Abstract
Experimental sites were established at two locations in north-eastern Victoria to define factors limiting the establishment and growth of Trifolium subterranean L. (subterranean clover). Liming the soil, seed inoculation and fungicide application were used in renovating subterranean clover pasture on two acidic soils (Longwood: brown/grey sandy loam DY 3.14 and Seymour: grey brown light clay DY 3.22, Northcote classification) with mean annual rainfall of 650 mm and 600 mm respectively.
Soil acidity, low available soil phosphorus and plant disease were identified as factors limiting clover yield on these soils. Significant yield responses to lime (35–140%) were obtained with subterranean clover at both sites, with corresponding decreases in Al in the 0–10 cm soil horizon. Liming the soil, when combined with seed inoculation, increased the number and effectiveness of root nodules at both sites. Soil P available for plant growth was low at both sites (6.1 and 8.4 μg g−1) resulting in sub-optimal P concentrations in the clover herbage (45 mmol kg−1 at Longwood). Levels of root disease were low but Aphanomyces euteiches and Phytophthora clandestina (causal agents of lateral and tap root rot) were detected frequently on roots. Application of fungicide resulted in higher dry matter yields (p=0.05) at both sites.
An assessment of the relative contributions of these limiting factors and the benefits to be obtained from better management would provide a clearer picture of the profitability and sustainability of this farming system.
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Burnett, V.F., Coventry, D.R., Hirth, J.R. et al. Subterranean clover decline in permanent pastures in north-eastern Victoria. Plant Soil 164, 231–241 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010075
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00010075