Nutrient responses on exposed mountain subsoils

Abstract

The effects of different nutrient combinations on growth of Yorkshire fog and white clover were studied in the glasshouse at Lincoln with subsoils from ten high-altitude sites throughout the South Island. There were outstanding responses by Yorkshire fog to nitrogen and phosphorus in combination, and by white clover to phosphorus on all soils. In the presence of these nutrients substantial responses to magnesium, potassium, and magnesium and potassium in combination were obtained on many soils. Copper, boron and zinc generally gave no benefit, and sulphur and molybdenum produced few marked responses. Lime was beneficial on the more acid soils, but on others depressed growth unless magnesium and potassium were also applied.