Pasture studies on the coastal lowlands of subtropical Queensland. II. The interralation of legumes, rhizobium, and calcium.

Abstract

The soils of the coastal lowlands of southern Queensland are deficient in many nutrients, including phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen. Initial attempts to grow clovers on these soils failed because available strains of Rhizobium were not effective and the plants suffered acutely. When useful strains of bacteria were obtained this lack of nitrogen was largely overcome. Until effective strains of Rhizobium are associated with legume hosts, the legumes do not, under local conditions, respond normally to nutrients. In particular, responses to calcium may be quite abnormal. The response of a legume to calcium can be used in some cases as a measure of the effectiveness of the associated Rhizobium on these soils. Effective strains of Rhizobium were successfully applied to existing stands of white clover on three soil types both in the form of inoculated soil and in aqueous suspension.