Beneficial soil profile differences associated with tropical grass pastures on sodic texture contrast soils in Northern New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Robert Banks ◽  
Laura Wendling ◽  
Kaye Basford ◽  
Anthony Ringrose-Voase ◽  
Vera Banks
Keyword(s):  
Soil Profile ◽  
New South ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Native Pastures ◽  
Texture Contrast ◽  
Root Abundance ◽  
Tropical Grass

Volunteer native pastures on widespread sodic texture contrast soils in northern New South Wales slopes and plains are known for their limited agricultural production. Fertilised tropical grass pastures on these soils are reported to have much increased pasture production, deeper, more abundant root mass and greater soil profile moisture storage. The subsoil physical differences between native and tropical grass pastures are not well understood. This observational study compared root abundance, soil structure and soil physical parameters (dispersion, bulk density, porosity and pore distribution) in sodic texture contrast soils under native and adjacent, well established and fertilised tropical pastures in a 14-year chronosequence. The physical differences observed may have contributed to improved soil water storage reported by other authors. Fourteen years after establishment, mean root abundance was significantly lower in soils under native pasture and greater in the tropical grass pasture system with 4600 and 8400 m of roots m–3 respectively. Dispersion values were high in native pastures but soils under tropical pastures had to be physically worked to cause dispersion. Bulk density under native pasture was significantly higher than in tropical grass pastures by 0.08 g cm–3 at 0–10 cm and by 0.2 g cm–3 in the upper B horizons. Total soil porosity of topsoils and upper B horizons was consequently lower in native than in tropical grass pasture. Tropical grass pasture upper B horizons had a three-fold greater macroporosity (pores > 30 µm), than under native pastures. This is equivalent to significantly greater potential water flow through stable macropores in dense sodic B horizons in tropical pastures. These findings indicate that pasture system selection and management positively affects deep soil structural properties which promote pasture productivity. The study contributes to a better understanding of mechanisms of published deeper water storage in tropical grass pasture systems on these normally low production soils.

Effects of superphosphate application and cutting interval on native pastures in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales

1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (94) ◽  
pp. 718 ◽  
Author(s):  
DL Garden ◽  
DR Brooks ◽  
J Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
New South ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Cutting Interval ◽  
Native Pastures

The effects of superphosphate rate (nil; 250 kg ha-l initial with 125 kg ha-1 maintenance; and 500 kg ha-1 initial with 250 kg ha-1 maintenance) and cutting interval (2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks) on dry matter yield, growth rate, botanical composition and chemical composition of native pastures on a sandstone soil in the Clarence Valley, New South Wales were studied over a period of three years. Mean annual dry matter yield of unfertilized native pasture was 990 kg ha-l and this was increased to 1322 kg ha-1 at the higher rate of superphosphate. Dry matter yield was depressed from 1587 to 647 kg ha-1 by decreasing cutting interval from 8 weeks to 2 weeks. Pasture growth was limited to the September to May period and 87 per cent of the total annual production occurred in summer and autumn. Maximum growth occurred in the February/March period, with 16.2 kg ha-1 day-1 being the maximum recorded for the unfertilized pasture and 19.9 kg ha-1 day-1 for pasture at the higher rate of superphosphate. Changes in botanical composition were neither large nor consistent. Phosphorus content of the native pasture averaged 0.12 per cent. Crude protein content averaged 7.4 per cent, with levels in standing herbage in winter-spring falling to 3 per cent. Phosphorus yield was 1.1 kg ha-1 year-1 and crude protein yield was 65.8 kg ha-1 year-1. Superphosphate increased phosphorus content and yield, and crude protein yield. Increasing cutting interval decreased phosphorus and crude protein contents but increased phosphorus and crude protein yields by its effect on dry matter yield. Maximum yields obtained were 3.3 kg ha-1 year-1 phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 year-1 crude protein. It was concluded that the increases obtained would be insufficient to produce worthwhile improvements in animal production, and that an increase in the legume content of these pastures is required before this could occur.

