asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any field experiments have been conducted by his Department regarding the economic value of superphosphate at its present price; and, if not, if he will state by what method he has satisfied himself that this commodity has an economic value to farmers at the present price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Value of Superphosphate.
The average results of extensive field experiments conducted by the Department over a number of years and under varying conditions throughout the country showed clearly that substantially increased yields were obtained from the use of superphosphate and other phosphatic manures.
It is very difficult to express an opinion as to the actual increase which may be expected in individual cases. An analysis of the results obtained in a long series of field experiments conducted by the Department showed that the following average increases in yield from different crops were obtained from each 1 cwt. of superphosphate used in the dressing for the respective crops:— Potatoes, about 1/4 ton; Swedes, 24 cwt; Oats, somewhere less than 1 cwt. of grain, 1? cwt. of straw; Mangels, 9 cwts. Taking the present price of superphosphate at around 12/- per cwt., the above increases would still be economic.
These are merely the average of results obtained under ordinary field conditions, and I do not claim that they are scientifically accurate. On the other hand, it would be entirely unjust to regard these increases as representative of the effects of superphosphate or phosphatic manures generally under all circumstances. Particularly, for example, where superphosphate is applied in the form of a compound, correspondingly better results are usually obtained, and what is perhaps most important of all is that on very poor land and in the absence of sufficient farmyard manure, a dressing of 4 or 5 cwt. of superphosphate, or of a compound containing superphosphate as its main ingredient, might mean the difference between a reasonably good crop and perhaps little or no crop. We know, for example, that very frequently a light dressing of artificials to a sickly wheat crop in early spring might make a difference of several barrels of wheat in the ultimate yield.
Judging from the demand for superphosphate which, indeed, greatly exceeds the supply, it appears that notwithstanding the price of superphosphate, experienced farmers believe its use to be economic in present circumstances.
The Minister gave the increased yields, but he did not give the quantity that was applied.
I said for each cwt. per acre applied.
I think the Minister is mistaken. His answer read: "From each cwt." and then he went on to say that the yield per acre was thereby increased.
I am sorry. The Deputy is right. It could be understood in that way: "from each one cwt. of superphosphate used in the dressing for the respective crops." Then the yield per acre is given.