THE RESIDUAL VALUE OVER THIRTEEN YEARS OF ROCK PHOSPHATE AND SUPERPHOSPHATE ON A PERMANENT GRASS SWARD

Over 13 years, 12 cwt/ac of ground rock phosphate (29% P₂O₅) were applied to an old grass sward, either completely in the first year or in equal amounts in each of the first 4 years; alternatively, 18 cwt superphosphate/ac were applied either in 3 equal amounts at 4–yearly intervals, or in equal amounts annually over the first 12 years.
In the first year, the larger dressing of superphosphate gave the best response, measured as fresh herbage cut in mid–July each year, but during the next 7 years all methods of application gave similar yields. Dressings of rock phosphate gave progressively poorer response after 7 years and plots so treated were not significantly better than the control in the final year. At the end of the experiment, plots receiving annual applications of superphosphate yielded most herbage and those which had received superphosphate at 4–yearly intervals still showed a significant response. Phosphate in rock phosphate applied as a single dressing was two–thirds as effective over an 8–year period as that in superphosphate applied annually.
The small difference over 12 years in phosphate uptake from 3 dressings of superphosphate compared with its equivalent in annual applications suggested that little phosphate fixation was taking place. The fact that a single dressing of rock phosphate was able to maintain yields and phosphate uptake close to that obtained from annual applications over 7 years supports this and suggests that the failure to utilize one third of the phosphate in rock phosphate was mostly due to initial insolubility.     

THE EFFECT OF HEAVY DRESSINGS OF SLURRY ON FORAGE MAIZE PRODUCTION

Cow slony was incorporated into land at levels equivalent to 0, 125, 250 or 500 t/ha (0, 50, 100 or 200 tons/ac) shortly before sowing maize (INRA 200). Quantity and quality determinations were made on the crop at 73, 93, 115 and 137 days after plant emergence. The slurry dressings delayed the emergence of maize plants. The 250 t/ha (100 tons/ac) treatment gave a significant increase in DM yield at the final harvest, but 500 t/ha (200 tons/ac) tended to depress yields of the whole crop and of the ear. There was no significant effect on the percentage DM of the crop. Slurry applications increased the level of E and nitrate-N in the plants, but depressed Mg. Crude protein and in vitro digestibility were not affected.     

施用不同pH改良剂对荔枝园酸性土壤性质及荔枝生长的影响

采集华南典型荔枝园酸性土壤[pH(4.2±0.2)],分别在土壤中添加石灰（1 g/kg）、白云石粉（2 g/kg）和2个用量（0.625、4 g/kg）钙镁磷肥,以不添加改良剂为对照,进行土壤培养和荔枝盆栽试验,比较不同物质改良土壤的效果及对荔枝生长的影响。结果表明：施用pH改良剂均可不同程度提高土壤pH,影响土壤的大、中、微量元素养分有效性和酶的活性,土壤性质的变化与改良剂种类、用量及土壤属性本身有关;施用石灰、白云石粉和高量钙镁磷肥均能显著促进荔枝生长,其中石灰和白云石粉的综合作用优于高量钙镁磷肥,但施用低量钙镁磷肥抑制荔枝生长。建议石灰和白云石粉可用作荔枝园酸性土壤pH 改良剂,可否选用钙镁磷肥及其合理用量,则需根据土壤性质而定。     

Response of wheat, triticale and barley to lime application in semi-arid soils

Field experiments were conducted on four acid soils which were typical of the eastern section of the cropping region in southeastern Australia. The response of three cereal varieties to application of limestone or elemental S was measured as a function of soil pH. The cereals were selected to cover the known range of tolerance to acidity: Triticale (×Triticosecale wittmack cv. Currency) (tolerant); wheat (Tritcum aestivum cv. Matong) (moderately tolerant) and barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Schooner) (sensitive). A two asymptote logistic equation was used to describe the relationship between soil pH and rates of limestone and elemental sulphur. The upper asymptotes for the four sites were well below the pH of lime saturation as the agriculturally practiced rates of lime were lower than the rates that could achieve the maximum pH in the field. The same equation was used to fit higher rates of lime application to a similar soil type to one of the four sites in this study and resulted in an upper asymptote of 7.26. Crop yield responses to lime application were well described by soil pH_Ca (0.01 M CaCl₂). Soil pH_Ca ranges which gave 95% of maximum yield were pH_Ca 4.3–5.6 for Matong wheat, 4.4–4.8 for Currency triticale and 4.7–5.8 for Schooner barley. It was found that rainfall played an important role in limiting the yield response of crops to lime application. Lime reaction, lime requirement and grain yield models should include rainfall and soil water content as these influence the rate and extent of dissolution of limestone and subsequent plant response in a semi-arid environment.     

