Seasonal fluctuations in mineral sulphur under subterranean clover pasture in southern New South Wales

Soil Research ◽  
1968 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
CH Williams

Seasonal changes in sulphate sulphur were studied in a soil under subterranean clover pasture. Fluctuations in sulphate content were found to be similar to those in nitrate. Both sulphate and nitrate accumulated in the surface soil during summer, immediately after senescence of the pasture. High concentrations were maintained throughout the summer-autumn period and these decreased to low values in winter and spring. The higher values in summer probably resulted from mineralization of soil organic matter under favourable moisture and temperature conditions, and lack of plant uptake. Minor fluctuations were associated with partial leaching by rainwater. The low values in winter and spring were probably brought about by leaching and plant uptake, together with low rates of mineralization at low soil temperatures.

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (79) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
OR Southwood ◽  
DG Saville ◽  
AR Gilmour

In an experiment at the Agricultural Research Station, Temora, New South Wales, Merino breeding ewes with their lambs grazed continuously from 1966 to 1970 at three stocking rates, 5, 7.5 and 10 ewes ha-1, on annual Trifolium subterraneum clover pasture topdressed every autumn with superphosphate fertilizer at nil, 94 or 188 kg ha-1. Stocking rate had an effect on ewe body weight in autumn each year and in winter and spring of the last year but it had no effect no wool production per ewe. Apart from the dry year, stocking rate had no effect on lamb performance. Superphosphate had little effect on ewe body weight and none on wool production but there were more lambs on the fertilized treatments than on the unfertilized pastures in 1967 when rainfall was low. Fertilizer encouraged barley grass dominance whereas the pasture not topdressed grew more clover and produced more burr. With no topdressing, available soil phosphate declined steadily over the five years to less than half the initial level. The results indicate that in a spring lambing, Merino ewe enterprise in the southern New South Wales wheat belt, where clover-ley farming is the general practice, annual pasture topdressing is no longer necessary after approximately 1000 kg ha-1 superphosphate has been applied to the soil and the fertilizer is continued through the cropping phase.


2012 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
pp. 875 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Hayes ◽  
M. K. Conyers ◽  
G. D. Li ◽  
G. J. Poile ◽  
A. Price ◽  
...  

Spatial and temporal variation in soil Mn2+ was observed over a 12-month period at two field sites near Gerogery and Binalong in southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Three pot experiments were then conducted to emulate the range of soil Mn2+ concentrations observed in the field and to determine the effect of different concentrations on lucerne and subterranean clover seedling growth, as well as to determine the effect of heating a soil on pH and Mn2+ concentrations. Concentrations of soil Mn2+ in the surface 0.20 m varied at a given sampling date by up to 288% (2.5–9.7 µg/mL) and 183% (8.7–24.6 µg/mL) across the Gerogery and Binalong field sites, respectively. At both sites, the concentration of soil Mn2+ in a given plot also varied by up to 175% between sampling times. There was little consistency between sites for seasonal fluctuations of soil Mn2+, although in both instances, peaks occurred during months in which newly sown lucerne plants might be emerging in southern NSW. Pot experiments revealed that high concentrations of soil Mn2+ reduced lucerne seedling survival by 35%, and on seedlings that did survive, reduced shoot growth by 19% and taproot length by 39%. Elevated concentrations of soil Mn2+ also reduced subterranean clover seedling survival by up to 55% and taproot length by 25%, although there were few effects on subterranean clover in treatments other than those imposing the highest soil Mn2+ concentrations. The third pot experiment demonstrated that elevated soil temperatures led to increased soil pH and increased soil Mn2+ concentrations, attributable to a decrease in biological oxidation of soil Mn2+. This was in contrast to the commonly anticipated response of a decline in soil Mn2+concentrations as soil pH increased.


1962 ◽  
Vol 2 (7) ◽  
pp. 228 ◽  
Author(s):  
CR Kleinig ◽  
J Loveday

The low availability of zinc on a number of calcareous grey and brown soils of heavy texture with pH>8, in the Coleambally Irrigation and Balranald areas of New South Wales, resulted in marked deficient symptoms in, and responses to zinc by, Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover (Trifolium subterranean L.), grown on these soils. An interaction between zinc and manganese occurred but there was no yield advantage in applying manganese in place of, or together with, zinc. Healthy subterranean clover grew on the surface soil (0-4 in.) of Yooroobla clay, a gilgai puff, but plants on the subsoil, which is exposed when the soil is leveled for irrigation, were extremely, zinc deficient. The pH of the subsoil is generally about 0.5 units higher than that of the surface soil. Legume species and strains differed in their response to zinc. Ladino white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and Clare subterranean clover responded less to applied zinc than Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover, and barrel medic 173 (Medicago tribuloides Desr.) responded less than Ladino white clover. When no zinc was applied barrel medic 173 yielded better than Ladino white clover, and Ladino white clover and Clare subterranean clover better than Bacchus Marsh subterranean clover.


