FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTS OF STEEPLAND SOILS IN THE WANGANUI AND RANGITIKEI DISTRICTS

Abstract

A study of a suite of stcepland soils in both the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts showed that the major nutrients limit,ing the growth of clovers were phosphorus and sulphur. To remedy the phosphate deficiency, 4 cwt of superphosphate per acre was required initially and by applying this amount of superphosphate the sulphur deficiency would also be rectified. Owing to the very low sulphur retention capacities of the soils, the superphosphate should be apphed in the spring. The phosphate retegtion.values indicate that the maiatenance superphosphate dressingi are likely to be 11/z to 2 cwt per acre annually. The initial responses to lime were small and would not be economic. Molybdenum was not required in the development of these soils.