Summary of research on soil testing for rock phosphate fertilizers in Western Australia

1993 ◽  
Vol 35 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers

scholarly journals Calcium chloride extractable cadmium as an estimate of cadmium uptake by subterranean clover

Soil Research ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
MG Whitten ◽  
GSP Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Calcium Chloride ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizer ◽  
Pot Experiment ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers ◽  
The Past

Cadmium (Cd) may accumulate in soils which have been regularly fertilized with phosphate fertilizers which contain Cd originating in rock phosphate. Soil was taken from three sites in the wheatbelt of Western Australia which were estimated to have received different amounts of phosphate fertilizer over the past decade. The pH was adjusted with dilute HCl or CaCO3. No Cd was added experimentally. The concentration of Cd in the whole tops of Trifolium subterraneum cv Mt Barker grown in a glasshouse pot experiment increased from 0-2-0.8 �g g-1 dry wt at pH 6 -6-6.9 (1:50-01 M CaCl2) to 2-4 �g g-1 at pH 4.1-4.2. The highest concentration of Cd in the plant tops at any particular pH occurred on the soil which had the highest concentration of P in the CaCl2 extract. There was a linear relationship between the concentration of Cd in the whole tops of sub-clover and the concentration of Cd in the CaCl2 extracts which was independent of site. The concentration of Cd in the CaCl2 extracts was a function of pH and concentration of P in the CaCl2 extract.

scholarly journals Looming Scarcity of Phosphate Rock and Intensification of Soil Phosphorus Research

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 637-642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippe C. Baveye
Keyword(s):  
Phosphate Rock ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers ◽  
Soil P ◽  
The Past ◽  
Essential Resource ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Short Essay

In recent years, many researchers have claimed that world reserves of rock phosphate were getting depleted at an alarming rate, putting us on the path to scarcity of that essential resource within the next few decades. Others have claimed that such alarmist forecasts were frequent in the past and have always been proven unfounded, making it likely that the same will be true in the future. Both viewpoints are directly relevant to the level of funding devoted to research on the use of phosphate fertilizers. In this short essay, it is argued that information about future reserves of P or any other resource are impossible to predict, and therefore that the threat of a possible depletion of P reserves should not be used as a key motivation for an intensification of research on soil P. However, there are other, more compelling reasons, both geopolitical and environmental, to urgently step up our collective efforts to devise agricultural practices that make better use of P than is the case at the moment.

Evaluation of phosphate fertilizers: II. Residual value of nitrophosphates, Gafsa rock phosphate, basic slag and potassium metaphosphate for potatoes, barley and swedes grown in rotation, with special reference to changes in soil phosphorus status

1968 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. G. Mattingly
Keyword(s):  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Soil Analysis ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Residual Value ◽  
Basic Slag ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers

SUMMARYThe residual value of three nitrophosphates, potassium metaphosphate, basic slag and rock phosphate was compared with that of superphosphate in two experiments with potatoes, barley and swedes grown in rotation. The residual value of the fertilizers was also compared with that of (a) six cumulative annual dressings of superphosphate supplying either one-half or the same total amounts of phosphate and (b) single fresh applications of superphosphate applied once in each rotation. Yields and phosphorus uptakes are discussed in relation to the amounts of soil phosphate soluble in 0·5 M-NaHCO3.In the first rotation residues of rock phosphate produced about 1 ton/acre less potato tubers than residues of other fertilizers and cumulative annual applications of superphosphate produced 0·6–0·9 tons/acre less tubers than all residues except rock phosphate. In the second rotation residues of fertilizers increased tuber yields less than cumulative dressings of superphosphate. Over two rotations mean yields from residues and from cumulative dressings were the same. Mean yields of barley over two rotations were 1–3 cwt/acre greater from residues than from cumulative annual dressings; the residual value of the different phosphates was the same. For swedes residues from the alternative phosphates, including basic slag and rock phosphate, were equivalent to those from superphosphate and gave the same mean yields as six cumulative dressings of superphosphate broadcast at planting.Average residual values of alternative phosphate fertilizers, calculated from (a) yield response, (b) P uptake, and (c) soil analysis were: superphosphate, 100; nitrophosphates, 100–102; potassium metaphosphate, 95; basic slag, 94; Gafsa rock phosphate, 92. Mean percentage ‘fresh’ superphosphate equivalents of residues from all fertilizers were 17 and 26% after the first rotation and 11 and 15% after the second rotation for potatoes and swedes respectively.The percentage of the total variance in crop yields accounted for by linear regression on NaHCO3-soluble P ranged from 38 to 70% for potatoes, 9 to 28% for barley grain and 42 to 92% for swedes. Mean yields of the crops increased by 0·24 ± 0·037 tons/acre (potatoes), 0·22 ± 0·08 cwt/acre (barley) and 1·16 ±0·148 tons/acre (swedes) for each ppm NaHCO3-soluble phosphorus in the soil at harvest.