1978 ◽  
Vol 18 (92) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM George ◽  
RA Pearse

Merino ewes were grazed for 10 years at stocking rates of 8, 12 and 16 ha-1, lambing in winter, spring or summer on a phalaris/white clover pasture on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Wool production, wool yield and count, and lambing and weaning rates were established for the wide range of climatic conditions experienced. A spring lambing is indicated under the within-year price relationships experienced. Under a wide range of wool and lamb prices the optimum stocking rate varied from 12 to 16 ewes ha-1 depending on labour costs.


1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge ◽  
AJ Schipp

Two experiments examined the effects of sowing time and depth (surface and 10, 25, 50 mm) on emergence of Danthonia richardsonii Cashmore and Danthonia linkii Kunth. Experiment 1 was conducted from January to December 1990 on a loam/sand mixture in boxes. Emergence was highest in both species for seeds sown onto the soil surface in summer and autumn (P < 0.05). Sowing at any depth at any time of the year, or surface sowing in winter and spring, markedly reduced emergence. Experiment 2 was conducted in the field at Tamworth, northern New South Wales from September 1991 to August 1992, on a red brown earth and a black earth. This study confirmed that emergence in both species was highest from surface sown seed. Field emergence was lowest in winter, but in contrast to experiment 1, it was higher in spring, particularly on the black earth. Seedling emergence appeared to be related to mean maximum temperature, decreasing in winter as it declined below 20�C, and increasing in spring when it was greater than 23�C. Differences in seed weight were reflected in emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii in experiment 1. Similar emergence was recorded for the loamlsand mixture and sand, indicating that there was little effect of texture. Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa surface sown in December had lower emergence ( P < 0.05) than both Danthonia spp., but emergence of this larger seeded cultivar was higher at depths of 10 and 25 mm. Laboratory studies to determine reasons for the low emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii from depth, indicated that neither had an obligate light requirement for germination. Depth, however, reduced germination (P < 0.05) compared with surface sowing of seed. Seedlings at depth also were observed to have slower rates of shoot and root elongation. In the field, the most successful establishments of D. richardsonii and D. linkii seedlings are likely to occur from surface sowings in April and May. Sowing in spring may also be possible if mean maximum soil temperatures exceed 23�C, and seedlings can establish before the onset of hot, dry conditions in summer.


2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Aldaoud ◽  
W. Guppy ◽  
L. Callinan ◽  
S. F. Flett ◽  
K. A. Wratten ◽  
...  

In 1995–96, a survey of soil samples from subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) paddocks was conducted across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, to determine the distribution and the prevalence of races of Phytophthora clandestina (as determined by the development of root rot on differential cultivars), and the association of its occurrence with paddock variables. In all states, there was a weak but significant association between P. clandestina detected in soil samples and subsequent root rot susceptibility of differential cultivars grown in these soil samples. Phytophthora clandestina was found in 38% of the sampled sites, with a significantly lower prevalence in South Australia (27%). There were significant positive associations between P. clandestina detection and increased soil salinity (Western Australia), early growth stages of subterranean clover (Victoria), mature subterranean clover (South Australia), recently sown subterranean clover (South Australia), paddocks with higher subterranean clover content (Victoria), where herbicides were not applied (South Australia), irrigation (New South Wales and Victoria), cattle grazing (South Australia and Victoria), early sampling dates (Victoria and New South Wales), sampling shortly after the autumn break or first irrigation (Victoria), shorter soil storage time (Victoria) and farmer’s perception of root rot being present (Victoria and New South Wales). Only 29% of P. clandestina isolates could be classified under the 5 known races. Some of the unknown races were virulent on cv. Seaton Park LF (most resistant) and others were avirulent on cv. Woogenellup (most susceptible). Race 1 was significantly less prevalent in South Australia than Victoria and race 0 was significantly less prevalent in New South Wales than in South Australia and Western Australia. This study revealed extremely wide variation in the virulence of P. clandestina. The potential importance of the results on programs to breed for resistance to root rot are discussed. in South Australia.


