asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he has any evidence that soils treated with chemical fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are becoming addicted to such chemicals and need ever-increasing quantities due to the decay of natural organisms in the rocks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soil Treatment.
17.
There is no evidence to this effect in this country.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary accept that this has been the effect in other countries and it might be something on which a very close watch should be kept?
The systems of farming operated in this country are unlikely to give rise to the conditions referred to in the Deputy's question.
18.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that, due to over-production and the decrease of natural fertility, farmers in the USA are being paid to rest their land; and if that situation is likely to arise in this country.
I am aware of the various programmes which have been operated in the USA since 1956 to relieve the problem of over-production by taking land out of cultivation. I see no likelihood of any such programmes being introduced in this country.
19.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on reports that civilisation is 250 mm deep, which is the depth of the topsoil; and that any action which impairs the long-term viability of the humus soil endangers the survival of the species which depend on it.
I do not consider that the reports referred to by the Deputy warrant any action in so far as this country is concerned.