Abstract :
The paper is divided into two parts, the first dealing in a general manner with the subject of electricity in agriculture, the second with electro-culture in particular. In Part 1 the condition of the agricultural industry is considered, and it is concluded that its present depression is mainly due to two causes: (a) cost of labour, and (b) reduced area of arable land and stationary yields of crops per acre. It is suggested that an increased application of electricity to agriculture supplies that an increased application of electricity to agriculture supplies a means of correcting the depression, and increased application of machinery being required to obtain the maximum output per head of labour; whilst electroculture affords a means of increasing crop yields per acre of land. The special knowledge and abilities required by engineers who undertake to supply electricity to rural areas are outlined. Distribution by underground cables in preference to overhead lines is discussed, as are also outdoor and brick substationa. Probable lines of load-development in rural areas are suggested, whilst the applications of electricity on farms are briefly dealt with, and tariffs are considered. In Part 2 electro-culture is classified under: (a) Air-earth currents, (b) Earth currents, (c) Seed treatment, and (d Other methods. Air-earth current or the discharge method is dealt with in detail and empirical rules for its application are given. Some experiments with an alternation-current discharge are described. It is suggested that the simplicity of this system and the success of the experiments justifies further investigation along similar lines but on a larger scale. Other systems of electro-culture ar e dealt with more briefly, emphasis being placed on the value of a successful seed-treatment process. For the elctricity supply industry electro-culture will provide excellent propaganda, whilst meeting an urgent need in the agricultural industry. An extensive bibliography is appen- ded.
