Properties of deep sandy soils and the growth of Lovegrass, Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees

Abstract

The relationships between soil properties and the annual yield of lovegrass were studied on deep sandy soils near Meckering, Western Australia. Mean annual rainfall of the area is 378 mm, most of which falls between May and September. At sites with a water table a close relationship was established between annual yield and two properties-the depth to a water table, and the silt and clay content in the 30-60 cm layer. The relationship accounted for at least 87% of the between-site variation in yield, and was maintained between years, and over a range of nutrition levels. At sites without a water table, yield was closely related to soil mechanical composition. Where the coarse sand content in the profile exceeded 70%, survival of the grass was poor. The importance of soil moisture supply to growth of the grass in these soils is discussed, and the success of the 'edaphic' trial technique is briefly assessed.