“There was no evidence that relative yield increased with increase in Olsen P test values above 20.”
Twenty years ago AgResearch scientists clearly reached the conclusion that an Olsen P of 10 allows pasture growth to reach about 90%, with 98% of potential being achieved at an Olsen P of 20. These findings were published in a report published in the NZ Journal of Agricultural Research 1997, Vol40. The trial, run from Ruakura Research Station, measured pasture yields on many sites around NZ over six years to examine the relationship between Olsen P and pasture dry matter (DM) yield.
Despite these findings, farmers are being encouraged by commercial companies to apply ever-increasing amounts of phosphate with the promise of a greater yield response. At Clovertone we take a different approach. Farmers with Olsen P levels of 20+ should look to achieve better efficiency of P uptake through managing soil pH, improving soil structure and root depth.
Our Clovertone product has been developed to improve clover vigour and persistence as a result of extensive research conducted over the past 12 years. Clovertone contains plant extracts and nutrients that strengthen the clover plant and roots and increase its resistance to pests and diseases such as nematodes and the clover root weevil.
The main reason farmers apply phosphate and potash fertilisers is to deliver nitrogen to rye grass through the growth of vigorous clovers. With adequate nitrogen, rapid grass growth leaves the clovers struggling to compete for the available nutrients. In an endless struggle for dominance in a pasture sward, strong grass means weak clover, which in turn means weak grass, which allows the clovers to recover again.
If we stack the cards against the clover with urea applications and pest pressure, we end up in an expensive downward spiral of ever-increasing urea applications and fertiliser costs along with steadily weakening clover growth.
There is no sense in applying expensive fertiliser mixes which are designed to help clovers compete against the rye grass when you have only patchy, tired looking clover in your pasture sward. The way to escape this costly downward spiral is to foster your clover growth with sensible applications of fertiliser, N if necessary, and Clovertone to tip the competitive balance back in favour of the clover. It’s all about competition for the available nutrients. Clovertone gives your clover a fighting chance.