Superphosphate on perennial pastures. II.* Effects of a pasture response on steer beef production

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Curll
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Dominant Component ◽  
History Of ◽  
Gross Margins

For a 3 year period, superphosphate was applied annually at rates of 0, 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 to an established phalaris (Phalaris aquatica)/subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) pasture with a substantial history of superphosphate use. Steers, replaced annually, continuously grazed these pastures so that plant growth responses to superphosphate could be calibrated in animal production and economic terms. Pasture growth rate responses to superphosphate, relative to unfertilized treatments and averaged over 3 years, were 64, 108 and 136% for the 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 treatments respectively. Similar proportions of phalaris and subterranean clover were maintained in the unfertilized pasture, and phalaris became the dominant component in the fertilized pastures. Superphosphate significantly increased the level of available pasture and steer growth rates. Steers from the 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 treatments averaged, at sale, 70, 98 and 117 kg heavier respectively than those from the unfertilized treatments. Over the experimental period, a twofold reduction in gross margins followed from withholding superphosphate. In contrast, its application in the second and third year led to an average fourfold and sixfold improvement respectively in gross margins. It is suggested that the use of these results to test and improve simulation models of fertilizer systems is the most effective means of establishing guidelines on which to base decisions on current fertilizer policy in other situations. __________________ * Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 28: 991 (1977).

Superphosphate on perennial pastures. I. Effects of a pasture response on sheep production

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 991 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Curll
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Gross Margins

From 1973 to 1975 in the Mediterranean environment of southern New South Wales, superphosphate was applied annually at four rates (0, 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1) to an established perennial pasture with a substantial history of superphosphate use. The pasture was continuously grazed by Border Leicester × Merino ewes (at 10 and 13.3 ha-1), so that plant growth responses to superphosphate could be assessed in sheep production terms and an estimate made of the monetary value of these responses. Growth rate of unfertilized pastures declined over the experimental period, and depending on the quantity of superphosphate applied and stocking rate, responses of fertilized pastures ranged from 20 to 36% in 1973, 28 to 157% in 1974 and 75 to 233% in 1975. From having similar proportions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), pastures tended towards clover dominance with little (62 kg ha-1) or no superphosphate, particularly at high stocking rate, and to grass dominance at higher rates of superphosphate, particularly at low stocking rate. By increasing the level of available pasture, superphosphate increased wool production and ewe liveweight, lambs reared, their growth rate and the percentage that reached marketable weight (32 kg). These trends were similar at both stocking rates. Significant quadratic response relationships existed between these parameters and rate of superphosphate. Withholding superphosphate caused a progressive reduction in gross margins of about 37% over the 3 year trial period, while its application increased gross margins, relative to those from unfertilized pastures, by a maximum 10, 42, and 140% for the first, second and third year respectively. It is suggested that these pasture responses calibrated in animal production terms may be extended to other situations most effectively by using the data to test and improve tentative models used to predict fertilizer requirements.

Yield responses to lime of phalaris, cocksfoot, and annual pastures in north-eastern Victoria

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
AM Ridley ◽  
DR Coventry
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Mixed Grass ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Yield Responses ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
Pasture Yield