1967 ◽  
Vol 7 (27) ◽  
pp. 372 ◽  
Author(s):  
H Philpotts

In two pot experiments at Narrabri, New South Wales, Poona cowpeas (Vigna sinensis) were sown in a black chernozemic soil at 1, 2, and 4 inches, and at 1 1/2 and 4 inches with and without a straw mulch, to give a range of soil temperatures at the depth of sowing. It was found that the higher the soil temperature at sowing depth the lower was the percentage of plants with nodules and the number of nodules per plant.


1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (77) ◽  
pp. 795 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Thompson

A range of temperate annual and perennial legumes, naturalized or commonly sown in the area, was examined at three field sites in low fertility soils derived from granite on the south western slopes of the New England Region, New South Wales. They were compared over a four year period in terms of their persistence, dry matter and nitrogen production and their compatibility with associated temperate perennial grasses, The response of sown grass to nitrogen fertilizer application was also examined in the absence of legume. Ten legumes were examined at one site and six of these at the other two sites. In general, nitrogen yields were ranked similarly to total dry matter yields of all treatments, including grasses in the absence of legume. However, the legumes were ranked differently in terms of productivity of the legume component and productivity of associated grass. At all sites lucerne gave the highest yields of total dry matter and of legume and the lowest yield and persistence of associated grass-comparable to grass growing in the absence of legume or applied nitrogen. Subterranean clover was ranked second or third in total dry matter yield, depending on site, but provided the highest yield of associated grasscomparable to grass receiving high levels of applied nitrogen. Under this legume soil nitrogen levels tended to be highest. Rose clover, sown at one site only, yielded more legume dry matter than subterranean clover but grass yield was comparable to that with lucerne. The results suggest that subterranean clover is the superior legume for successful mixed sowings although inclusion of white clover could be justified. Lucerne appears to be best sown as a pure sward.


1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 561 ◽  
Author(s):  
HL Davies ◽  
E Devaud

A March-April joining of Merino ewes was compared with a June-July joining in central New South Wales at a low stocking rate on subterranean clover based pastures over 3 years. In all years, ewes joined in June were heavier (P < 0.05) than ewes joined in March (55 v. 52 kg). Liveweights at the start of lambing and liveweight change from joining to lambing were also high and favoured the later lambing group. The proportion of ewes lambing (97% March v. 93% June) and proportion of ewes twinning (29% March v. 20% June) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, but consistently favoured the March-April joining. Perinatal mortality was low (9.4% March v. 7.1% June) and not significantly different between the 2 groups, but was consistently lower in the June joined group. Number of lambs weaned per 100 ewes joined was also not significantly different, but was higher each year in the March joined group (1 13% March v. 105% June). The growth rate of the lambs (both singles [24% greater, 248 v. 200 g/day] and twins [37% greater, 2 13 v. 155 g/day]) was consistently in favour of March joined ewes. Mean greasy fleece weights of the ewes were not significantly different between the 2 groups, but were in favour of the late joined group (4.83 v. 4.50 kg). Time of joining significantly affected liveweights and greasy and clean fleece weights of the progeny at the shearing in the year following their birth in favour of March joining. These data suggest that, despite a nutritional advantage to the ewes in late pregnancy and milder weather at lambing with a June-July joining, a March- April joining is the preferred option on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.


1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 758 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Hall ◽  
EC Wolfe ◽  
BR Cullis

Pasture production, ewe and lamb growth, ewe wool production and diet quality were studied on lucerne-subterranean clover pastures at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Lucerne was sown at rates of 0.75 to 3.0 kg/ha, and the pastures were rotationally grazed with Border Leicester x Merino ewes at 9.6 or 12.7 sheep/ha, the ewes lambing in August- September. Lucerne density declined by 45% over the 3 years on all treatments. The clover cultivar sown, Woogenellup, had low persistence, particularly at 12.7 sheep/ha. The density of lucerne had little effect on annual wool and lamb production, although the ewes grew faster on the denser lucerne in summer and the sparser lucerne in winter. At 12- 7 sheep/ha, there was an extra 19% total lamb weight by the end of November and an extra 22% of finer wool (1 �m) annually, but the fleeces had a higher proportion of wool tenderness. The major limitations of the lucerne-subterranean clover pastures to sheep production were the low quality of the diet in early summer, and low pasture production in late winter. In early summer the lucerne was rapidly consumed, leaving only moderate quality clover and grass residues, which limited lamb growth, while in winter pregnancy toxaemia occurred, fleeces were tender and wool growth was low, particularly during a drought in 1976.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document