Field evaluation of a leaf test for assessment of the phosphorus status of subterranean clover and for prediction of its response to phosphorus

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
EJ Dowling ◽  
D Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Relative Yield ◽  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Close Relation ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Phosphorus Status

A series of field experiments (5 phosphorus levels x 6 replicates) on the southern Tablelands of New South Wales was used, firstly, to confirm the suitability of a modified test for inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentrations in fresh clover (Trifolium subterraneum) leaves as an index of the current phosphorus status of subterranean clover-based pastures; and, secondly, to evaluate the usefulness of Pi as a predictor of responses to phosphorus applications. A close relation (R2 = 0.910) was found between Pi in healthy green leaf tissue sampled in winter and field responses to phosphorus measured at the same time. The fitted curve had a critical value of 154 ppm Pi at 90% of the fitted asymptote for relative yield. Close relations were also found between total herbage yield measured over the season and Pi in leaf tissue sampled in late autumn and early winter (R2 = 0.896) and in leaves sampled in late winter and early spring (R2= 0.877). Critical values were 160 and 153 ppm Pi respectively. The relation was less close for the third sampling (seed set and flowering, R2= 0.809) and the critical value had declined to 118 ppm Pi. It is concluded that Pi determined in clover leaf samples provides a simple measure of the current phosphorus status of subterranean clover-based pasture, and of its likely response to phosphorus. A critical value of 150 ppm Pi is confirmed for assessing the current phosphorus status, and is also proposed for predictive purposes. The method described for the estimation of Pi is a further simplification of the method presented previously. It is also more rapid and achieves a saving of 80-90% in chemicals. The correlation coefficient for the straight line relationship between the two methods was 0.956 (68 observations).

Phosphorus status of subterranean clover: a rapid and simple leaf test

1982 ◽  
Vol 22 (119) ◽  
pp. 428 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Bouma ◽  
EJ Dowling
Keyword(s):  
Total Phosphorus ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Relative Yield ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Sand Culture ◽  
Molybdenum Blue ◽  
Phosphorus Status ◽  
Extractable Phosphorus ◽  
Phosphorus Levels

A simple and rapid method is presented for the assessment of the phosphorus status of subterranean clover. The method rests on extracting fresh leaf tissue (400 mg) with five drops 10 N H2SO4 and measuring phosphorus in the filtered extract by a molybdenum blue colour method, visually or calorimetrically. No special skills or equipment are required and the method is therefore potentially suitable for use by advisers and farmers. Two standard blue colours would be sufficient for a visual separation between non-deficient, moderately deficient or severely deficient plants. The method was tested in early spring with leaf samples obtained from two field experiments (five phosphorus levels), a sand culture experiment, and a pot experiment with phosphorus deficient soil (five phosphorus levels in each). Close relations were obtained between relative yields (yields as a percentage of the maximum in each experiment) and extractable phosphorus (R2 = 0.93). The curve fitted to the relation had a clearly defined inflexion point, indicating a critical value of 150 ppm extractable phosphorus at 90% of the fitted asymptote for relative yield. The relation for total phosphorus and yields was not as close (R2=0.77) and the critical value not clearly defined. Extractable phosphorus was closely related to total phosphorus below the critical value for extractable phosphorus, but not above this value. Likely physiological are discussed.

Phosphorus compounds measured in a rapid and simple leaf test for the assessment of the phosphorus status of subterranean clover

1984 ◽  
Vol 24 (125) ◽  
pp. 213 ◽  
Author(s):  
GCJ Irving ◽  
D Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Tissue ◽  
Rapid Test ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Exchange Chromatography ◽  
Phosphorus Compounds ◽  
Fresh Leaf ◽  
Organic Phosphates ◽  
Phosphorus Status ◽  
Colour Development ◽  
Hydrolysis Of

