scholarly journals FERTILISER REQUIREMENTS OF GISBORNE-EAST COAST HILL COUNTRY

1984 ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.B. O'Connor ◽  
M.H. Gray
Keyword(s):  
East Coast ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Dominant Soil ◽  
Dominant Influence ◽  
Soil Groups

Soil fertility has a dominant influence on the productivity of many hill country pastures. In the Gisborne-East Coast hill country the dominant soil groups - the yellow-brown earths (YBEs) from mudstone/argillite and the yellow-brown pumice soils (YBPs) from Taupo pumice tephra - show variations in response to fertiliser inputs. Results from a series of eight field trials, commenced in 1980, indicate widespread phosphorus (P) deficiency across both groups with optimum Olsen P soil test values being calculated as 11.5 and 20.1 respectively. Sulphur deficiencies appear less important, in the short term, than previously thought. Lime (L) and molybdenum (MO) deficiencies appear widespread on YEEs with an indication on some sites that lime effects are over and above that due to increased MO availability. Potassium (KI is the dominant deficiency (after P) on YBPs. Element deficiencies in decreasing order of importance were - Y BEs, P > L/MO > S > K; Y BPS, P > K > S > L. Keywords: Fertilisers, hill country, pasture production.

scholarly journals Building a solid foundation for pasture production in Northland: P, K, S and lime requirements

1995 ◽  
pp. 119-125
Author(s):  
A.H.C. Roberts ◽  
J.D. Morton ◽  
M.B. O'Connor ◽  
D.C. Edmeades
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Capital Requirements ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Volcanic Soils ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Olsen P ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Soil Groups

The generally strongly weathered, leached soils of Northland consist of four major soil groups. The yellow-brown earths and podzols and yellow brown sands are formed from sedimentary rocks, while brown granular clays and red and brown loams are formed from volcanic rocks. In terms of the relationship between pasture production and fertiliser nutrient requirements, for both sedimentary and volcanic soils, the production functions are shown to be of the "diminishing returns" type, and the point at which near-maximum production (97%) occurs is defined as the "biological optimum" soil test level. Biological optimum test values for sedimentary and volcanic soils are: Olsen P 20 and 22; quicktest K 6 and 7; sulphate-S 10; organic-S 15; and pH 5.9. Once biological optimum soil test levels have been attained then maintenance fertiliser nutrient rates are appropriate. In order to move up the pasture production curve an average of 7 and 11 kg P/ha above maintenance will increase Olsen P by 1 unit for Northland sedimentary and volcanic soils respectively. Similarly, on average 60 kg K/ha will raise quicktest K by 1 unit on volcanic soils, but capital requirements for K on sedimentary soils in Northland are not known. An average of 35 and 25 kg S/ha will correct S deficiencies on sedimentary and volcanic soils. Keywords: biological optimum, lime, Northland, nutrient requirements, phosphorus, potassium, sedimentary soils, sulphur, volcanic soils

scholarly journals Fertiliser requirements for peat soils in the Waikato region

2001 ◽  
pp. 47-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.B. O'Connor ◽  
R.D. Longhurst ◽  
T.J.M. Johnston ◽  
F.N. Portegys
Keyword(s):  
Storage Capacity ◽  
Peat Soil ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Nutrient Deficiencies ◽  
Peat Soils ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Olsen P ◽  
Productive Land

Peat soils cover approximately 94 000 ha of productive land in the Waikato and are an important soil resource for the region. Much of the research on peats in the 1950s-60s concentrated on the development of raw peats and later in the 1970s on nutrient deficiencies such as copper and selenium. Little to no work was undertaken on soil fertility/soil nutrient relationships of developed peat soils. In 1996, a series of eight field trials was established across a range of developed peat soils in the Waikato to investigate such relationships. The trials continued for 3 years. Results showed that the optimum Olsen P soil test for sustaining near maximum pasture production was 35-45, that K soil tests were of limited use on well developed peats and that winter leaching of S was likely to be important. The Anion Storage Capacity (ASC) test was found to be a valuable tool in indicating the degree of development of peat and in turn allowing interpretation of fertiliser responses. From these introductory investigations of nutrient requirements on peat soils some guidelines and recommendations are presented. Keywords: anion storage capacity (ASC), Olsen P, pasture production, peat, soil test

scholarly journals Building a solid foundation - sulphur, phosphorus and potassium requirements for the sedimentary soiIs of North Canterbury

