Flax crops from a number of centres in Northern Ireland and in Norfolk have been analysed for nutrient content.

Flax removes from the soil about the same amounts of nutrients as an average crop of meadow hay, but more than spring barley and much less than mangolds.

There is no obvious relation between percentages of any one nutrient in the crops examined and yield data, percentage fibre in crop or grade of fibre. It is suggested that local climatic conditions, physical make-up of soil and proper cultivations are of first importance in flax growing. The importance of a clean seed-bed and even depth of sowing, and of steady growth with no checks is stressed.