Effect of fertilizers on the yield and chemical composition of pure sown white clover and on soil nutrient status

The effects of three levels of potash, phosphate and lime fertilizers on the yield and mineral content of white clover ( Trifolium repens ) and on soil nutrient levels were studied in a field experiment over 7 years. The aim of the experiment was to define an optimum fertilizer programme for breeding nurseries and experimental fields.
Potash was the main factor limiting production: clover yield was negligible after 2 years where no potassium was applied. Phosphate increased yields after the third year, while liming had no significant effect on clover yield.
The soil potassium status improved with the repeated application of potash over the 7–year period, but no consistent pattern was discernible for the phosphate treatments. There was a slight increase in soil pH with liming.
Application of phosphate increased the phosphorous content of herbage, but had no effect on other plant constituents for the first 2 years. Subsequent applications increased the calcium and sodium contents. Potash reduced the content of all constituents other than potassium as the treatment levels increased. Lime had little effect on plant constituents other than calcium.     

Alternative sources of nitrogen and phosphorus in potato fertilizer

Urea and diammonium phosphate were compared with ammonium nitrate and triple superphosphate, in all combinations, as sources of N and P in fertilizer on two soil types important in potato production in Ontario. Greenhouse experiments with these soils and a peat:vermiculite:sand mixture gave very varied root and shoot development which followed no constant pattern. The same combinations of fertilizer in the field gave no differences in emergence, appearance, or senescence, but there was one yield difference and minor, inconsistent differences in specific gravity and cooking quality.     

THE RESPONSE OF SOME HILL PASTURE TYPES TO LIME AND PHOSPHATE

A study was made of the responses of four upland soil- and vegetation-types to applied lime and phosphate in the north of Scotland. Light and heavy dressings were used, the former at a rate which might be economically considered for aircraft application. Two experiments were laid down on graminaceous communities and two on contrasting types of Callunetum. The low rate of lime produced little measurable soil response, whereas the high rate induced marked and persistent effects. In terms of botanical response, however, the high rate of liming showed little advantage over the low rate in the presence of phosphate at the two grassland sites. Only very minor vegetation effects were observed at the Calluna centres, particularly where the community was in the mature stage. The results emphasize the importance of an ecological approach to upland pasture improvement, involving a knowledge of the specific responses of different plant communities to fertilizer application, combined with an appropriate measure of stock control.     

THE EFFECT OF TIME AND RATE OF N APPLICATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF GRASS SWARDS IN TWO ENVIRONMENTS

Six identical experiments (3 in Devon and 3 in Suffolk) investigated the effect of 200, 300 and 400 lb N/ac (224, 336 and 448 kg/ha), given in 1, 2, 4 or 8 equal applications, on the yield and seasonal production of perennial ryegrass swards cut every 25 days. Each rate of N Increased DM and N yields. Giving the N in 4 or 8 dressings gave higher DM, bnt rather lower N yields, than applying the N in 1 or 2 dressings. The effect on DM yield of splitting the N was most marked at 400 lb NJac (448 kgJha). Seasonal production was closely related to the time of N application and most uniform where N was given in 8 dressings. Differences between Devon and Suffolk were most evident where the N was given in 4 or 8 dressings and occurred in the second half of the season when the low rainfall in Suffolk apparently restricted N uptake and DM yield. The efficiency with which N taken up by the plant was used for DM production was affected by sunshine. It is concluded that rainfall and sunshine will limit the extent to which fertilizer N can he used to control herbage production.     