1994 ◽  
pp. 7-12
Author(s):  
A.H.C. Roberts ◽  
T.H. Webb ◽  
J.D. Morton ◽  
M.B. O'Connor ◽  
D.C. Edmeades
Keyword(s):  
Soil Test ◽  
Nutrient Requirements ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Nutrient Use ◽  
S Deficiency ◽  
Solid Foundation ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Test Level ◽  
Soil Groups

The soils of North Canterbury occur mainly on steep land (31%), hilly land (28%), rolling downs and downlands (11%) and terraces and floodplains (30%). Most soils are predominantly formed from greywacke and tertiary sediments and some 85% comprise yellow-grey earth, yellow-grey earth to yellow-brown earth intergrade, yellow-brown earth and recent soil groups. In terms of the relationship between pasture production and fertiliser nutrient use these major soil groups are considered as a single entity, namely "sedimentary" soils (a reference to their derivation from sedimentary rocks). The relationships (production functions) between pasture production and soil test level for sulphur (S), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are shown to be of the "diminishing returns" type for the sedimentary soils and the point at which near-maximum production (97%) occurs is defined as the "biological optimum" soil test level. Biological optimum sulphate-S and organic-S levels-are-l.0 and 15 respectively, for O-l.s-en- P. -is _ 20 and quick-test K is 6. Once the biologrcal optimum soil test levels have been attained then maintenance fertiliser nutrient rates are appropriate. In order to correct S deficiency sedimentary soils require an average of 35 kg S/ha. To move up the pasture production curve an average of 5 kg P/ha above maintenance will increase Olsen P by 1 unit. Potassium requirements depend on soil group within the sedimentary soils. -Keywords:~biological~optimum, North Canterbury, nutrient requirements, phosphorus, potassium, sedimentary soils, Sulphur

scholarly journals Effect of superphosphate, lime, and cocksfoot on summer dry hill country pasture production

1990 ◽  
pp. 131-134
Author(s):  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
R.W. Tillmanz ◽  
W.J. Parker ◽  
D.J. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Factorial Design ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Major Effect ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Term Field

Two long-term field trials were carried out in the Wairarapa. One, established on a resident ryegrass/browntop pasture in 1981, compared the effect of lime (0, 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00 t/ha) and superphosphate (0,125,250 and 500 kg/ha) in a 4 x 4 factorial design. The second, started in 1985, compared the response of a similar pasture with that of au oversowu 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot pasture to 4 rates of lime (0, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 t/ha). The major effect of the traditional fertiliser policy was increased spring and, under favourable conditions, increased summer and autumn production. The introduction of cocksfoot guaranteed a more predictable summer supply of feed and improved autumn and winter production. An assessment of 3 methods of designating fertiliser expenditure suggests that continuation with maintenance fertiliser inputs, or a 2.3: 1 substitution of fertiliser expenditure for cocksfoot establishment, would provide greater benefits than discontinuing fertiliser inputs. Keywords 'Grasslands Wana', cocksfoot, lime, superphosphate, ferthser, strategies, hill country

scholarly journals Use of capital fertiliser and lime to improve pasture production in Northland

1995 ◽  
pp. 139-144
Author(s):  
M.B. O'Connor ◽  
B.J. Hunt
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Sustainable Land Use ◽  
Soil Test ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Production Improvement ◽  
Current Economic Situation ◽  
Productive Potential ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Individual Farm