Experiments were done to determine what proportion of the phosphate extracted from fresh leaf tissue by five drops of 10 N H2SO4 represents inorganic tissue phosphate, and to what extent hydrolysis of organic phosphates during and after the extraction, and during the development of the blue phosphomolybdate complex, could contribute to the values obtained. The extraction is the basis of a simple and rapid test for the assessment of the phosphorus status of subterranean clover (Bouma and Dowling 1982). Extraction of leaf tissue of subterranean clover and sunflower with 0.2 M HClO4 at O�C, which was shown to extract inorganic leaf phosphorus without causing significant hydrolysis of organic phosphates, gave values not significantly different from those in H2SO4 extracts. The rate of hydrolysis of endogenous organic phosphates in tissue, extracted and left at room temperature for periods of up to 40 min. after adding H2SO4, did not differ significantly from zero. Errors due to hydrolysis during the 30 min. previously recommended for colour development are reduced to negligible proportions by reducing the time for colour development to 10 min. and by adding citric acid at this point. Anion-exchange chromatography of 10 N H2SO4 and 0.2 M HClO4 extracts confirmed the similarity of their composition and provided estimates of the various phosphate compounds present. The extraction of fresh leaf tissue with 10 N H2SO4 provides a satisfactory estimate of the endogenous inorganic phosphorus content.

Soil and tissue tests to predict pasture yield responses to applications of potassium fertiliser in high-rainfall areas of south-western Australia

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
W. J. Cox ◽  
B. J. Codling
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Relative Yield ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Yield Responses

Dairy and beef pastures in the high (>800 mm annual average) rainfall areas of south-western Australia, based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), grow on acidic to neutral deep (>40 cm) sands, up to 40 cm sand over loam or clay, or where loam or clay occur at the surface. Potassium deficiency is common, particularly for the sandy soils, requiring regular applications of fertiliser potassium for profitable pasture production. A large study was undertaken to assess 6 soil-test procedures, and tissue testing of dried herbage, as predictors of when fertiliser potassium was required for these pastures. The 100 field experiments, each conducted for 1 year, measured dried-herbage production separately for clover and ryegrass in response to applied fertiliser potassium (potassium chloride). Significant (P<0.05) increases in yield to applied potassium (yield response) were obtained in 42 experiments for clover and 6 experiments for ryegrass, indicating that grass roots were more able to access potassium from the soil than clover roots. When percentage of the maximum (relative) yield was related to soil-test potassium values for the top 10 cm of soil, the best relationships were obtained for the exchangeable (1 mol/L NH4Cl) and Colwell (0.5 mol/L NaHCO3-extracted) soil-test procedures for potassium. Both procedures accounted for about 42% of the variation for clover, 15% for ryegrass, and 32% for clover + grass. The Colwell procedure for the top 10 cm of soil is now the standard soil-test method for potassium used in Western Australia. No increases in clover yields to applied potassium were obtained for Colwell potassium at >100 mg/kg soil. There was always a clover-yield increase to applied potassium for Colwell potassium at <30 mg/kg soil. Corresponding potassium concentrations for ryegrass were >50 and <30 mg/kg soil. At potassium concentrations 30–100 mg/kg soil for clover and 30–50 mg/kg soil for ryegrass, the Colwell procedure did not reliably predict yield response, because from nil to large yield responses to applied potassium occurred. The Colwell procedure appears to extract the most labile potassium in the soil, including soluble potassium in soil solution and potassium balancing negative charge sites on soil constituents. In some soils, Colwell potassium was low indicating deficiency, yet plant roots may have accessed potassum deeper in the soil profile. Where the Colwell procedure does not reliably predict soil potassium status, tissue testing may help. The relationship between relative yield and tissue-test potassium varied markedly for different harvests in each year of the experiments, and for different experiments. For clover, the concentration of potassium in dried herbage that was related to 90% of the maximum, potassium non-limiting yield (critical potassium) was at the concentration of about 15 g/kg dried herbage for plants up to 8 weeks old, and at <10 g/kg dried herbage for plants older than 10–12 weeks. For ryegrass, there were insufficient data to provide reliable estimates of critical potassium.