INFLUENCE OF SOIL AND MANAGEMENT ON THE BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF 20-YEARS-OLD RECLAIMED HILL PASTURES IN MID-WALES

The herbage and associated habitat factors of 15- to 20-years-old reclaimed hill pastures were investigated in Mid–Wales. These swards had been reclaimed from natural hill vegetations by ploughing and sowing. The results were examined to determine which habitat factors were associated with sward reversion. Particular emphasis was given to determining how far reversion was under the control of the farmer. On ill-drained soils the swards became heavily infested with Juncus effusus , regardless of management. On well-drained soils reversion was largely prevented by maintaining an adequate stocking rate in summer, coupled with periodic applications of lime and basic slag. Inherent podsols required approximately twice as much lime as inherent brown earths for the equivalent maintenance of soil pH and sward composition.     

不同降镉措施降低水稻籽粒中镉积累的效果

为了解不同降镉措施对镉轻度污染农田土壤的治理及降低水稻糙米镉含量的效果,为污染农田安全利用提供技术支撑,在浙江省桐庐县江南镇和瑶琳镇各选择镉轻度污染农田开展了不同用量石灰调控pH降低水稻镉积累、施用腐殖质型土壤调理剂+钙镁磷肥降低水稻镉积累、施用等量不同土壤改良剂降低水稻镉积累、石灰与叶面阻控剂配合施用降低水稻镉积累和不同土壤改良剂+叶面阻控剂组合降低水稻镉积累等5个比较试验。结果表明,糙米Cd含量随石灰用量的增加而下降,以中量为宜(300 kg/667 m²);施用钙镁磷肥的降镉效果优于腐殖质型土壤调理剂;降酸—腐殖质型土壤调理剂和降酸—黏土矿物型土壤调理剂对降低糙米Cd含量均有明显的效果,但其效果略低于石灰或钙镁磷肥;仅喷施叶面阻控剂可降低糙米Cd含量,但糙米Cd含量仍超过食品卫生标准;叶面阻控剂与腐殖质型土壤调理剂、粘土型土壤改良剂、钙镁磷肥与石灰配合施用能有效降低糙米Cd含量,达到安全生产的目的。     

Soil pH change after surface application of lime related to the levels of soil disturbance caused by no-tillage seeding machinery

On acid soils, no-tillage farmers are often advised to apply lime to the soil surface without incorporation by tillage. As such, it can take a number of years before the subsoil acidity is decreased. However, no-tillage seeders vary in the level of soil disturbance caused during seed placement. The consequence of such variations in soil disturbance for the effectiveness of lime in no-tillage cropping has not been explored. Our objectives were (i) to determine if the liming effect could be accelerated by increasing the rate of lime and level of soil disturbance during no-tillage seeding, and (ii) evaluate the effect of no-tillage seeding method, rate of lime and soil pH on yield of wheat, barley, canola and lupins. Three trials, each with a factorial design consisting of four seeding methods and four lime rates, were established in 1999 and continued until 2005. The soil had a texture contrast with about 15-20 cm of sand over yellow sandy clay loam and the initial pH (CaCl₂) at both 0-10 and 10-20 cm was between 4.5 and 4.7. The four seeding treatments were: low disturbance zero-till disc openers (ZT), higher disturbance no-tillage tines with narrow knife-points (NT), higher disturbance full cut seeding with sweeps (FC) for the first three years followed by ZT from then on, and FC for the first year followed by NT thereafter. The four lime rates were 0, 1, 2 and 4 t ha⁻¹.The liming effect was more rapid with the higher disturbance seeding of NT, FCZT and FCNT, compared with ZT; the seeding effect on soil pH diminished with time and was not detected in the subsoil after four years. Higher rates of lime increased this effect and there was no interaction between seeding method and lime rate. This indicated that soil pH under the different seeding methods responded in a similar manner to increased lime. Nonetheless, significant positive linear regressions were found between yield and soil pH for wheat and barley and a negative relationship for lupins. Canola showed no response to soil pH, possibly because establishment was affected by seeding method, and soil pH was not low enough to elicit a response. The ZT seeding method gave lower yields than the other methods for canola and lupins in some years, but had no effect on wheat and barley yields. Higher disturbance at the time of no-till seeding can, therefore, accelerate the liming effect, making earlier economic gains possible.     

