CLOVER RESPONSE TO INOCULATION AND PELLETING ON TE ANAU SOILS

Abstract

Results are given for trials investigating the effects of inoculation and pelleting on the establishment of white clover oversown in autumn 1971 and 1972. In the absence of inoculation, few plants established. Inoculation at the normal commercial rate increased the pescentage of healthy plants but establishment was still low, Pelleting increased establishment. In both years, a commercially prepared "triplecote" pellet gave better seedling establishment than pellets prepared with methyl cellulose adhesive. In the one trial conducted in 1972, pellets prepared with gum arabic adhesive and coated with lime or Gafsaphosphate/ dolomite were as effective as commercial "triplecote" pellets in increasing clover establishment.