The influence of lime and P on the performances of pure white clover and white clover/tall fescue swards on two highly leached Mistbelt soils was examined in factorial design. First season data, discussed in this paper, indicated highly significant dry matter responses to both lime and P. The pattern of response to P. varied over the three harvests obtained in the season and a single optimum P level was not manifested for either clover or fescue. Decreases in extractable (0,05 NH2SO4) P levels with increasing lime rates were noted on both soils. Clover yield responses to lime were coincident with the reduction of soil acid saturations to below 18 percent. Fescue yield increased linearly with liming rate to the highest lime level applied (20,4 tonnes/ha); this response is thought to be partly attributable to the influence of lime on N mineralisation from soil organic matter.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.