Comparing different sources of sulfur for high-rainfall pastures insouth-western Australia

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
J. S. Yeates ◽  
M. F. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Residual Value ◽  
Single Superphosphate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Leaching Losses ◽  
S Deficiency ◽  
Different Sources

The dry herbage yield increase (response) of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)-based pasture (>85% clover) to applications of different sources of sulfur (S) was compared in 7 field experiments on very sandy soils in the > 650 mm annual average rainfall areas of south-western Australia where S deficiency of clover is common when pastures grow rapidly during spring (August–November). The sources compared were single superphosphate, finely grained and coarsely grained gypsum from deposits in south-western Australia, and elemental S. All sources were broadcast (topdressed) once only onto each plot, 3 weeks after pasture emerged at the start of the first growing season. In each subsequent year, fresh fertiliser-S as single superphosphate was applied 3 weeks after pasture emerged to nil-S plots previously not treated with S since the start of the experiment. This was to determine the residual value of sources applied at the start of the experiment in each subsequent year relative to superphosphate freshly-applied in each subsequent year. In addition, superphosphate was also applied 6, 12 and 16 weeks after emergence of pasture in each year, using nil-S plots not previously treated with S since the start of the experiment. Pasture responses to applied S are usually larger after mid-August, so applying S later may match plant demand increasing the effectiveness of S for pasture production and may also reduce leaching losses of the applied S.At the same site, yield increases to applied S varied greatly, from 0 to 300%, at different harvests in the same or different years. These variations in yield responses to applied S are attributed to the net effect of mineralisation of different amounts of S from soil organic matter, dissolution of S from fertilisers, and different amounts of leaching losses of S from soil by rainfall. Within each year at each site, yield increases were mostly larger in spring (September–November) than in autumn (June–August). In the year of application, single superphosphate was equally or more effective than the other sources. In years when large responses to S occurred, applying single superphosphate later in the year was more effective than applying single superphosphate 3 weeks after pasture emerged (standard practice), so within each year the most recently applied single superphosphate treatment was the most effective S source. All sources generally had negligible residual value, so S needed to be applied each year to ensure S deficiency did not reduce pasture production.

Increased seed production of subterranean clover pastures in response to fertilizers supplying calcium

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (71) ◽  
pp. 749 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Ozanne ◽  
KMW Howes
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Calcium Concentration ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Gypsum Plaster ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Seed Yields

The effects of four common fertilizers containing calcium on seed production in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were measured at six locations over five years in a total of fifteen field experiments. Calcium as a sulphate, carbonate or phosphate salt was applied to subterranean clover pastures either at the start of the growing season (autumn) or at flowering (spring). Gypsum, plaster of Paris, or lime gave large increases in seed yield per unit area and also per unit weight of tops. Spring applications of superphosphate increased seed yields in only two out of four experiments. Gypsum applied in spring at 200-500 kg ha-1 was as effective as 2,000 kg ha-1 of lime applied in autumn. Applications of lime in spring were much less effective. Increased seed yields were due to increases in burr yield, seed number per burr, and mean weight per seed. They were usually accompanied by increases in calcium concentration in the seed. Responses in seed production to calcium applications were obtained in all three sub-species of Trifolium subterraneum. In two experiments, newly sown on a soil type on which subterranean clover regeneration and persistence is commonly very poor, applied calcium doubled or quadrupled seed set. In 13 experiments using soils on which subterranean clover had persisted as the major component of the pasture for several years, calcium in the year of application increased the total seed bank by 6 to 31 per cent, and the current seed set by a greater amount.