The potential for sown tropical perennial grass pastures to improve soil organic carbon in the North-West Slopes and Plains of New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 726 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. D. Schwenke ◽  
M. K. McLeod ◽  
S. R. Murphy ◽  
S. Harden ◽  
A. L. Cowie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Total Organic Carbon ◽  
New South ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Tropical Pastures ◽  
Total N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
North West ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pastures

Sown tropical perennial grass pastures may be a means to restore soil organic carbon (C) lost by cropping with conventional tillage to the levels originally present in native grass pastures. To assess this, total organic carbon and related soil properties were measured under sown tropical pastures, conventionally cultivated cropping, and native pastures on 75 Chromosols and 70 Vertosols to 0.3 m depth in the New South Wales North-West Slopes and Plains region of Australia. The impact of several perennial pasture species on soil organic carbon was also assessed in a 6-year-old, sown pasture experiment on a previously cropped Chromosol. Soil cores in 0.1-m segments to 0.3 m were analysed for total organic carbon, total nitrogen (N), pH, and phosphorus (Colwell-P). Mid-infrared scans were used to predict the particulate, humus, and resistant fractions of the total organic carbon. Bulk density was used to calculate stocks of C, N, and C fractions. In Chromosols, total organic carbon in the surface 0–0.1 m was greater under sown tropical pastures (23.1 Mg ha–1) than conventional tillage cropping (17.7 Mg ha–1), but still less than under native pastures (26.3 Mg ha–1). Similar land-use differences were seen for particulate and resistant organic C, and total N. The proportional differences between land uses were much greater for particulate organic C than other measures, and were also significant at 0.1–0.2 and 0.2–0.3 m. Subsurface bulk density (0.1–0.2 m) was lower under sown tropical pastures (1.42 Mg m–3) than conventionally tilled cropping (1.52 Mg m–3). For Vertosols, total organic carbon in the surface 0–0.1 m was greater under sown tropical pastures (19.0 Mg ha–1) and native pastures (20.5 Mg ha–1) than conventional tillage cropping (14.0 Mg ha–1). Similar land-use effects were seen for the particulate and humus organic C fractions, and total N. In the sown pasture species experiment, there was no significant difference in total N, total organic carbon, or any C fraction between soils under a native-grass species mixture, two improved tropical grass species, or a perennial pasture legume. Regular monitoring is required to better discern whether gradual changes are being masked by spatial and temporal variation. The survey results support previous research on Vertosols within the New South Wales North-West Slopes and Plains that show sown tropical grass pastures can improve total organic carbon. Improvements in total organic carbon on Chromosols have not previously been documented, so further targeted soil monitoring and experimentation is warranted for the region.

Nitrogen supplementation of ruminants grazing native pastures in New England, New South Wales

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (82) ◽  
pp. 630 ◽  
Author(s):  
JP Langlands ◽  
JE Bowles
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
New South ◽  
Tritiated Water ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Dietary Composition ◽  
Linseed Meal ◽  
Nitrogen Supplementation ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Native Pastures

The potential for nitrogen (N) supplementation of ruminants grazing native pastures in late winter was examined in two experiments. In experiment 1 the N contents of the diet selected by unsupplemented sheep and cattle, and by cattle receiving a supplement of linseed meal were determined. Dietary composition was not affected by supplementation but sheep selected a diet averaging 1.7 gN/100 g OM which was significantly greater than the corresponding value of 0.96 gN/100 g OM for cattle. Differences in dietary composition between sheep and cattle were also evident in experiment 2 and were confirmed by analysis of rumen liquor. It was concluded that sheep would not respond to non-protein N supplementation but that cattle might be marginally N deficient. In experiment 2 groups of heifers grazing native pasture were offered supplements of either molassesurea containing 2.54 gN/100 g OM, molasses-urea containing 7.66 gN/100 g OM, linseed meal containing 6.64 gN/100 g OM, or linseed meal treated with formaldehyde. Liveweight changes relative to an unsupplemented group were determined, and individual consumptions of supplement were measured using tritiated water. All heifers lost weight and the rate of loss was significantly greater in unsupplemented heifers than in those receiving supplement. Differences between supplemented groups were not significant after liveweight losses had been adjusted to equal energy intakes using covariance analysis.

