The Rural Voice, 1978-04, Page 24Advice on Farming
Little need for gypsum
in Perth
There seems to be little need in Perth
county for the ingredients in a new product
being sold to county farmers, says Alan W.
Scott, Agricultural Representative for the
county.
Farmers have been enquiring whether
the sulpher bearing material called clay
buster is needed, he said. The material
also contains calcium sulphate or gypsum
and two secondary soil nutrient, calcium
and sulphur.
The Soil Science Dept. at the University
of Guelph is of the opinion that there is no
need for calcium sulphate applications on
crops in Perth county. A 1976 study
showed that each year gets 30 lbs of
sulphur per acre via rainfall. This natural
application is quite sufficient for most
crops. Sod buster also supplies calcium but
soil tests indicate that few farms in Perth
require this nutrient. Moreover, agricultur-
al limestone would be the first choice for
correcting this deficiency if it did occur.
Soil Scientist, Tom Lane, points out that
gypsum isn't a soil conditioner. In his
opinion, there is no evidence that it breaks
up top soil, creates free passage of air.
loosens solidified subsoil or improves
drainage. The material could be beneficial
on high sodium soils (Western Canada) but
there are no such soils under cultivation in
Southern Ontario. Likewise, in Lane's
opinion, there is no scientific basis to
support claims that the material is useful in
controlling flies or stable odours.
Lane is concerned about gypsum
promotion on two counts. Firstly, it's being
misrepresented as to what it can do in a
crop production program. Secondly, some
quoted prices are considerably out of line
with the price of Ontario gypsum.
Additional information can be obtained
from a nine page handout which
summarizes the University of Guelph
thinking on this product. It's available from
O.M.A. F. offices.
Plan now to build
wind breaks
BY MIKE PREVOST
When the prevailing winds of winter
whistle across snowcapped fields and
laneways become lost under white drifts, it
PG. 24. THE RURAL VOICE/APRIL 1978.
may be time to consider a windbreak or
shelterbelt. As well as a reduction in
drifting snow, windbreaks increase proper-
ty value and crop yields. They also reduce
soil erosion, lower the cost of heating
buildings and are aesthetically pleasing.
Plan now! Consider the direction of the
prevailing wind in your area. In Ontario
this is usually from the northwest. Plan
your planting rows to run at right angles to
this wind. A common arrangement is three
rows of trees with the fastest growing
species forming the highest and middle
row thus giving protection further
downwind. These rows of trees should be
planted between 20 and 33 meters
(approximately 60 to 100 feet) from the
road or buildings to be protected. Common
species planted for such purposes in
Southern Ontario are Norway Spruce.
White Cedar. White Spruce, Scotch Pine
and Carolina Poplar.
There are several alternate planting
methods. If your planned site is presently
cultivated. summer fallow this area at least
one season in advance of planting. If your
planting site is not plowed but is suitable
for working up, by all means do so.
If an area cannot be cultivated, the sod
from each individual planting site will have
to be removed with your planting shovel.
Windbreaks should be cultivated for at
least two years after planting. This gives
the trees a chance to grow above
competing vegetation. To assist cultivation
or where cultivation is impossible. a
selective chemical may be used to reduce
weeds and grasses.
To determine the number of trees
required we will propose a three row
system using White Spruce, Norway
Spruce and White Cedar. The White
Spruce should be planted on the windward
side six feet apart. Place the Norway
Spruce, as a middle row, 8 feet from the
White Spruce and also six feet apart. On
the lee side place the Cedar four feet apart
in a row eight feet from the middle row.
The trees should be planted opposite the
space in the next row so the trees are
alternately arranged. Where cultivation is
planned, the spacing between the rows in
the windbreak should coincide with the
width of the implement to be used.
Put your plan into action. Landowners
having two or more acres of land exclusive
of buildings, who wish to obtain trees for
planting, should contact their local
Ministry of Natural Resources office to
obtain an Application for Nursery Stock.
The minimum order is 50 trees, costing
$5.00 with no less than 25 trees of any one
species. The cost for 1000 or more trees is
one cent per tree. Due to the popularity of
the Nursery programs, there are no trees
available for planting on private land in the
spring of 1978. Because of this, order this
For the Farm .. .
Utility/Hydro
POLES
From 30' class 7
to 45' class 3.
Penta Pressure Treated
LUMBER
Black in appearance.
We stock 4 x 6 and 6 x 6
from 8' to 24' and 2 x 6
T & G from 8' to 16'.
Pro Hardware
and Lumber
LNtowM
I
Strickland
AUTOMOBILES
JEEP
TOYOTA
AMERICAN
MOTORS
STRICKLAND
AUTOMOBILES
Goderich
(519) 524-8841
524-8411
524-9381