During the first ten years of its activity, the International Potash Institute has organised, at regular intervals, seven International Potash Congresses. These meetings have allowed a review, at a general and universal level, of our scientific knowledge on the nature of potash in the soil, its implication as regards the utilization of water and its role in the nutrition of plant and animal organisms. At the last Congress, in Spring 1962 in Greece, these basic scientific datas have been examined in their specific application to Mediterranean Regions.
Thereupon, it has been considered that, in spite of the high interest raised by such international conferences, it might be easier and even more fruitful to discuss scientific problems within small groups of specialists. The Scientific Board of the International Potash Institute has, then, proposed to hold these international congresses at longer intervals and to organize, in the meantime, study meetings dealing with scientific subjects restricted either by their local application or by their high level of specialisation. In the first case those meetings would be attended by regional technicians specialised in the study involved and in the second case by a small group of international experts carrying out researches on the same basic scientific problem. Among such a reduced number of participants it would be possible to examine the chosen subject in details and to discuss it, taking the bearings of what is known or still to be found.
One of the most acute problems which the experts are facing, owing to the increasing needs in animal origine proteines of a steadily growing World population, is high productivity in intensive grassland production. Grassland production is widely depending on ecological factors and human managements. In the Northern European countries, pastures cover large areas and cattle breeding represents an important part of agricultural production. Among those countries, Ireland stays in first line; its soil and humid climate are very favourable to grass growing; cattle breeding is by far its main activity and animal products one of its main export items. Therefore,to deal with "Potassium in relation to Grassland Production", Eyre was chosen as the proper place for the First Regional Conference of the International Potash Institute. This conference was held at Wexford, from July 2nd to 4th 1963, under the patronage of H. E. the Minister of Agriculture of Ireland.
During two days, eminent lecturers submitted to the participants the last datas regarding the availability of potassium in grassland soils, its mode of action in the plant and its influence on the botanical and chemical composition of pasture plants. Specialists of the Northern European countries presented a series of short papers summarising research work on potassium in relation to grassland management systems carried out in their owncountry, and on the influence of potassium supply on the composition and quality of sward. For a last working session, the seventy participants, divided into four syndicates, discussed different aspects of potassium in relation to grassland production. They prepared recommendations and conclusions on their findings in relation to the present state of knowledge, to be submitted to the closing session for further investigation.
Furthermore, the participants have had the opportunity to see field and laboratory investigations being undertaken by the Agricultural Institute at Johnstown Castle. The Board of the International Potash Institute sincerely hopes that the work accomplished by its First Regional Conference will contribute to forward our knowledge about the influence of potash fertilizers on the production, composition and quality of herbage. We would like to seize this opportunity of thanking the speakers for their kind and valuable co-operation and for making the results of their sterling work available for the common weal.
A special word of gratitude is due to His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture of Ireland, Mr. P. Smith, for his kindness in assuming the patronage of this Regional Conference.
We are also especially indebted to Dr. T. Walsh, Director of An Foras Talúntais (Agricultural Institute), for accepting the heavy responsibility of presiding over the activities and discussions of the Conference, after dedicating a good part of his time to preparing, with his staff of the Agricultural Institute, the successful proceeding of this meeting.
We would also like to thank Mr. J. C. Litton, Chairman of the Council, and all his 'colleagues of Johnstown Castle Experimental Station, for their kind and warm hospitality.
Share this article
Stay up to date about latest articles & news about potash
Related:
International Potash Institute (IPI)
c/o COLL-Control AG
Kanonengasse 31 4051
Basel
Switzerland