The effectiveness of zinc fertilizers as measured by DTPA soil extractable zinc, dry matter production and zinc uptake by subterranean clover in relation to soil properties of a range of Australian soils

Soil Research ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
RF Brennan

The effectiveness of zinc fertilizer (Zn) on a wide range of Australian soils was examined using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterranean cv. Nungarin) as a test crop in a glasshouse experiment. The initial effectiveness (IE) of zinc fertilizer as measured by dry matter production (DMP), and zinc content (uptake) of subterranean clover (clover) was found to vary markedly among the soil types. No simple linear retationship between the initial effectiveness measured by either dry matter production or uptake and any one soil property was found. IE values were found to be related to the pH (1 : 5 soil :water) (pHw) and the level of DTPA soil extractable zinc measured in the unfertilized soil (Zno). IE based on Zn uptake by clover tops was also related to the organic carbon (OC) (%) content of the soils. The model for IE measured by DMP in a stepwise linear regression was IEDMP = 2.682 - 0.107 pH,-4.852 Zn, (n = 45; r2 = 0-86). IE based on Zn uptake by clover tops was: IEuptake = 10.842 - 0.882 pH, - 0.310 OC (%) - 1.349 Zn, (n = 54; R2 = 0.85). The IE of zinc fertilizer measured by DTPA soil extraction (IEDTPA-zn) was also found to vary markedly among soil types. The level of zinc extracted by DTPA after the addition of Zn fertilizer was found to be affected by clay (%), organic carbon (%) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) (%) content of the range of Australian soils. This relationship could be described by: IEDTPA - Zn = 0.178 + 0.0.002 Clay (%) + 0.014 OC (%) + 0.018 CaCO3 (%) (N = 54, r2 = 0.84)

1962 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. G. Smeltzer ◽  
W. M. Langille ◽  
K. S. MacLean

In a field experiment, conducted on four different soil types, trace elements cobalt, zinc, manganese, copper, sodium and molybdenum were applied by sprayer to a grass-legume sward in late September in both 1955 and 1956. Treatment differences were evaluated in terms of total dry matter production and by the chemical composition of the plant tissue. The elements applied were detectable in plant tissue, but herbage yields were not affected. Apparently the trace elements in these different soil types were in the range of sufficiency for maximum herbage production.


2001 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 231-236
Author(s):  
M. R. Latha ◽  
P. Savithri ◽  
R. Indirani ◽  
S. Kamaraj

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of zinc-enriched organic manures on a maize crop. Organic manures, namely farmyard manure, poultry manure, coir pith and biogas slurry enriched with 0, 12.5 and 25.0 kg ZnSO4 ha -1 were evaluated for their influence on dry matter production, yield and uptake of zinc in maize. The results revealed that the application of poultry manure was better compared to other sources, resulting in a 26.6% increase in yield. By resorting to the enrichment of poultry manure with zinc, it was possible to save 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha –1, thereby saving the cost of zinc fertilizer.


2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 69 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. McCaskill ◽  
M. C. Raeside ◽  
S. G. Clark ◽  
C. MacDonald ◽  
B. Clark ◽  
...  

Pastures sown to lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) with a perennial non-legume could increase feed supply relative to traditional pastures based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). Such mixtures might also be preferable to pure lucerne pastures, which are prone to weed invasion. Yield and water-use efficiency (harvested dry matter per unit evapotranspiration) of mixtures with lucerne or subterranean clover were compared a field experiment established under rainfed conditions at Hamilton, Victoria. Soil moisture and dry matter production were measured over 2 years. Treatments included chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb.) with either lucerne or subterranean clover; pure lucerne; and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) with only subterranean clover. In the second year, dry matter production from lucerne mixtures exceeded that of equivalent mixtures with subterranean clover in spring, summer and winter. In spring, the lucerne component continued producing for longer than the clover component through its use of deeper stored soil water, and in summer, lucerne continued to grow slowly after the grass component had entered a drought-induced dormancy. In winter, the contribution from the lucerne component complemented, rather than competed with, that from the non-legume component. Water-use efficiencies during winter–spring ranged from 4 kg ha–1 mm–1 for chicory–clover to 27 kg ha–1 mm–1 for a fescue–lucerne mixture, and during summer–autumn from nil for cocksfoot–clover to 13 kg ha–1 mm–1 for a fescue–lucerne mixture. This study demonstrates that lucerne-based mixtures can increase forage supply per unit water use relative to traditional pastures based on subterranean clover.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Boom ◽  
Mike Dodd

