RATIONAL FERTILIZER PRACTICE ON PUMICE SOILS

Abstract

The recommendations for fertilizer mixtures currently in use on established pastures in Taupo County were derived from the results of field experiments and soil analyses. The time of application, and the composition, of these mixtures is governed by such effects as: the leaching of sulphate because of the generally low retention of sulphate by pumice soils; the build-up of phosphorus in the soil allowing phosphate applications to be reduced; the decrease in soil magnesium status due to applications of potassium.