Strain reaction to potassium deficiency in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.).

Abstract

The results of three experiments — two in pot culture and one in the field — are described in which five commercial strains of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were grown on Crawley sand at Perth. The strains were Dwalganup, Yarloop, Bacchus Marsh, Mt. Barker, and Tallarook. All strains were affected similarly by potassium deficiency and no evidence of differential response to applied potassium was obtained, either in dry matter yield or potassium content. As an aid in the diagnosis of potassium deficiency, the value 0.8 per cent. potassium in the leaf plus petiole of clover tops (irrespective of strain) sampled 10 weeks or more after germination may be taken to indicate incipient deficiency.