http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5795-4863
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Abstract
Tedera, (Bituminaria bituminosa C.H. Stirt var. albomarginata) a herbaceous deep rooted perennial legume is being evaluated as a summer-autumn feed for sheep production in South Western Australia (SWA). As soils of SWA are generally infertile it was necessary to determine the requirement of phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) for growth of tedera compared with subterranean clover. This was carried out using four glasshouse experiments. Results showed that tedera has the same requirement for P application, about 40% lower for K and none for S compared to subterranean clover. Critical tissue concentrations for 90% maximum yield of herbage were also determined. Results showed tedera required about one and half times more P, about half the K in the tissue compared to subterranean clover. Tedera showed no herbage response to additions of S. This study warrants further investigation under both glasshouse and field conditions.
Acknowledgments
Technical assistance in the laboratory and glasshouse was provided by Mr Eric Dobbe. Plant and soil analyses were provided by chemists of the CSBP Laboratories, Bibra Lake (WA). Statistical and design analyses provided by Andrew van Burgel of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Albany (WA). Figures were drawn with fitted lines using MS Excel. Advice and support from post graduate supervisors, Phil Vercoe, John Milton, University of Western Australia, Dean Thomas, CSIRO, Floreat (WA) and Chris Oldham formerly of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Albany (WA) is gratefully acknowledged.