scholarly journals Field experiments on phosphate fertilizers: A joint investigation

1956 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Dicalcium Phosphate ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Basic Slag ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers ◽  
Rock Phosphates ◽  
Joint Investigation

The results of over 400 field experiments testing different kinds of phosphate fertilizers are summarized and are discussed with special reference to the reactions of the soils used. The classifications were:‘very acid’ soils—pH below 5·5, ‘acid soils’— pH 5·6 to 6·5, neutral soils—pH over 6·5. All comparisons are made in terms of fertilizers supplying the same amounts of total phosphorus.In war-time experiments Gafsa and Morocco rock phosphates were about two-thirds as efficient as superphosphate for swedes and turnips grown on very acid soils. In 1951–3 experiments on very acid and acid soils Gafsa phosphate was practically equivalent to superphosphate for swedes, but for potatoes it was as effective as only one-third as much phosphorus supplied as superphosphate; on neutral soils Gafsa phosphate was useless. For establishing grassland on acid soils Gafsa and Morocco phosphate were equivalent to about onethird as much phosphorus supplied as high-soluble basic slag. Rock phosphates were somewhat more effective for promoting growth of established grassland but they remained inferior to high-soluble basic slags and to superphosphate. Curacao rock phosphate was roughly equivalent to Gafsa phosphate for swedes and grass. Florida pebble phosphate was much less effective and was judged unsuitable for direct application. Mixtures of rock phosphate with superphosphate were not more efficient than equivalent amounts of the separate components used correctly.Silicophosphate was practically as effective as superphosphate for swedes grown on very acid and acid soils; it was less efficient on neutral soils. For potatoes silicophosphate was nearly as effective as superphosphate on very acid soils; it was much less efficient on acid and neutral soils. Silicophosphate was roughly equivalent to high-soluble basic slag for grassland.Mixtures of superphosphate with lime, serpentine, and low-grade basic slag were prepared, most of the water-soluble phosphorus being converted to insoluble forms. In experiments on swedes and potatoes these basic superphosphates were not superior to untreated superphosphate. For establishing grassland on very acid soils, the mixtures were slightly superior to ordinary superphosphate.Dicalcium phosphate was practically equivalent to superphosphate for swedes on all groups of soils. For potatoes dicalcium phosphate was more efficient than superphosphate on very acid soils, on less acid and neutral soils it was inferior to superphosphate.