Annual pattern of soil moisture stress under sown and native pastures

1959 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 518 ◽  
Author(s):  
JE Begg
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
New England ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Soil Moisture Stress ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Available Soil Moisture ◽  
Native Pastures

Soil moisture fluctuations were measured under a phalaris-white clover pasture and under three native pasture types in the New England region of New South Wales over a 4-year period, by means of the gypsum resistance block technique. The results indicate that large differences in available soil moisture occur at times within areas of apparently similar soil type and that these differences are reflected by the different pasture types in the area. Although the lengths of the period during which soil moisture was unavailable differed considerably under the different pastures the general pattern was similar. The months of greatest soil moisture stress were December, January, April, and May, while the period of most favourable soil moisture was from June to November. Thus although most of the rain fell during the period December to May the rain which fell from June to November was more effective in maintaining available soil moisture. The subsoil dried out more rapidly and remained dry for a longer period under the sown pasture than under the native pasture type which the area previously carried, owing to the greater rate of removal of available soil moisture from under the sown pasture. Of the three native pasture types studied, the most favourable soil moisture pattern for plant growth occurred under the Sorghum-Themeda pasture. This pasture type may be a useful indicator of areas with soil conditions favourable for the growth of productive sown pastures.

The residual value of a sulphatic fertilizer applied to a basaltic soil

1963 ◽  
Vol 3 (10) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Spencer
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Calcium Sulphate ◽  
First Year ◽  
Residual Value ◽  
Potential Response ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
Willow Tree

Yield responses d a native pasture on a basaltic soil near Willow Tree, New South Wales, were measured in the second, fourth, and seventh years after the application of several rates of calcium sulphate in the first year. The value of the residues declined sharply at first and then more slowly. Fifty per cent of the potential response by the legumes (the responsive component of the pasture) was achieved by an application of 7lb of sulphur an acre in the first year ; residues from an application of 20 lb of sulphur an acre were required in the second year, and from 48 lb S of sulphur an acre in the fourth year, to obtain the equivalent responses. By the seventh year, effects were too small to allow the derivation of a comparable figure.

Establishment of Warm- and Cool-Season Native Perennial Grasses on the North-West Slopes of New South Wales. Ii. Establishment and Seedling Survival in the Field

1981 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pastures

Emergence and survival of the seedlings of warm-season native perennial grasses Aristida ramosa R.Br., Bothriochloa macra (Steud.) S . T. Blake, Dichanthium sericeum (R.Br.) Camus, Sporobolus elongatus R.Br., Eragvostis leptostachya Steud. and Chloris truncata R.Br. and the cool-season species Stipa variabilis Hughes and Danthonia linkii Kunth were studied in both native pastures and sown monospecific plots on the north- west slopes of New South Wales. The most favourable period for the successful emergence and establishment of warm-season grasses was from mid summer to early autumn. Cool-season native perennial grasses established best from seedlings that appeared from mid autumn to late winter. Few seedlings were observed to germinate in spring, probably as a result of large variations in temperature, low minimum temperatures or intra and interspecific competition. Seedlings growing in native pasture spent long periods in the vegetative phase compared to the early flowering of seedlings in the sown plots. In the pasture studied only two seedlings flowered over 700 days after emergence, and many others after persisting for up to 2 years died without producing seed. These findings indicate that the seedlings in these native pastures were under considerable stress and that the adult populations of the species examined were relatively stable and little recruitment occurred.

The Diet of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Wallaroo in Areas of Improved and Native Pasture in the New England Tablelands.

