Soil measurements and wheat yield response to superphosphate in Victoria

Abstract

The relationships between soil tests for 'plant available' phosphate and wheat yield response to applied superphosphate were examined and the extent to which these relationships were modified by other soil measurements was determined. Soil samples and wheat yield data were obtained from experiments conducted in the Victorian wheat belt. The sites were grouped into four relatively uniform classes using soil pH measurement and geographic location. The soil test values differed widely and were accountable for by the soil characteristics measured. However, the overall and within group yield responses to applied superphosphate could not be accounted for in terms of either the soil test value or the associated chemical measurements. By inference, yield response was clearly dependent on factors other than those determining the results of soil tests.