Yield responses of 3 mixed grass-clover pastures [Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa (phalaris), Dactylis glomerata cv. Porto (cocksfoot), and annual grass based Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Trikkala (subterranean clover) pastures] were measured over 5 soil pH treatments at 2 sites in Victoria. One site (Beechworth) was strongly acidic [pH(CaCl2) < 4.21 to a depth of 40 cm and contained high concentrations of soil aluminium (Al). At the other site (Lake Rowan), yield responses to lime application had been measured previously, but only in Al-sensitive wheat cultivars. At Beechworth, pasture yield responses to lime were not consistent but. when observed. occurred in autumn and winter in all 3 pasture types. Phalaris pastures showed yield increases more often than cocksfoot and annual pastures. Low magnesium and calcium concentrations may have limited dry matter production, although yields were reasonable on all treatments. Where lime was applied, growth responses may have been due to alleviation of Al toxicity. At Beechworth, pasture yield was increased where lime increased pH from 4.2 to 4.6 and decreased soil Al (measured in 10 mmol CaCl2/L) from 11 to <3 �g/g soil. Herbage manganese concentrations were not high in phalaris and subterranean clover, and cocksfoot manganese standards were not available. At Lake Rowan (pH 4.7, Al <1 �g/g), no growth responses to lime were seen in any pasture treatment, and annual grass based pastures sometimes had higher yields than phalaris and cocksfoot pastures. On strongly acidic soils such as at Beechworth, incorporation of lime prior to pasture establishment should be considered. Perennial grasses may reduce further soil degradation through acidification. Soil A1 concentrations are commonly lower in ley-cropping areas, and the inclusion of perennial grasses in ley pastures requires further evaluation.

Effect of management system and stocking rate on the performance of ewes and lambs

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (83) ◽  
pp. 810 ◽  
Author(s):  
BD Hill ◽  
DG Saville
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Management System ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Lamb Growth

A grazing experiment was conducted at Cowra, on the western slopes of New South Wales, on a pasture consisting of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and annual species including capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), barley grass (Hordeum leporinum). wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) . The performance of Border Leicesterx Merino ewes mated to Dorset Horn rams and the growth of their progeny was compared under rotational and set stocked grazing management systems, with and without a 20 per cent area of lucerne saved for grazing when additional feed was required. There was one stocking rate (8.7 ewes ha-1) in 1966 and two (8.7 ewes ha-1 and 13.0 ewes ha-1) in 1967 to 1969. Rotational grazing decreased the lamb growth rate but increased the number of lambs born. The management system did not affect the body weight or wool production of the ewes. Lucerne was quickly eliminated from the set stocked areas and was greatly reduced in the rotational systems. Capeweed became dominant in the set stocked areas. Saving increased the number of lambs born at the high stocking rate in 1967 to 1969. In 1966 saving reduced lamb growth, ewe body weight and wool growth in the rotational system. The high stocking rate increased wool production per hectare, but decreased the number of lambs born and, in 1967, the lamb growth rate.

scholarly journals The Interaction of Light and Temperature in Determining the Growth Rate of Subterranean Clover (Trifolium Subterraneum l.)

1955 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 330 ◽  
Author(s):  
JN Black
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Vegetative Stage ◽  
Agricultural Research Institute ◽  
Waite Agricultural Research Institute ◽  
Pot Culture

An experiment is described in which the growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in the early vegetative stage was measured over 52 consecutive weekly periods. To eliminate possible trends of growth rates with age, plants of comparable morphological stage were used for each period. The variety Bacchus Marsh was grown in pot culture in the open at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia.

Effect of lupin grain supplements on lamb birth weight and growth rate and on milk production of Merino ewes

1977 ◽  
Vol 17 (89) ◽  
pp. 915 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
SR Wallace ◽  
ESde Boer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Milk Secretion ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Cent Increase ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass ◽  
Lamb Growth

Merino ewes lambing in March on dry subterranean-clover-Wimmera ryegrass (Trifolium subterraneum-Lolium rigidum) pastures were fed a lupin grain supplement at different rates for 10 weeks, beginning four weeks before lambing, In two experiments, birth weights of lambs were unaffected by the supplements but both milk production of the ewes and the growth rate and weaning weight of lambs increased linearly with increasing level of supplementation. At the highest rate of supplement (600 g day-1), the ewes produced 46 per cent more milk in a four hour period in the first four weeks of lactation than ewes that were not fed and their lambs were 3 kg heavier at weaning. In a third experiment in which ewes were fed in yards, increasing the protein level in the ration from 8 per cent to 14 per cent using lupin grain gave a 15 per cent increase in milk production and a significantly higher lamb growth rate at the same level of energy intake. At ad libitum levels of intake the high protein ration gave a 33 per cent higher rate of milk secretion over ten weeks and a 40 per cent higher growth rate of lambs than the low protein ration

