The Rural Voice, 1978-10, Page 35points out.
Tile drainage allows farmers to get
better plant growth resulting in higher
yields and a lower year-to-year variability.
Yield increases can also occur because
good drainage permits earlier seeding and
more timely harvesting.
It also allows farmers to grow a wider
range of crops. In Quebec, this might mean
cereals beine grown on land formerly used
for forage, while in southern Ontario it may
result in a change from small grains to
grain corn, soybeans or processing
vegetables.
"Experiments in Ontario show drainage
can be expected to increase crop yields of
hay by 25 per cent, small grains 40 to 50
per cent and grain corn and soybeans about
30 per cent," Dr. Colwell says.
"Such yield increases could provide
farmers with investment returns of 15 per
cent for grain corn, 17 per cent for
soybeans and wheat. 11 per cent for oats
and eight per cent for hay," the economist
adds.
This means that even at commercial
lending rates.it is often profitable to get
tele drainage installed.
"Improved drainage does not guarantee
increased crop yields. However. with good
management and production practices,
such as using superior plant varieties,
following recommended seed and fertilizer
rates, early planting and timely soil
conditioning, it provides a potential for
much higher yields," Dr. Colwell says.
There's no second
chance with
silage gas
The tragic deaths of three Gananoque.
Ontario farmers last fall brought stark
attention to the serious hazards of silage
gas. The lethal ingredient of these fumes is
nitrogen dioxide (NO 24, which can form in
silos almost immediately after filling.
Depending on ,the concentration of NO2
the presence of the gas will be recognize°
by a burning sensation in the nose, throat
and chest. Exposure to heavy concen-
trations can lead to death within seconds.
Lesser concentrations or exposure for
shorter periods may result in extensive
lung damage. Death from pneumonia may
result hours after exposure.
Don't take unnecessary risks whenfil'ing
silo this fall. You may not have a second
chance following exposure to NO 2!
MILLS
i
r
I
Howson Mills
Elevator Division
Receiving White Beans & Corn
- Fast Unloading
- Probe System for Corn
- Sell, Store or Contract your Corn
- Satellite Dealer for W.G. Thompson
& Sons Ltd. in Beans ONLY
Howson & Howson Ltd.
Blyth 523-4241
Elevator 1 mi. East of Blyth
off County Rd. 25 523-9624
Doupe's
Equipment
Ltd.
RR 4, Kincardine
SERVING THE AREA SINCE 1949
DEALERS FOR
CASE
GEHL
KUBOTA
BUSHOG
Sales -Service -Rentals
We make all types of
Hydraulic hose up to 1' 2"
while you wait.
R.R.#4 KINCARDINE
395-2685
Winthrop
GENERAL STORE
Open Mon. -Sat. till 4:1111 l'.M.
Grocery & Hardware
Work Boots
- Rubber Boots
CEDAR POSTS
FENCE SUPPLIES
45 Gal. Steel Barrels
-Gas-
DOUG & GAIL SCHROEDER
527-1247
THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1978 PC. 3c