asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if there is a possibility of diminishing returns from agricultural investment in artificial fertilisers; and the advice he has given to farmers in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Artificial Fertilisers Application.
3.
As far as this country is concerned the answer to the Deputy's question is "No". Diminishing returns would occur only when the rate of application of fertilisers is excessive, but in this country the rate is much lower than recommended. Advice on the use of fertilisers is available to farmers from the agricultural advisory services of the county committees of agriculture. This advice is based on the requirements of individual farms.
Could I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if diminishing returns would be involved where the cost of fertilisers had reached such a level that it would bring about this situation? The Parliamentary Secretary seems to indicate in his reply that it could happen only through excessive use. Surely it would be the cost of the fertilisers which would be the cause of it more than excessive use?
Even though the cost of fertilisers has risen sharply in recent times, any reduction in the use of fertilisers below the recommended rates will adversely affect economic returns from crops and grassland. Apparently our use of fertilisers is less than other countries. Taking into account the increase in prices of different types of fertilisers, we recommend, as a Department, the advisability of continuing to apply fertilisers.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary completely satisfied that the huge increase in price we experienced recently——
The Deputy is expanding on the matter. This is not relevant to the question under discussion.
——will not cause a fall-off in the use of fertilisers?
That is a separate question altogether.
It is directly related to the question.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate to the House whether there has been a fall-off in the use of artificial fertilisers because of the tremendous increase in their price in recent months?
The Deputy is introducing a new matter into this question.
I have no knowledge of the fall-off.
Does that mean that there has not been a fall-off in the use of fertilisers?
The Department have no knowledge of such a fall-off. I have given the information available to the Department so I am assuming that there has not been a fall-off.