Studies on some deep sandy soils in Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland. 3. Losses of applied phosphorus and sulphur

Abstract

Losses of applied phosphorus and sulphur from a 100 cm profile of a deep siliceous sandy soil in Cape York Peninsula have been studied in the field over a period of three wet seasons. The P and S was applied in two treatments: superphosphate (880 kg ha-1) and 'biosuper' (1072 kg ha-1). About 50 per cent of the applied P was lost from the top 30 cm of the profile but all remained in the 100 cm depth. Only 10-30 per cent of the applied S was recovered in the 100 cm profile. Zones of P accumulation were generally related to Fe and Al content of the soil horizons. Legume growth and composition over the three seasons was adequate, and reasons for this are discussed.