asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state the correct procedure for farmers to follow in making application for official help from the Department in the taking of samples of soils and forwarding them for analysis at the laboratory for the purpose.
Written Answers. - Soil Samples.
Farmers who desire to have samples of soil from their lands tested should apply to their committee of agriculture for the services of the local instructor in agriculture.
The samples when taken by the instructor will be sent for analysis to the Department's Laboratory at Johnstown Castle Agricultural College, Wexford. The results of the test, with comments and recommendations, will be sent to the instructor, who will then be in a position to advise the farmer as to the steps he should take to raise the fertility of his land to the optimum having due regard to the crops proposed to be grown.