Previous research in Northland identified the requirements for phosphate and lime in pasture development. Large capital inputs were necessary (1.8-2.0 t superphosphate and 2.5-5 t lime/ha in the first 12-18 months). More recently (1990-1993) three trials have been conducted on typical unimproved or improved hill country pasture in Northland to investigate lime (rates and frequencies) and phosphate (rates and forms) requirements. Results show that capital inputs of both fertiliser and lime are still very necessary in Northland. Marked responses occurred in the trials, with an average 40% increase to P and 16% increase to lime. The need for a soluble fertiliser like superphosphate was highlighted. In practice the aim must be to get as much of the potentially high producing land as possible into the soil test ranges for maximising pasture production. Improvement programmes need to be tailored to the individual farm. In dairying, improvement programmes can be completed relatively quickly (l-2 years) given the current economic situation, but in hill country the programme must of necessity be longer term (4-5 years). Emphasis must first be on developing the land with the highest potential. In time, areas with lower productive potential can also be considered for improvement, although alternative sustainable land use options should also be considered. Keywords: capital inputs, fertilisers, lime, optimum soil tests, phosphate, soil fertility

scholarly journals Hill country farm investment options - cocksfoot pasture vs. superphosphate fertiliser

1999 ◽  
pp. 17-21
Author(s):  
D.J. Barker ◽  
D.G. Sheppard ◽  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
N. Dymock
Keyword(s):  
Dactylis Glomerata ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Medium Term ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Financial Return ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Economic Return ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L ◽  
Farm System

Farmers can choose between investment in pasture species or fertiliser, however, there are few comparisons of these options. This paper reports on the effects of 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot, (Dactylis glomerata L.) introduction and superphosphate application on pasture production in hill country. The effects of pasture production on bullbeef production were subsequently modelled using Stockpol®. Pasture, bull and financial performance was measured within four self-contained farmlets (each approximately 9 ha) at the AgResearch Ballantrae Hill Country Research Station; half of two farmlets had been oversown with Wana in autumn 1992 and two farmlets were untreated "Resident" hill pasture. The Wana farmlets generated an average $42.80/ha greater income than Resident farmlets. On average, modelling with Stockpol found gross financial return was increased by 80% by application of 40 kgP/ha ($715.26/ha) compared to nil fertiliser ($397.84/ha). With a cost of fertiliser of $2.44/kgP applied ($97.60) this predicted return was highly profitable. If the establishment costs of Wana were spread over the life of the pasture economic responses would be greater from investment in Wana cocksfoot, however, in the short term, economic responses were greater from investment in fertiliser. In the medium term a combination of investment in Wana establishment and fertiliser input would likely maximise the economic return. Keywords: bull beef, Dactylis glomerata L., farm system, 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot, Stockpol®, superphosphate

scholarly journals Controlling variegated thistle in East Coast North Island hill-country

2018 ◽  
pp. 225-234
Author(s):  
Katherine N Tozer ◽  
Rose M Greenfield ◽  
Mike B Dodd ◽  
Trevor K James ◽  
Catherine A Cameron
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Aerial Application ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Selective Grazing

Variegated thistle can dominate north-facing slopes on North Island East Coast hill-country reducing pasture production and livestock carrying capacity. On a hill-country sheep and beef property near Gisborne, the herbicides 2,4-D + clopyralid were applied in early-May by knapsack in combination with a June aerial application of 2,4-D ester. This was more effective than a single June aerial application of 2,4-D ester in reducing the abundance of variegated thistle and enabling grasses from the seedbank to colonise the bare ground in the herbicide-treated patches. Mixtures of grasses, legumes and herbs, oversown onto bare patches previously occupied by thistle plants, did not establish on a north-facing slope. While they did establish on a south-facing slope, the sown species did not persist, most likely due to selective grazing. To establish competitive pasture, natural germination from the seedbank may be less risky than oversowing seed into thistle patches, if desirable species are present in the seedbank.

scholarly journals SOME FACTORS AFFECTING PASTURE PRODUCTION IN SOUTHLAND

1978 ◽  
pp. 51-59
Author(s):  
W.H. Risk ◽  
T.E. Ludecke
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Cyst Nematode ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
Soil Groups ◽  
Seasonal Responses