A 4-year lime rate trial was established on a hill country sheep and cattle property near Te Akau to determine lime effects on pasture utilisation. Four rates of lime were applied (1.25 t/ha, 2.5 t/ha, 5 t/ha and 10 t/ha) to 2 m × 2 m plots, from which soil Al, Ca and pH, pasture grazing heights, dry matter production, pasture species composition, feed quality and brix levels were measured. Lime application reduced soil Al (14.6 to 1.1 mg/kg), and increased Ca and pH (5.0 to 6.2) over time in the highest application rate. Dry matter production responded to all rates of lime in each year, and by the fourth year it was 27% greater (1.25 t/ha treatment), 35% greater (2.5 t/ha treatment), 69% greater (5 t/ha treatment), and 97% greater (10 t/ha treatment) than in the un-limed plots. Ryegrass and subterranean clover content increased with lime rate, whereas chewings fescue and dicot weed content declined. There were no sustained differences in pasture grazing heights, feed quality or brix levels between the control and rates of lime. On this site, all rates of lime were economic to apply by truck or plane when the benefits were spread over 4 years, with the greatest cost-benefit from thelower rates of lime.


1958 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 53 ◽  
Author(s):  
JL Davidson ◽  
CM Donald

An experiment was conducted to study the growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) sown at different densities; the control swards were not defoliated while others were subjected to a single defoliation at various dates. During the final month the rate of dry matter production (tops only) increased to a maximum when the leaf area index (the ratio of the area of the leaves to the area of the ground surface — L.A.I.) was about 4-5, falling by about 30 per cent. as the L.A.I. increased to 8.7. The rate of leaf production was greatest at about L.A.I. 4-5, falling to zero at L.A.I. 8.7. Climatic conditions during the growing season influenced the relationship of L.A.I. to growth; as conditions became more favorable the values of the optimum LA.1. for growth and of the ceiling L.,4.1. progressively rose. Irrespective of the density, all swards tended towards a common ceiling L.A.I. and yield by the end of the season. The effect of defoliation depended on the L.A.I. at which defoliation occurred, on the value to which the L.A.I. was reduced, and on current climatic conditions. If swards near the ceiling L.A.I. were defoliated, total dry matter production was slightly increased and there was a great increase in leaf production. On the other hand, defoliation of swards from about the optimum L.A.I. to very low L.A.I. values led to a substantial reduction in both dry matter and leaf production. It is suggested that all these effects depend on the light relationships within the sward and their influence on the balance of photosynthesis and respiration. Pasture at the optimum L.A.I. will give greater production than swards of lower or higher L.A.I.; defoliation can give greatly increased leaf production, unless L.A.I. is reduced to very low values.


1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 359 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Armstrong ◽  
K. Walsh ◽  
K. J. McCosker ◽  
G. R. Millar ◽  
M. E. Probert ◽  
...  

Summary. The growth and ability of 12 summer-growing annual and perennial legumes to fix nitrogen and the response of a subsequent wheat crop was examined in a field trial on a deep cracking clay soil in the Central Highlands of Queensland. Twelve legumes [Lablab purpureus cv. Highworth, Vigna radiata cv. Satin, Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro, Medicago sativa cv. Trifecta, Vigna trilobata (CPI 13671), Macroptilium bracteatum (CPI 27404), Glycine latifolia (CQ 3368), Desmanthus virgatus cv. Marc, Desmanthus virgatus cv. Bayamo, Stylosanthes sp. aff scabra (104710), Clitoria ternatea cv. Milgarra, Cajanus cajan cv. Quest)] and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. Tulloch) as a non-legume control were established in November 1994 and their growth monitored until March 1995. The legumes averaged greater than 5 t/ha dry matter production and 77 kg N/ha (above-ground only). Dry matter production ranged from less than 2 t/ha for G. latifolia and M. sativa to greater than 9 t/ha for D. virgatus cv. Bayamo and C. cajan. Annual legumes initially had much higher relative growth rates than the perennial legumes but they rapidily exhausted all the plant available water content of the soil thus allowing the well-established perennials to eventually match this production. The proportion of plant nitrogen (above ground) derived from N2 fixation was generally low, reflecting high soil NO3, but varied widely between species ranging from less than 20% for D. virgatus cv. Marc and G. latifolia to over 45% for C. ternatea, S. scabra and V. trilobata. The quantity of nitrogen derived from fixation was correlated with above-ground dry matter and nitrogen content. There was a significant (P<0.05) growth response by wheat following legumes compared with that following sorghum in the increasing order V. radiata = M. atropurpureum = L. purpureus > C. cajan = M. sativa = V. trilobata = M. bracteatum = G. latifolia > S. scabra = D. virgatus = C. ternatea. Previous legume growth had no significant (P>0.05) effect on yield or nitrogen concentration in a second ‘plant-back’ crop (sorghum). It was concluded that a wide range of pasture-ley legumes have the potential to improve cereal crop production in this region.


