Archived
This content is available here strictly for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping and as such it may not be fully accessible. If you work or study at University of Kentucky and would like to request an accessible version, please use the SensusAccess Document Converter.
Publication Date
1993
Location
New Zealand
Description
Litter dry matter (DM) decomposition and nutrient (N, P, K and S) release were measured for 8, 6-monthly periods in south-eastern Queensland. Litter collected from native paslure growing on a range of soil types was hammer milled, and buried in nylon bags at the collection site, Moisture and (tn a lesser extent) temperature had a greater effect on DM disappearance from nalive pasture litter than its chemical composition or the soil type. A simple index of litter disappearance was derived from average air temperature and surface (0-10 cm) soil water. Based on long-term rainfall and temperature data, 24.8% of litter decomposes over the summer 3 months, as against 16.4% over the winter 3 months. Nutrient release was small and variable and not related to any factors that we measured. N and S were lost slowly with time in a linear fashion, leading to an increase in their concentration respectively to 0.75% and 0.045%. P and K were lost rapidly in the first month, then slowly thereafter, so that initial and final concentrations were similar (final concentration being 0.05S% and 0.12% respectively).
Citation
Cooksley, Deryk G.; Prinsen, J H.; Paton, C J.; and Lisle, A T., "Rate of Decomposition and Release of Nutrients from Litter in a Heteropogon contortus-Bothriochloa bladhii Dominant Native Pasture" (1993). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 7.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session42/7)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Rate of Decomposition and Release of Nutrients from Litter in a Heteropogon contortus-Bothriochloa bladhii Dominant Native Pasture
New Zealand
Litter dry matter (DM) decomposition and nutrient (N, P, K and S) release were measured for 8, 6-monthly periods in south-eastern Queensland. Litter collected from native paslure growing on a range of soil types was hammer milled, and buried in nylon bags at the collection site, Moisture and (tn a lesser extent) temperature had a greater effect on DM disappearance from nalive pasture litter than its chemical composition or the soil type. A simple index of litter disappearance was derived from average air temperature and surface (0-10 cm) soil water. Based on long-term rainfall and temperature data, 24.8% of litter decomposes over the summer 3 months, as against 16.4% over the winter 3 months. Nutrient release was small and variable and not related to any factors that we measured. N and S were lost slowly with time in a linear fashion, leading to an increase in their concentration respectively to 0.75% and 0.045%. P and K were lost rapidly in the first month, then slowly thereafter, so that initial and final concentrations were similar (final concentration being 0.05S% and 0.12% respectively).
