Impacts of phosphogypsum, soluble fertilizer and lime amendment of acid soils on the bioavailability of phosphorus and sulphur under lucerne (Medicago sativa)

Abstract

Legumes play critical dual roles in grazed grassland ecosystems; providing nitrogen inputs and high-quality feed for grazing livestock. However, many species fail to persist in acidic, low fertility soils. A glasshouse study was conducted to investigate the response of lucerne (Medicago sativa) to phosphogypsum (PG), lime and soluble P + S fertilizer (PS) application to two soils. Phosphorus and sulphur were applied through either PG (0, 1, 3 and 9 t ha−1) or P + S fertilizer at equivalent rates to PG. Both PG and PS were applied with or without lime, which was applied at 2 t ha−1. Yield and nutrient uptake of the lucerne was measured, while the soil was analyzed for pH, Olsen P and exchangeable aluminum. Yield responses were significantly different between the two soils. Maximum yields and P and S uptakes were obtained under PG 9 t ha−1 combined with lime. Exchangeable Al decreased in both soils under 1 ha−1 of PG compared with the control. At the highest rate, Olsen P increased by 8 and 6 mg kg−1 for PG and by 6 and 11 mg kg−1 for PS compared with the control for Glenmore and Molesworth soils respectively. Phosphogypsum showed positive effects on P and S bioavailability.