P.PSH.1050 - Phosphorus management and requirements of tropical legume pasture swards
There are significant differences in yield potential and critical P requirements among tropical pasture species (including between grasses and legumes, and between different legume species).
| Project start date: | 25 February 2018 |
| Project end date: | 04 June 2023 |
| Publication date: | 01 May 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | Northern Australia, NSW, Western Australia, Queensland, Tropical warm season wet, Sub-tropical moist, Sub-tropical sub-humid, Eastern Australia, Tropical Moist, Tropical wet |
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Summary
The soils of northern Australia are often low in available phosphorus (P). This project aimed to better understand legume P requirements and fertiliser application strategies, in order to improve legume productivity and persistence. Numerous experiments were conducted to examine the P requirements of a range of tropical grasses and legumes. The results demonstrated that there are significant differences in yield potential and critical P requirements among tropical pasture species (including between grasses and legumes, and between different legume species). This means there is potential to select and use P-efficient species in soil that has inherently low P levels. The results also demonstrated that banded applications of P fertiliser can improve legume productivity in mixed pasture swards. These results have direct implications for the management of legumes and soil fertility in the extensive grazing systems of northern Australia.
Objectives
This project aimed to better understand legume P requirements and fertiliser application strategies, in order to improve legume productivity and persistence.
Key findings
The results demonstrated that there are significant differences in yield potential and critical P requirements among tropical pasture species (including between grasses and legumes, and between different legume species). The results also demonstrated that banded applications of P fertiliser can improve legume productivity in mixed pasture swards.
Benefits to industry
The results of this project will help producers understand the best pasture species selection and fertiliser application practices in the extensive grazing industries of northern Australia, which are based on nutrient-deficient soils and are dominated by C4 grasses.
MLA action
MLA is using the outcomes of this project to inform new investments.
Future research
Future research should focus on the effectiveness of N fixation by tropical pasture legumes, to ensure that the benefit of this pasture component is fully realised.
More information
| Project manager: | Allan Peake |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Chris Guppy |
