Nutrient balances are recognised as the key to
understanding the environmental context for
sustainable management in pastorally used
mountain lands and for monitoring possible effects
of pastoral practices on the life-supporting capacity
of soil. The paper draws on a larger survey of
recent and current soil fertility research in the
high country to examine briefly, three themes in
nutrient cycling. The role of nutrient accessions to
open systems is recognised for improved range.
Current long-term revegetation studies show the
need to take account of income from rock
weathering. The importance of understanding the
role of different plant species, soil amendments
and pastoral practices in activating or impeding
nutrient cycling proper is indicated from recent
studies involving monitoring of exchangeable
aluminium, comparing lupins with other legumes
and studying the effects of planted conifers on the
mineralisation of grassland organic matter. The
dimensions and magnitudes of grazing induced
nutrient transfers are outlined in relation to their
risks of loss from periodic hydrologic events, as
well as recognising the roles of pasture improvement
and grazing management in accelerating
nutrient cycling.[Show full abstract]
Description:
Paper presented at the 58th New Zealand Grassland Association Conference, 21-24 October 1996, Oamaru.
![[PDF]](/themes/LURA/images/mimes/b_pdf.png "PDF file"){kind=small}
