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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 61(5)

Low rates of phosphorus fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season under rain-fed conditions did not affect dry matter production of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

L. L. Burkitt A C , D. J. Donaghy A and P. J. Smethurst B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, University of Tasmania, PO Box 3523, Burnie, Tas. 7320, Australia.

B CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Private Bag 12, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: Lucy.Burkitt@utas.edu.au

Crop and Pasture Science 61(5) 353-362 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP09259
Submitted: 9 September 2009  Accepted: 13 April 2010   Published: 12 May 2010

Abstract

Pasture is the cheapest source of feed for dairy cows, therefore, dairy pastures in Australia are intensively managed to maximise milk production and profits. Although soil testing commonly suggests that soils used for dairy pasture production have adequate supplies of phosphorus (P), many Australian dairy farmers still apply fertiliser P, often by applying smaller rates more frequently throughout the year. This study was designed to test the hypotheses that more frequent, but lower rates of P fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season have no effect on dry matter production and P concentration in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), when soil extractable P concentrations are above the critical value reported in the literature. Three field sites were established on rain-fed dairy pasture soils ranging in P sorption capacity and with adequate soil P concentrations for maximising pasture production. Results showed that applied P fertiliser had no effect on pasture production across the 3 sites (P > 0.05), regardless of rate or the season in which the P was applied, confirming that no P fertiliser is required when soil extractable P concentrations are adequate. This finding challenges the viability of the current industry practice. In addition, applying P fertiliser as a single annual application in summer did not compromise pasture production at any of the 3 sites (P > 0.05), which supports the current environmental recommendations of applying P during drier conditions, when the risk of surface P runoff is generally lower. The current results also demonstrate that the short-term cessation of P fertiliser application may be a viable management option, as a minimal reduction in pasture production was measured over the experimental period.

Additional keywords: Australia, dairy, pasture, Tasmania, timing.


Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the funding support provided by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE), Impact Fertilisers Ltd, Roberts Ltd, the DairyTas Board Inc., the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, the University of Tasmania and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. The authors would like to sincerely thank the staff from the Tasmanian DPIPWE Elliott Research and Demonstration Station, Lisa and Jerrod Smith and Gerald French for the generous use of their properties for this field study. We would also like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of Dr Bill Fulkerson in the development of this study and the significant contribution of Peter Chamberlain and Scott Carlson for field assistance. The constructive comments provided by Dr Cameron Gourley and Dr David Parsons were also greatly appreciated.


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