Publication Date
1993
Description
Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a major limitation to growth of pastures in tropical and subtropical regions. In the tropics and subtropics of north-eastern Australia, grass yield is curvilinearly related (R2=0.75) to summer rainfall and the rate of N fertiliser. Data from a range of grazing experiments also indicate that beef and dairy production (kg/ ha) are related to N fertiliser rate in a curvilinear manner; production is near optimum at N rates of 250-300 kg N/ha/year, when summer rainfall is >1000 mm. Given the importance of summer rainfall and N fertiliser, climatic analysis can enhance the usefulness of N fertiliser recommendations. Using the Southern Oscillation Index, we can predict with a high level of success the probability of receiving above or below average rainfall in the following 3 months. Climatic analysis for fertiliser management was carried out for 5 key areas in Queensland where intensive beef and dairy production are practised.
Citation
Gilbert, M A. and Clarkson, N M., "Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Strategies for Tropical Beef and Dairy Production Using Summer Rainfall and Soil Analysis" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 4.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session42/4
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Strategies for Tropical Beef and Dairy Production Using Summer Rainfall and Soil Analysis
Nitrogen (N) deficiency is a major limitation to growth of pastures in tropical and subtropical regions. In the tropics and subtropics of north-eastern Australia, grass yield is curvilinearly related (R2=0.75) to summer rainfall and the rate of N fertiliser. Data from a range of grazing experiments also indicate that beef and dairy production (kg/ ha) are related to N fertiliser rate in a curvilinear manner; production is near optimum at N rates of 250-300 kg N/ha/year, when summer rainfall is >1000 mm. Given the importance of summer rainfall and N fertiliser, climatic analysis can enhance the usefulness of N fertiliser recommendations. Using the Southern Oscillation Index, we can predict with a high level of success the probability of receiving above or below average rainfall in the following 3 months. Climatic analysis for fertiliser management was carried out for 5 key areas in Queensland where intensive beef and dairy production are practised.