A multi element supplement for grazing sheep. I. Intake, mineral status and production responses

1992 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 795 ◽  
Author(s):  
CL White ◽  
DG Masters ◽  
DW Peter ◽  
DB Purser ◽  
SP Roe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Means ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Blood Concentrations ◽  
Safety Margins ◽  
Grazing Sheep ◽  
Staple Strength ◽  
Fleece Weight ◽  
Mineral Lick

The safety and effectiveness of a loose mineral lick containing all known essential elements was investigated in an experiment in which 96 Merino weaner wethers grazed subterranean clover/grass pastures during summer and autumn. The treatments were no supplement or mineral mix ad libitum; there were four plots of 12 sheep per treatment. The mean intake was 29 � 1 g/head per day of the mix and those offered the minerals had blood concentrations of P, S, Se and vitamin BIZ in the normal range. Unsupplemented Control sheep had blood concentrations of P, S and Se in the deficient range for all or part of the experimental period. There was an estimated 1.6-fold range in mineral intake between sheep, and none refused the mix. Concentrations of Cu, Cd and F in tissues and bone of sheep offered the mineral mix were within accepted safety margins. The mineral lick increased live weights by 4.5 kg during summer (P < 0 - 05), increased clean fleece weight by 240 g (9%), (P < 0.01), and increased wool staple strength by 15 N/kt (40%), (P < 0.01). The pasture concentrations of most macro elements decreased between November and March, respective concentrations being (g/kg DM): K, 17- 7 and 1.9; Na, 4-0 and 0.31; S, 1.6 and 0.9; N, 12.9 and 10; P, 1-95 and 1-08; Ca, 7-86 and 9-75; Mg, 2.29 and 1-38. Changes in trace element concentrations were small, the respective values being (mg/kg): Cu, 9.7 and 10-3; Mn, 47 and 67; Fe, 56 and 323; Zn, 20 and 20; Mo, 0-2 and 0.35; and Se, 0.015 and 0.032. The loose mineral lick was a safe and effective means of supplying macro and trace elements to grazing sheep during summer.

Studies on the nutrition of pasture plants in the South-west of Western Australia. IV The Growth of Subterranueum Clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) as affected by lime, molybdenum, and Potassium

1952 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 244 ◽  
Author(s):  
RC Rossiter
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Relative Growth Rate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Net Assimilation Rate ◽  
Assimilation Rate ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
Net Assimilation ◽  
Pasture Plants

The results of a pot-culture experiment in which subterranean clover was grown on a coarse siliceous sand slightly acid in reaction are presented. Maximum yields resulted from application of potassium, together with either molybdenum or lime. The lime X molybdenum interaction was almost always negative, but its magnitude varied with time and potassium: in the absence of potassium it diminished in magnitude, but increased markedly in its presence. The lime X potassium and molybdenum X potassium interactions were strongly positive during the later stages of growth, but only in the absence of molybdenum and lime respectively. The effects of treatment on leaf-weight and leaf-area ratio were not closely related to those on relative growth rate. The latter were determined primarily by treatment effects on net assimilation rate. Both relative growth rate and net assimilation rate were increased by potassium. The results provide further support for the findings of Anderson and Oertel (1946) that, in legumes, nitrogen is the primary nutrient concerned in the response to lime and molybdenum, and that the molybdenum concentration gives little indication of the minimum requirements for satisfactory growth. The possible effect of lime on the transport of molybdenum from roots to tops is discussed.