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) on potato in south-eastern South Australia

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 455 ◽  
Author(s):  
GR Stirling ◽  
MF Wachtel
Keyword(s):  
Potato Crop ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Meloidogyne Hapla ◽  
Root Knot Nematode ◽  
Alternate Host ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Potato Crops

In south-eastern South Australia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) caused losses to potato crops in fields that were sown once every 5- 15 years and were used for grazing in the intervening years. Although seed used by some growers was infested with M. hapla, the nematode also survived between potato crops on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), the dominant pasture species, and capeweed (Cryptostemma calendula). Subterranean clover was the most abundant alternate host. Nematodes invaded clover seedlings that established following rain in April and produced eggs about 12 weeks later. A second generation was produced in late winter and spring, so that a relatively high root-knot nematode population was present when potatoes were planted. The population increased rapidly on potatoes and numbers capable of causing severe root damage were observed 10- 15 weeks after planting. The growing of non-host crops, or the use of herbicides or cultivation to eliminate subterranean clover in the winter prior to the potato crop, should be investigated. In a nematicide trial, ethylene dibromide at 70 and 110 kg/ha increased yields of potato cv. Pontiac by about 90%.

Studies on nodulation responses to pelleting of subterranean clover seed.

1961 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 578 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Seed Coat ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Chemical Constituents ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Coating Materials ◽  
Physical Separation ◽  
Clover Seed

In a series of field experiments on seven soils of pH 6.0 or higher, nodulation of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. var. Tallarook) was improved by pelleting the seed with various glues and coating materials, prior to inoculation with dry peat inoculum. On these soils the responses were not related to the chemical properties of the pellet materials. The beneficial effect was apparently the result of physical separation of the seed coat and inoculum. It is postulated that pelleting of seed protects the inoculum from an antibiotic, whlch has been found in subterranean clover seed coats, and which is active against Rhizobium in culture. On a soil of pH 5.1 a nodulation response to two types of pelleting materials was apparently related to the chemical constituents of the coating materials. In this soil there was less evidence of the importance of physical separation of the inoculum from the seed coat. It seems likely that soils may differ considerably in their ability to inactivate the antibiotic. Nodulation was not improved by in situ fumigation, prior to sowing, of two soils of pH 6.0 and 6.6, which indicated that antagonism by soil microorganisms was not the cause of poor nodulation in these soils. Significant nodulation responses to pelleting were obtained in sowings in these fumigated soils.

The effect of phosphate supply on the growth and botanical composition of annual type pasture

1964 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Phosphate Deficiency ◽  
Phosphate Supply ◽  
High Phosphate

The results of two long-term field experiments and two 1-year experiments are reported. In three of these, severe phosphate deficiency was present initially. At high phosphate supply, the annual total yield was not significantly related to age of pasture over periods of 10–13 years. At intermediate and low supply, yields relative to high phosphate supply increased significantly with time; these increases are believed to demonstrate residual effects of phosphate. Indirect evidence for nitrogen accretion from clover under severely phosphate-deficient conditions is presented. Sward components—in the long term—responded differentially to phosphate supply. With very low phosphate, erodium (Erodium botrys (Cav.) Bertol.) and flatweed (Hypochoeris glabra L.) were dominant; whereas with high phosphate, cape-weed (Cryptostemma calendula (L.) Druce) and ripgut brome grass (Bromus rigidus Roth)—or else barley grass (Hordeum leporinum Link)—were dominant. Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), though present under these extremes, was relatively more plentiful at intermediate levels of supply. However, at "steady state" conditions, the range in clover content was fairly narrow (from c. 20 to 40%). The significance of these findings to a sheep infertility problem ("clover disease") of subterranean clover-dominant pastures is discussed.

