Abstract
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) were grown separately and together in a pot trial on a yellow‐brown pumice soil with three rates of sodium (Na) and two rates of potassium (K) in factorial combination. Lucerne alone had a low Na concentration but growing phalaris as a companion grass produced herbage with a Na concentration adequate for stock. Na application increased the Na concentration in phalaris and the mixture of phalaris and lucerne much more than in lucerne alone; had little effect on K concentration; slightly reduced Mg concentration; and greatly reduced Ca concentration but not as much in lucerne as in phalaris or the mixture with lucerne. K application increased K concentration and reduced Na, Ca and Mg concentrations throughout. Yield of phalaris grown alone and in combination with lucerne was increased significantly by Na application when K concentration in the plants was low. Yield of lucerne was not affected by Na application and it is concluded that Na did not substitute for K in this species. It is concluded that field trials are warranted to investigate the possibility of growing a special purpose mixture of lucerne and phalaris on New Zealand yellow‐brown pumice soils to provide feed that has adequate Na for grazing animals.