1983 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 203 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Taylor
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Tussock Grasses

The diet of the eastern grey kangaroo and wallaroo was compared at 2 sites, Lana and Newsholme, in the New England tablelands of New South Wales. At Lana, the pastures had been fertilized for 20 yr and were dominated by low-fibre grasses such as Bothriochloa, Eragrostis, Sporobolus, Microlaena, Danthonia and Vulpia; some paddocks had been sown with introduced grasses, Phalaris, Festuca and lucerne. Coarse tussock grasses such as Poa spp., Stipa and Danthonia pallida predominated at Newsholme. The major difference in the diet of the 2 spp. was in winter when individuals on the unimproved area at Newsholme ate a higher proportion of tussock grasses and less low-fibre grass. Both spp. consistently selected for low-fibre grass leaf; they did not differ in their use of plant parts. The diets contained many plant spp. in common, although there were major differences in the use of several spp. The plant spp. favoured only by the wallaroo were of a higher quality than those favoured only by the grew kangaroo.

Fertility and productivity of a podzolic soil as influenced by subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and superphosphate.

1954 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 664 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Donald ◽  
CH Williams
Keyword(s):  
Organic Phosphorus ◽  
New South ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Fourfold Increase ◽  
Podzolic Soils ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture

A survey was made of the influence of the use of superphosphate and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) on podzolic soils formed on granodiorite in the Crookwell district of New South Wales (average rainfall, 32.7 in. per annum). Forty-four paddocks were sampled; they varied from untreated native pasture to paddocks which had been for 26 years continuously under clover and which had received a total of 13 cwt of superphosphate per acre. In all instances there had been no cultivation during treatment, and the land use mas uniformly one of sheep raising, principally for wool but with some emphasis on fat lamb production on highly improved pastures. Criteria used in this study were the changes in yield and botanical composition of the pasture, changes or trends in the chemical composition of the 0-4 in. depth of soil, and the yield of oats produced by each of the soils in pot culture with varying superimposed applications of phosphorus, sulphur, and nitrogen. The native pasture species disappear under the competition by subterranean clover, which gives a fourfold increase in the yield of pasture. Within the limits of experimental error, the phosphorus and sulphur applied as superphosphate, even that applied many years previously, can be accounted for in the surface 4 in. of soil. Losses by removal in wool and carcases are small. The added phosphorus is present in approximately equal amounts as organic phosphorus and readily extractable inorganic phosphorus. The applied sulphur appears to become a part of the organic complex. Eighty-five pounds of nitrogen has been added in the surface 4 in. of soil by rhizobial activity for each hundredweight of superphosphate applied per acre. Initially the most acute deficiencies affecting plant growth on these soils are those of phosphorus and nitrogen, with a less pronounced deficiency of sulphur. After a period of several years of superphosphate and clover, each of these deficiencies is much reduced, the order of the intensity of deficiencies then being nitrogen, sulphur, and phosphorus. Soil pH falls with superphosphate application at the rate of about 0.06 units per hundredweight of fertilizer per acre, but may reach an equilibrium value at about 5.1. This could be due to the increase in exchange capacity of the soil as a result of the increase in organic matter. A field experiment on two sites also indicated the increase in fertility under subterranean clover pasture and demonstrated the capacity of the improved soils to produce a satisfactory field crop of oats.

Soil profile development in some alluvial deposits of eastern New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
PH Walker ◽  
RJ Coventry
Keyword(s):  
Soil Profile ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Mineral Weathering ◽  
Alluvial Deposits ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
Flood Plains ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The One

Soil profile data from river terrace sequences on the New South Wales coast and southern highlands have been summarized. In all sequences the profiles have a progressive increase in soil development from low alluvial benches to flood plains to terraces. The general similarity of soils among these and other alluvial sequences in eastern New South Wales is the basis of a descriptive generalization in terms of five profile stages: stratic stage on low alluvial benches; cumulic stage on flood plains; low-contrast solum stage on low terraces; high-contrast solum stage on high terraces; extended subsolum stage on highest terraces. Sufficient lack of correlation occurs between sequences to suggest that the profile stages are groupings within a continuous spectrum of profile variation, the whole representing the one pedogenetic pathway. Pedogenesis in these alluvial landscapes is considered to progress through the development, first of a biotic profile which reaches a maximum within 1000 years, which is then degraded with the onset of mineral weathering and B horizon development, to a maximum solum form within 30 000 years. The rates of change of biotic and mineral profile components are sufficiently slow that only broad limits of confidence can be applied to soil stratigraphic correlations based on field morphology alone.

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