Study of the acidity complex in a soil suite using white clover: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science and Honours in Soil Science

Abstract

In this study the factors of the acidity complex were investigated in a major "suite " or New Zealand soils. The suite consisted of 8 zonal soils derived from greywacke and related parent materials, arranged in a sequence of weathering and leaching. Soils derived from greywacke occur widely throughout both islands and consequently a wide range of soil types is encountered. This suite embraced soils ranging from the weakly weathered, brown grey earths of Central Otago, to the strongly podzolised soils of North Auckland. The problem was investigated as follows:- 1. A chemical analysis of the soils was made and trends of soil properties within the suite were established. 2. The effects of lime and molybdenum on the growth and yield of white clover grown in a glasshouse were examined in a factorial pot trial. 3. The dry matter was analysed for nitrogen, molybdenum and maganese