Publication Date
1993
Description
Leaching of sulphate can have a major influence on pasture yield and fertiliser efficiency on the yellow-brown pumice soils of New Zealand. This study aimed to measure and predict sulphur (S) leaching on these soils. The Rose model (an approximate analytical method based on the convective-dispersive equation) accurately simulated S leaching data from intact cores when a retardation factor was included to allow for sulphate adsorption, The model was then used to predict the leaching of sulphate or elemental S fertilisers applied in spring or autumn. Predicted amounts leached below 260 mm depth after 12 months were 91, 71, 38 and 61 % of fertiliser applied for autumn sulphate, spring sulphate, autumn elemental and spring elemental S fertilizers respectively. These results were consistent with plant S uptake in a field trial. Autumn applications of elemental S seem to offer the most effective means of supplying plant requirements with minimum wastage.
Citation
Thorrold, B S. and Cameron, K C., "Predicting the Leaching of Sulphur Fertilizer on Yellow-Brown Pumice Soils" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 29.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session40/29
Included in
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Predicting the Leaching of Sulphur Fertilizer on Yellow-Brown Pumice Soils
Leaching of sulphate can have a major influence on pasture yield and fertiliser efficiency on the yellow-brown pumice soils of New Zealand. This study aimed to measure and predict sulphur (S) leaching on these soils. The Rose model (an approximate analytical method based on the convective-dispersive equation) accurately simulated S leaching data from intact cores when a retardation factor was included to allow for sulphate adsorption, The model was then used to predict the leaching of sulphate or elemental S fertilisers applied in spring or autumn. Predicted amounts leached below 260 mm depth after 12 months were 91, 71, 38 and 61 % of fertiliser applied for autumn sulphate, spring sulphate, autumn elemental and spring elemental S fertilizers respectively. These results were consistent with plant S uptake in a field trial. Autumn applications of elemental S seem to offer the most effective means of supplying plant requirements with minimum wastage.