The response of a birdwood grass - Townsville lucerne pasture to phosphate fertilizers at Katherine, N.T

1965 ◽  
Vol 5 (17) ◽  
pp. 120 ◽  
Author(s):  
MJT Norman
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Phosphate Fertilizers ◽  
Virgin Land ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Nitrogen Yields ◽  
Forage Yields

In an experiment at Katherine, N.T., the response of birdwood grass-Townsville lucerne (Cenchrus setigerus Vahl and Stylosanthes hurnilis H.B.K.) pasture sown on virgin land to levels of superphosphate and Christmas Island rock phosphate dust and to levels of superphosphate subsequently applied annually for three years was measured. There were no significant interactions between initial and annual applications. Initial applications of 2 and 4 cwt an acre superphosphate both gave higher forage yields of dry matter and nitrogen than 2 and 4 cwt an acre rock phosphate over the experimental period. Phosphorus yield of forage was a function of rate rather than of type of fertilizer. Annual superphosphate applications up to 1 cwt an acre increased the dry matter and nitrogen yields of the grass, but not those of the legume, and increased the phosphorus yield of both. The higher proportion of grass at high superphosphate levels was interpreted as a difference in responsiveness of the two species. A regime of 2 cwt an acre superphosphate initially and 1/2 cwt an acre annually produced 90 per cent of what was considered to be the maximum yield.

Changes in chemical properties of 48 intensively grazed, rain-fed dairy paddocks on sandy soils over 11 years of liming in south-western Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 682 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
W. K. Russell
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Testing ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Organic Carbon Content ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Soil Test P

Soil testing was conducted during 1999–2009 to determine lime and fertiliser phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) requirements of intensively grazed, rain-fed, ryegrass dairy pastures in 48 paddocks on sand to sandy loam soils in the Mediterranean-type climate of south-western Australia. The study demonstrated that tissue testing was required in conjunction with soil testing to confirm decisions based on soil testing, and to assess management decisions for elements not covered by soil testing. Soil testing for pH was reliable for indicating paddocks requiring lime to ameliorate soil acidity, and to monitor progress of liming. Soil P testing proved reliable for indicating when P fertiliser applications were required, with no P being required when soil-test P was above the critical value for that soil, and when no P was applied, tissue testing indicated that P remained adequate for ryegrass production. Soil testing could not be used to determine paddocks requiring fertiliser K and S, because both elements can leach below the root-zone, with rainfall determining the extent of leaching and magnitude of the decrease in pasture production resulting from deficiency, which cannot be predicted. The solution is to apply fertiliser K and S each year, and use tissue testing to improve fertiliser K and S management. Research has shown that, for dairy and other grazing industries in the region, laboratories need measure and report every year soil pH and soil-test P only, together with measuring every 3–5 years the P-buffering index (estimating P sorption of soil), organic carbon content, and electrical conductivity.

Residual value for wheat of phosphorus from calciphos, Duchess rock phosphate and triple superphosphate on a lateritic soil in south-western Australia

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 198 ◽  
Author(s):  
MDA Bolland
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
Lateritic Soil ◽  
Triple Superphosphate ◽  
Phosphorus Fertilizer ◽  
Rock Phosphates ◽  
Christmas Island ◽  
Residual Values ◽  
North Western

The residual values of phosphorus from triple superphosphate and from three rock phosphates were compared in a 4-year field experiment with wheat, grown on a phosphorus deficient lateritic soil in south-western Australia. The three rock phosphate fertilizers were an apatitic rock phosphate originating from the Duchess deposit in north-western Queensland, and calcined (500�C) Christmas Island C-grade ore as a powder and as pellets. Five rates of each fertilizer were applied at the commencement of the experiment and their effectiveness was calculated from data on yield of dried plant tops, grain yield, and bicarbonate soluble phosphorus extracted from the soil. Triple superphosphate was the most effective phosphorus fertilizer initially, but its effectiveness decreased markedly with time. The effectiveness of the three rock phosphates was initially very low, and remained approximately constant for the duration of the experiment. The yield of dried plant tops depended upon their phosphorus content and this relationship was independent of the phosphorus fertilizer used.

Rock phosphate: The source of mercury pollution in a marine ecosystem at Albany, Western Australia

1986 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Jackson ◽  
Donald Hancock ◽  
Roger Schulz ◽  
Victor Talbot ◽  
David Williams
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rock Phosphate ◽  
Marine Ecosystem ◽  
Mercury Pollution
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