The pattern of production from permanent pastures on two major soil groups in Southland and some factors affecting production are discussed. Production was shown to be lower on the summer droughtprone YGE/YBE intergrade soils compared with the wetter southern YBE. The major proportion (80%) of the production occurred in spring and summer. Grasses contributed two-thirds and white clover one-third of the annual production. Inadequate mineral nitrogen levels in soils over the spring result in seasonal responses to nitrogen fertilizers. The use of high rates of nitrogen fertilizer at regular intervals throughout the year increased total pasture production by about 25%. The clover cyst nematode was shown to reduce white clover establishment and production in field trials.

scholarly journals Effects of long-term differences in fertiliser history on hill country: seasonal pasture production, legume growth and soil phosphorus status

1995 ◽  
pp. 105-109
Author(s):  
C.G. Roach ◽  
E.K.K. Nemaia ◽  
S.F. Ledgard ◽  
G.J. Brier ◽  
C.D.A. Mclay
Keyword(s):  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Soil P ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Legume Production ◽  
Soil Measurements ◽  
Steep Slopes ◽  
Legume Growth

The effects of 10 years of nil or maintenance phosphorus (P) fertiliser (250 kg/ha/yr superphosphate) on pasture production and composition, and on soil P status, were measured in a farmlet trial on hill country near Te Kuiti. Withholding P resulted in 29-35% less annual pasture production and 54-72% less legume (predominantly white clover) production. There was little difference in seasonality of production between the two farmlets. The loss in production in the nil P farmlet was predictable based on the decline in soil Olsen P test to 6-8 ppm and the results from past mowing trials. Additional soil measurements revealed that soil organic P levels were increasing at the site and this will have contributed to the decline in plantavailable P in soil. Re-application of P at 23 kg/ha markedly increased legume growth (by 180-330%) in the nil P farmlet, which was proportionally twice as high on steep slopes as on easy slopes. This response in legume production was most evident in summer at a time when improved feed quality is valuable for finishing lambs. Indeed, legume growth in the P re-application plots exceeded that in the maintenance P farmlet by 23-28%. This reflected reduced plant-available soil N status due to less inputs from N, fixation in the previous 10 years, and thereby increased the competitive advantage of legumes over grasses where P deficiency was diminished by fertiliser re-application. Keywords: fertiliser history, hill country, legume production, pasture production, phosphorus, seasonality, soil phosphorus

New fertiliser options for managing phosphorus for organic and low-input farming systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Evans ◽  
Jason Condon
Keyword(s):  
Organic Farming ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
P Deficiency ◽  
Reactive Phosphate Rock ◽  
Variable Nature ◽  
Organic Fertilisers ◽  
The Many

Plant-available phosphorus (P) has been found to be limiting crop and pasture production in Australian dryland, broadacre, organic farming systems. The present review examines the mechanisms that act to provide organic sources of P to soil or mobilise P stored within the soil. A range of products is available to exploit one or more of these mechanisms to achieve a claimed improvement in P fertility. These products are described, and where possible, scientific research of their effectiveness is reviewed. The use of microbial inoculants, although successful in laboratory and glasshouse experiments, has returned varied results in field trials. The addition of organic fertilisers, such as composted or elemental sulfur (S) enriched reactive phosphate rock (RPR), tended to produce more reliable results. The variable nature of the composting process creates complexity in the production of composted RPR. The increased dissolution of RPR by the oxidation of added S has been successful in increasing available P content above that of RPR alone. This is especially significant to low-rainfall areas where RPR tend to be ineffective. This paper highlights the need for development and optimisation of the many organic fertilisers and additives available to organic producers. In all cases, products still require rigorous field and economic evaluation so that organic producers can be confident in making decisions that are informed, correct, and profitable with regard to P fertility. The alleviation of P deficiency is vital to the increased adoption and sustainability of boardacre organic farming in Australia.

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