红壤施用石灰石粉对芝麻产量的影响

石灰石粉施用量的试验结果表明:(1)随着石灰石粉用量增加,土壤pH升高,交换性铝和铝饱和度下降。施后7年仍可发挥其效果。(2)施用石灰石粉,显著增加每株蒴数和千粒重,增产幅度为17％—6l％。(3)土壤pH升高到6.0以上、交换性铝含量降至1.0me/100克土以下,芝麻才能获得较高的产量。     

不同降镉处理对水稻土酸碱缓冲能力和有效镉含量的影响

通过在重金属污染耕地达标生产区水稻土中连续2 a设置施用商品有机肥、土壤调理剂和石灰的大田降镉定位试验,研究其对土壤缓冲能力和有效镉含量的影响。结果表明：与对照相比,施石灰、商品有机肥和土壤调理剂后,土壤pH提高0.1~0.4个单位,增幅在5.62%~8.67%之间,变化顺序为：石灰>商品有机肥>土壤调理剂。土壤中总镉和有效镉含量降幅分别在0.24%~19.24%和3.48%~11.01%之间,其处理效果为：商品有机肥>石灰>土壤调理剂。3种降镉处理中,水稻土酸碱缓冲容量都有所扩增,缓冲能力效果表现为：石灰>商品有机肥>土壤调理剂。不同降镉处理均能改善土壤肥力且显著增加有效磷含量（P<0.05）。研究区稻田土壤缓冲容量和能力与pH、交换性酸总量,及其他土壤养分等众因子关系密切。     

供磷型土壤调理剂在酸性土壤应用效果研究

我国南方酸性土壤常存在交换性铝含量极高和磷素供应不足的问题,如何有效改良南方酸化土壤,提高土壤活性磷含量是个重要的问题。本文以南方酸性红壤为供试土壤,通过土壤培养试验和玉米盆栽试验探究了基于磷尾矿、磷酸镁铵和石灰等为主要原料的供磷营养型土壤调理剂对酸性土壤的改良效果和对玉米磷素养分利用的影响。采用添加不同原料比例和数量的土壤调理剂进行土壤培养,结果表明施用量在4~8 g/kg时,可使土壤pH升高1.1~1.6个单位,显著降低土壤交换性铝和有效铁含量,增加土壤交换性钙、镁和有效磷含量;盆栽玉米试验结果表明,与空白对照相比,施用C3配方土壤调理剂明显改善玉米苗期生长和植株磷素营养,但是土壤调理剂中辅料(白云石/石灰+膨润土)对促进磷酸二铵的肥效要明显优于土壤调理剂的供磷主料(磷酸铵镁+磷尾矿),说明在供磷方面主料的作用效果优于与辅料相混,辅料在增加土壤酸性改良效果的同时也钝化了主料中的磷素,该调理剂的配方需要进一步调整。      

施用石灰与生物炭对酸性土壤花生氮素吸收及产量的影响

为明确石灰与生物炭对酸化土壤改良及花生氮营养的作用效果,通过田间小区试验,研究了石灰、生物炭单施与配施对酸化土壤性质、花生氮素吸收利用及生长发育的影响。结果表明,与CK相比,单施石灰显著提高了土壤pH值、有机质、碱解氮和交换性钙含量,花生植株氮吸收量和收获指数显著增加13.1%和4.6%,花生生物量和产量显著提高11.7%和16.1%;单施生物炭显著增加了土壤pH值、有机质、碱解氮含量和土壤碳氮比,但对花生氮吸收量、生物量和产量无显著影响;表明酸性土壤明显抑制了花生生长,单施石灰促进花生生长及氮高效利用效果优于生物炭。石灰与生物炭配施后,土壤pH值、有机质、碱解氮、交换性钙含量及碳氮比更协调,花生植株氮吸收量、氮利用率、生物量和产量均得到进一步提高。所有处理中,4500 kg/hm²生物炭配施450 kg/hm²石灰处理的花生植株氮吸收量、氮收获指数、氮利用率、生物量及产量最高,分别比CK增加30.7%、8.7%、5.7%、27.6%和35.8%。因此,4500 kg/hm²石灰和450 kg/hm²生物炭配施是酸性土壤改良、氮素高效及花生高产栽培的有效手段。     

炉渣对调节稻田土壤pH和盐度的有效性分析

对炉渣调节稻田土壤pH和盐度的有效性进行研究。结果表明,稻田土壤pH和盐度随着炉渣施用量的提高而增大,并表现为炉渣施用后显著提高了稻田土壤的pH（P〈0.01）,但对盐度的影响不显著（P〉0.05）,不同土壤层次之间pH和盐度的差异性随着施用量的提高而减小。     

