Open AccessLong term effect of superphosphate fertilisers on pasture persistence
Author(s) -
T.J. Fraser,
Sam Dennis,
R. A. Moss,
K. N. Tozer,
Natalie Stocker,
Anna Lisa Taylor,
Marty J. Faville,
Cambray Smith
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
grassland research and practice series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2463-4751
pISSN - 0110-8581
DOI - 10.33584/rps.15.2011.3210
Subject(s) - pasture , agronomy , sowing , persistence (discontinuity) , biology , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Core samples were taken from 60-year-old pastures on a long-term fertiliser trial at the Winchmore research station, in Canterbury, New Zealand. Plots had been treated with 0, 188 or 376 kg/ha of superphosphate annually, grazed by sheep, and pasture yields were recorded. Ryegrass persisted in all treatments, but was only dominant in the superphosphate treatments, unsown grasses dominated in the no superphosphate treatments. White clover was more common with superphosphate, and both cocksfoot and timothy required adequate superphosphate in order to persist. Over 60 years of measurements, yields were 9-15 t DM/ ha with superphosphate, and did not reduce over time. Given adequate fertiliser, a ryegrass-based irrigated pasture can continue to produce high yields 60 years following sowing. Keywords: ryegrass, cocksfoot, t