Infection of subterranean clover swards with bean yellow mosaic potyvirus: losses in herbage and seed yields and patterns of virus spread

1994 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1427 ◽  
Author(s):  
RAC Jones
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Yield Losses ◽  
Grazing Experiment ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Heavy Grazing ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Seed Yields ◽  
Grazed Swards

During 1989-92, subterranean clover ( Trifolium subterraneum L.) was grown in field experiments in which swards of six cultivars were infected with bean yellow mosaic potyvirus (BYMV) by transplanting small BYMV-infected subterranean clover plants into them. The swards were then grazed by sheep or mown to simulate grazing. The infected transplants were the primary virus source for subsequent spread by aphids. Spread initially centred on infected transplants resulting in circular expanding infected patches. Later, secondary patches, isolated affected plants and more generalized infection sometimes developed. The extent of spread within swards from the transplants varied with cultivar, BYMV isolate, site and year. Final BYMV incidence ranged from 12% of plants symptom-affected by isolate MI in cv. Junee in 1991 to 100% by isolate SMB in cv. Leura in 1992. BYMV spread mostly occurred in spring and was increased around the edges of areas of bare ground in swards. In two experiments at one site in which 'mini swards' of cvv. Green Range, Karridale and Leura were mown repeatedly, BYMV-infection decreased herbage yields (dry weights) by 12-16% while seed yields were decreased significantly (by 37-40010) in one experiment. In a grazing experiment at a second site with swards of cvv. Esperance and Karridale, BYMV-infection decreased overall yields of herbage by 18-39% and seed by 11-12%; herbage yield losses within symptom-affected patches were 28-49%. In a further grazing experiment at this site with swards of cvv. Junee and Karridale, BYMV-induced losses determined from symptom-affected patches were 21-29% for herbage and 15-25% for seed. In a grazing experiment with swards of cvv. Denmark and ~ e u r a ' at a third site, BYMV-induced overall herbage yield decreases of 8-12% were still recorded despite extensive BYMV spread to control swards; yield losses within symptom-affected patches were 18-25% for herbage and 35-47% for seed. Seed yield losses were due to decreased seed size (mean seed weight), fewer seeds being produced, or both. Estimates of the effects of different levels of BYMV infection on herbage yields in partially infected grazed swards were obtained for cvv. Denmark, Karridale and Leura by plotting individual quadrat data for herbage dry weights against % symptom-affected plants. Losses increased in proportion to the level of infection, but their magnitude also varied with cultivar and experiment. It is concluded that BYMV infection of subterranean clover pastures is cause for concern, not only as regards herbage yield losses but also as regards depletion of the seed bank, which, when compounded year by year, results in pasture deterioration. Early and prolonged aphid activity, reseeding the pasture with susceptible cultivars, heavy grazing and extended growing seasons are all likely to magnify BYMV-induced losses.

Effects of phosphorus and sulphur on dark respiration of subterranean clover leaves

1971 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 723 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Bouma
Keyword(s):  
Dark Respiration ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
The Other ◽  
Phosphorus Level ◽  
Respiration Rates ◽  
Phosphorus Status ◽  
Whole Plants ◽  
Complete Solutions ◽  
Phosphorus Levels

Respiration rates in the dark (oxygen uptake) of leaves sampled from subterranean clover plants (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Mt Barker) increased with the phosphorus supply in the culture solutions in which the plants were grown. Over a period of 3 hr no differences were detected in respiration rates when leaves of these plants were placed in Warburg flasks containing complete solutions or solutions without phosphorus. However, when whole plants were transferred to complete and no-phosphorus solutions, the differences in respiration rates of leaves sampled from the two groups of plants depended on the phosphorus status of the plants at transfer. Leaves from plants raised at an adequate phosphorus level showed no differences over a period of 96 hr after transfer, but leaves from plants raised at suboptimal phosphorus levels before transfer to complete and no-phosphorus solutions showed significant differences in respiration rates as early as 18-19 hr after transfer. Similar results were obtained for leaves sampled from plants raised at different sulphur levels when transferred to complete solutions and to solutions without sulphur. However, these differences took longer to develop than in the phosphorus experiments. When phosphorus-deficient plants were transferred to complete solutions and to other solutions each without a different element, the respiration rates of the leaves sampled from the plants in the solutions without phosphorus were much lower than for the leaves of plants in the other solutions.

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