A STUDY OF SOME FACTORS CAUSING MAT FORMATION OF RESEEDED HILL PASTURE SWARDS

A comparison of non-mat and mat ecotypes of three reseeded hill swards showed that mat pasture soil was characterized by relatively high C/N ratios, low available nutrient status, low burrowing earthworm biomass, and low soil microbial activity (determined as CO₂ evolution).
A replicated trial was laid out on a uniform mat area of one of these swards (Ciderhouse Hill) and lime and fertilizer treatments were applied in two successive seasons. Lime treatment reduced mat weight, increased the proportion of 'sown' grasses in the sward and stimulated soil microbial activity, Initially, burrowing earthworm biomass was inhibited by lime; but, after an interval of four years, a positive response was noted at the lower treatment level. Sodium nitrate interacted with lime to increase soil microbial activity. Soil cellulolytic activity was increased by nitrate and phosphate treatments. The level of soil moisture in the field at the time of soil sampling appeared to influence soil microbial activity measured under standard conditions in the laboratory: high rainfall tended to reduce microbial activity. The significance of these findings and the infiuence of nutritional and climatic factors on sward reversion and mat formation are discussed.     

The effect of rate and timing of phosphate fertilizer on the yield and phosphate off take of grass grown for silage at moderate to high levels of soil phosphorus

A series of twenty-one trials was undertaken during 1985–1988 to investigate the effect on lowland silage crops of 0, 40 or 80 kg ha⁻¹ phosphate (P₂O₅) fertilizer applied as triple superphosphate (46% P₂O₅) in the autumn, spring or as a split application (spring and after first cut). All sites had moderate to high sodium bicarbonate-extractable soil phosphorus contents (18–34 mg P 1⁻¹ in air-dried soil).
Significant yield responses were obtained at eight of the forty-two individual cuts (two cuts per site). When meaned over all sites, spring or autumn applied phosphate increased dry matter yield at both first and second cut (mean total increase 0·32 t ha⁻¹), though the effect was significant only at the highest phosphate rate. The time of phosphate application had no overall effect on yield. Herbage P concentration and phosphate off take were significantly increased at both cuts by both rates of phosphate. Generally, the most recent application had a significantly greater effect than other timings. These findings indicate that DM yield responses to freshly available phosphate can occur on soils of moderate P status.     

STUDIES OF THE GROWTH OF A HYP ARRHENIA-DOMINANT GRASSLAND IN NORTHERN RHODESIA

The results of studies preliminary to management trials on this type of grassland are reported. The annual growth cycle of the community is described in terms of herbage yields and chemical composition. It is shown that repeated cutting at an early growth stage will prevent the rapid deterioration in quality of the herbage which is evident in the uninterrupted growth cycle. Changes in the sward with repeated cutting are described.
The second phase of growth, after the main flush has flowered and set seed, may be enhanced by cutting in the second half of the wet season; it is suggested that this aftermath growth might be used for grazing in the first part of the dry season.
The annual growth cycles cf six component species of the community grown as pure stands are described, together with the yields and chemical composition of the herbage obtained from them with repeated cutting.
The results of fertilizer trials on this type of grassland are given, and it is shown that substantial increases in yield of dry matter and percentage crude protein may be obtained with the application of sulphate of ammonia. Responses to dressings of superphosphate are largely conditional on alleviating the nitrogen deficiency, and there is a significant nitrogen/phosphorus interaction. Both marinate of potash and agricultural lime have little effect on growth and production at the levels tested.
Investigation of the practice of burning the grassland in the late dry season, after resting from grazing in the previous wet season, confirms that this is an effective means of checking the encroachment of woody species, but the flush of new grass growth induced by the fire is of such small bulk as to be of no importance in grazing management.     

POTENTIAL PASTURE PRODUCTION IN THE UPLANDS OF WALES

Detailed soil and vegetation analysis at Pant-y-dwr Hill Centre illustrated the main physical, chemical and biological factors involved in low output from rough grazing on 5 soil series, ranging from acid brown earth to undifferentiated peat, which are representative of most of upland mid-Wales. While all the soils, derived from Silurian shale, had low pH and base saturation status and high lime, phosphate and potash requirements, the principal restraint on the productivity of resown grassland, particularly on the wet peaty gleys, was low available N status.