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Competition for nutrients between grasses and white clover

I. Effect of grass species and nitrogen supply

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Summary

Competition between three grass species and white clover for phosphorus and potassium were studied in pot trials. Differences in the ability of the individual grasses to compete with clover were noted to be of the same order for both nutrients.

Nitrogen application was shown to increase competition for nutrients by grasses in clover associations without postulating an indirect mechanism acting through competition for light.

Evidence of a light by nutrient competition interaction was observed and its mechanism discussed.

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Author notes

  1. M. C. H. Mouat

    Present address: Grasslands Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palmerston North, New Zealand

  2. T. W. Walker (Professor of Agriculture)

    Present address: King's College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Canterbury Agricultural College, Christchurch, New Zealand

    M. C. H. Mouat & T. W. Walker (Professor of Agriculture)

Authors
  1. M. C. H. Mouat
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  2. T. W. Walker
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Mouat, M.C.H., Walker, T.W. Competition for nutrients between grasses and white clover. Plant Soil 11, 30–40 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01394751

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01394751

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