The role of time of emergence in determining the growth of individual plants in swards of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)

1963 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 628 ◽  
Author(s):  
JN Black ◽  
GN Wilkinson
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Competitive Environment ◽  
Subsequent Growth ◽  
Competitive Effects ◽  
Emergence Patterns ◽  
Final Yield

An experiment was carried out which enabled a separate assessment to be made of the influence of, firstly, pre-emergence growth rate, and secondly, the competitive environment at emergence on the subsequent growth of individual plants of subterranean clover. Swards of the Bacchus Marsh variety were grown in large seed boxes at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Adelaide. Four different sowing treatments were applied whereby the sowing of alternate plants in a checkerboard grid was delayed by 0, 2, 4, and 8 days. Emergence date and final dry weight were recorded individually for each plant in the experimental swards. There was considerable overlap in emergence times between the earlier and the later-sown plants. Consequently by a comparison of the separate regressions for earlier and later-sown plants of yield per plant on day of emergence for each treatment, it could be demonstrated that plants with very different pre-emergence growth rates but emerging on the same day in the same sward, and hence into the same competitive environment, gave essentially the same subsequent growth. In other words, in the absence of differential competitive effects, there was no detectable influence of pre-emergence growth rate on subsequent growth. On the other hand, the final dry weights of individual plants were very strongly related to day of emergence. A delay in emergence of 5 days brought about a reduction in final yield of about 50%, and a delay of 8 or 9 days of at least 75%. In view of the negligible influence of pre-emergence growth rate, per se, this reduction is attributable solely to the increased severity of competition from plants already emerged. In spite of the wide variation in emergence patterns, the total yields of all swards were very similar, indicating an almost complete compensation between plants in the utilization of available growth factors.

The influence of temperature and density on the growth of communities of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Mount Barker)

1973 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 479 ◽  
Author(s):  
PS Cocks
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Influence Of Temperature ◽  
Total Dry Weight ◽  
Increasing Temperature

The influence of temperature on the growth of high and low density communities of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L. cv. Mount Barker) was studied at four temperatures ranging from 12�C day/7�C night to 27�C day/22�C night. The response to temperature depended on leaf area index (LAI). When the LAI was low (0.2), growth rate increased with increasing temperature to a maximum at 22� day/ 17�C night. This agreed with the temperature response of single plants of the same species previously reported. However, when the LAI was 3 the growth rate was not influenced by temperature within the range tested. At a still higher value of LAI (5.5), the response in growth became negative with increasing temperature, communities at the highest temperature growing at only half the rate of those at the lowest. The frequency distribution of plant size in the dense communities was measured, at eight times during the experiment. The distribution was influenced by both temperature and the total dry weight of the community. At low temperature it was approximately symmetrical, but at high temperature it rapidly became asymmetric as total dry weight increased, the amount of skewness being greatest at the highest temperature and dry weight. Plant death was greatest at the high temperature. The communities were divided into five equally populated groups of ascending plant size. At high temperature the largest plants increased in size throughout the experiment, but each of the groups of smaller plants reached a maximum size, subsequently losing weight. At lower temperatures only the groups of smaller size lost weight, the number of groups losing weight depending on temperature. The distribution data were used to try to explain the interaction between temperature and LAI. It was proposed that community growth rate was best when canopy cover was complete and the distribution of plant weight was not strongly skewed.

A study of inoculation and sowing methods for Trifolium subterraneum in New South Wales

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (62) ◽  
pp. 284 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Roughley ◽  
MH Walker
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of

The effects of treatments known to influence the nodulation of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were tested at 32 sites in New South Wales. The influence of the treatments varied but where positive effects were obtained the results generally corroborated earlier findings. At soil pH values below 5.5, lime pelleting was generally superior to slurry inoculation without lime but still better nodulation resulted from drilling inoculated seed with equal parts of lime and superphosphate. The results highlighted the difficulty of predicting the need to inoculate seed to achieve effective nodulation. The soil texture and pH, presence of the host plant and the previous history of the site were not reliable guides. Nodulation was generally improved by separating seed and superphosphate and by drilling seed rather than broadcasting it even if covered later.

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