In any
Honours course. Application
forms may be obtained by
writing to the Secretary of
Legion Branch 109, S6 Kingston
St. Goderich, Ontario N7A 3K4
or by contacting the Guidance
Officer of the Goderich
Collegiate. Deadline for
applications is June 30, 1985.
Nell Shaw
521-$4U
Branch 109 PRO
4
food. The goals of Animal. Health Week in-
clude promotion of animal health care by'
means of good nutrition, hygiene and
preventative medicine, and increasing
public awareness' of the importanceof
animals in our lives.
"During this week, veterinarians frorn
across the nation will be promoting an
awareness of the importance of good
veterinary medical care for livestock and
companion animals", says Dr. Pat
Kohlberg, National Co-ordinator. For more
information about Animal Health Week, or
if you wish to interview veterinarians or
receive our special °series of 6 articles pro-
duced for the purpose of this program,
please contact the area Co-ordinator.
+o.
The uniform is like a beacon on to take responsibility for,
the street. It signals help. Compassion. Providing help, and then hope, for
Caring. the people who need it most.
But not many people know how But they know.
much it takes to be a soldier in the Anyone whose life the Salvation
Salvation Array. The inhuman hours, Army has touched knows.
The incredible patience_. The .. And we ask for them, that
brutal situations. ,p� C ' you give.
�
Taking responsibility for 1 41,)�0As much as you can.
those whom society is unable , ALS ' For the love of God,
AR� 1
' For more information, please contact:
Salvation "r y
18 Woterloo•Ste, Goderich
524-9341 or 524-4335
For a fine season of golf & tennis..
It's time again to get the clubs and racquets out from the garage. Our challenging
course is now ready for the pro's as well as the enthusiasts, and for the tennis
buffs our tennis courts are ready for you.
—Experience Our --
*FINE DINING; Lunch and Dinner served
daily; beginning with Mother's Day
Brunch May 12
(leased and operated by Ben Merritt),
•UNLIMITED; Green fees and court fees.
• WELL GROOMED;Challenging 9 hole golf
course with reasonable rates.
•TWO LIGHTED(; Wind protected tennis courts.
* EARLY BIRD; Pro -shop specials.
• SPRING SWING, ANNUAL DINNER and
DANCE, SAT. JUNE 1st.
for more information please call...
tic
Maitland
Country Cluj
North Harbour Rd. Goderich 524-9641
Keep a strong voice working for Huron -Middlesex
ON MAY 2 RE-ELECT
LET JACK RIDDELL'S EXPERIENCE KEEP
WORKINGTOR EvERYONE II,IJJIURON-MIDDLESEX
• 12 years' experience as Huron -Middlesex M.P.P.
•Ontario Liberal Agriculture and Food Critic
• - •• • - ' - • C.CSS Development Committee
•Member Task Force on Rural Communities .
• Jack is a graduate of the University of Guelph with
a B. Sc. in Agriculture. A former high school teacher,
Jack owns and operates a 200 acre farm in Stephen Township
For a free ride to the polls
on election day, or for
election information please call
CLINTON...482-5227
EyXETER...235-1030 -
OODERICH...524-2168
SEAFORTH... 5 27 -1600
PARKHILL... 294-6822
Join Jack Election Night at the
South Huron Recreation Centre, Exeter.
JACK RIDDELL
Published by the Huron -Middlesex Provincial liberal Association