The initial and residual responses to phosphorus fertilizers of Townsville stylo in pure ungrazed swards at Katherine, N.T

Abstract

The response of a pure sward of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis) to various initial and annual dressings of both superphosphate and calcined Christmas Island C-grade phosphate (CCICP) was determined in a field experiment at Katherine, N.T. Townsville stylo responded to superphosphate up to at least 750 kg ha-1. Initial responses and residual effects in the second year and three-year totals were much greater with superphosphate than with CCICP. CCICP gave very variable yields in the second and third years. Nitrogen concentrations were not affected by applied phosphorus but phosphorus concentrations were increased, more by superphosphate than by CCICP. Residual values of superphosphate were derived from Mitscherlich curves fitted to phosphorus yield data, and from these it was determined that 250 kg ha-1 initial and 100 kg ha-1 annual dressing of superphosphate would give stable uptake of phosphorus at the same level as 250 kg ha-1 in the initial year.