1981 ◽  
Vol 21 (112) ◽  
pp. 498 ◽  
Author(s):  
GD Reddy ◽  
AM Alston ◽  
KG Tiller

Seasonal changes in the concentrations of copper, molybdenum and sulfur in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), silver grass (Vulpia sp.), Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), and capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) growing on lateritic podzolic soils were measured in glasshouse and field studies. The effects of varying soil temperature and water content on the concentrations of copper, molybdenum and sulfur in subterranean clover on a lateritic podzolic soil and a calcareous sand were also investigated. Similar seasonal patterns in plant composition were observed in the glasshouse and the field. The concentration of molybdenum tended to remain constant throughout the season, but that of copper and sulfur declined from autumn to spring; the decline was more rapid in the grasses than in subterranean clover and capeweed. Subterranean clover had higher concentrations of copper and sulfur but lower molybdenum than silver grass or Wimmera ryegrass. Capeweed contained more copper and molybdenum but less sulfur than subterranean clover. The concentrations of molybdenum and sulfur were similar in capeweed and the grasses. lncreasing soil temperature from 12 to 22�C increased the dry matter production and the concentrations of copper and molybdenum (but not sulfur) in subterranean clover on both soils. lncreasing soil water content slightly increased dry matter production and the concentration of molybdenum but had no effect on the concentration of copper and sulfur in subterranean clover. The results are discussed in relation to the health of grazing animals.


1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (105) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
RL Burt ◽  
DF Sinclair ◽  
P Harrison ◽  
BC Pengelly ◽  
WT Williams

Twenty Urochloa accessions, representing four species, were grown as small swards for a 2 to 4 year period at five sites. The sites cover a wide range of tropical environments. Dry matter production and 'secondary attributes' were observed at strategically important times at the various sites. Various forms of analysis were applied to the resulting information and species, or species forms, of particular agronomic interest were delineated. Two accessions appear to have outstanding potential. The implications of the methods used and results obtained are discussed in relation to plant introduction and plant evaluation programs, and the high potential value of the genus noted.


1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 737 ◽  
Author(s):  
DW Stephenson ◽  
GJ Mitchell

Barley grass (Hordeum spp.) in a subterranean clover pasture was controlled with herbicides in the time between the 2-3 leaf stage and flowering. The effects on subsequent pasture production and composition were measured and the interaction between grazing and herbicides was also assessed. Early removal of barley grass reduced dry matter production in winter by an average of 41%. It also allowed an incursion of Indian hedge mustard (Sisymbrium orientale L.). which was suppressed by grazing but comprised an average of 23% ground cover in ungrazed pasture. Loss of total pasture production decreased as the date of herbicide application was delayed from June to September. Broadleaf species compensated for the early removal of barley grass, so that total dry matter production in spring in herbicide-treated areas was higher than in the unsprayed pasture. Fluazifop-p at 32, 53, and 106 g a.i/ha gave, respectively, 94, 91, and 94% reduction in barley grass seedhead density when applied at the 2-3 leaf stage, and 64, 88, and 98% reduction when applied at mid jointing. Application of this herbicide at 53 or 106 g a.i/ha for barley grass control can be delayed until late winter, thereby maintaining winter feed production but avoiding declining palatability and awned barley grass seeds.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document