>Even although it appears --- that there has been a
catastrophy from the use of Superphosphate in the comparative trials of >the
TSR at Dalgetty I feel that what has happened opens the scope of the trials. It
must be remembered that this is a long >term trial. It is not just what
happens in the first year.
It has altered the rules part way through though and you now dont have a
non supered area so a dressing of super has become part of the base treatment.
Not a problem but a minor glitch. The real problem is in the carelessness of
the person who made the mistake and jepoardised the whole thing.
>There is ample documentation (I hope) and photographsof the area at
different stages.
I was sure Roger would have this under control
> There is also abuot 50 soil samples from different areas of the
block which were taken at the commencement of the trial
>What is
important, in the light of the problems in the EUof using animal sheaves, is
that the radionic preps have performed >equal to if not better than
the conventionallly sprayed and stirred BD preps.
You know how I enjoy it when people write things
like that last sentence!
>During a visit to the trial just
prior to the pasture sowing it was commented by Project Coordinator that
she observed >noticeable differences between the different trials. It was
quite obvious that the BD had outperformed the other trials and >that there
was a marked difference between conventional v BD.
I think it would be a good idea to get a written report from the co
ordinator stating that up until the accident.
>My opinion is that Superphosphate or rock phosphate would
be beneficial to the land.
Mine too! that granite country also seriously
needs lime. They have been using molybdenum fortified super for
generations to try and counter the lack of calcium and the trace element
imbalances that come with it. Biggest problem with super phosphate is the lock
up factor and the lack of cultivation - you end up with all the root system
concentrated in the top couple of inches
When the protocols for the trial >were being discussed I
mentioned that it would be interesting to have a small test strip to test the
effects of different >additions such as Phosphorus, Zinc or/and Copper.
This will probably be done in the second year.
>A further 550 acre trial
is being conducted at Dalgetty on a property which is generally
considered to be the worst on the >Monaro.
You know that Monaro country isnt half as bad as
you blokes think, when I lived up there the Dalgety shire claimed the
highest wool cut per acre in NSW and had the figures to proove it. For twenty
years the monaro sheep men flogged the socks off all comers in merino whether
trials all over the state, only lost out when high fine wool prices
put them out of it. They are still the best medium and strong wool sheep in
this country. Best weaner cattle in the country
too!
>Weed peppers lend themselves to
broadacre spraying because they are species specific and non toxic to
stock.
You'd hope that people will be a little forgiving when results are
sometimes not up to their expectations - there are many turning to peppering
as a last resort after chemicals have failed - its a big ask in some
cases.
>We certainly live in interesting times in Australia these days.
Sure do!
Cheers
Lloyd Charles
