Life Sciences Commons^™

Molybdenum Deficiency In The Wheatbelt, M M. Riley

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The trace element molybdenum is needed in very small amounts in nitrogen metabolisms of crops and pastures. One of the projects that started as a result of the overall soil acidity research programme was the examination of molybdenum deficiency on acid soils throughout the South-West of Western Australia.

Sulphur Needs Of Crops And Pastures, J S. Yeates

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sulphur deficiency has long been recognised as a potential problem of legume pastures in the higher rainfall areas (over 750 mm a year) of south-west Western Australia. Before the introduction of granulated superphosphate (about 1970), sulfer deficiencies commonly developed in spring on susceptible soils despite autumn applications of superphosphate (containing about 10.5 per cent sulphur).

In loww and medium rainfall areas sulphur deficiency is rarely reported, at least partly because of annual superphosphate applications. However large areas of the sandy-surfaced soils of Western Australia would become sulphur deficient for pastures and crops if sulphur inputsd in fertilisers were substantially reduced. …

Symptoms And Treatment Of Copper Deficiency Of Wheat, J W. Gartrell, R. F. Brennan, A. D. Robson

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Copper deficiency in wheat is still common but may not be easily noticed.

A New Tissue Test For Accurate Diagnosis Of Copper Deficiency In Cereals, J W. Gartrell, A. D. Robson, J. F. Loneragan

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Copper deficiency in ceereals can now be accurately diagnosed using tissue analysis.

Potassium Deficiency In Lupins : Identification, Rates, Times And Method Of Application, Walter Jacob Cox

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Large areas of sandplain soils north of Perth are low in potassium levels, and responses to applied potassium have been large for both sub. clover and grain lupins.

This article indicates where potassium might be needed, and how to diagnose and overcome deficiencies in lupins.

Potassium For Pastures, Walter Jacob Cox

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IVIany pastures in the south-west of Western Australia are deficient in potassium or need regular dressings for maximum growth. This article indicates areas and situations in which potassium might be needed, shows how deficiency is diagnosed and gives recommended rates of application.

Selenium And Sheep Health, B J. Gabbedy, A. J. Hadlow

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

For many years selenium was known to the livestock industries only because of its toxic properties. Some soils, particularly in the United States of America, were so high in selenium that many animals died after grazing plants on these soils.

In 1957 it was discovered that selenium supplements could prevent a number of diseases and, from that time, selenium has been regarded as an essential trace element.

White muscle disease (WMD) was first recognised in sheep in Western Australia in 1960 and has occurred each year since.

Soil And Plant Analysis For Mineral Deficiencies, M D. Carroll

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Soil and plant analysis (testing) has its supporters and its critics. Some of the differences are resolved if the distinction is made between the concept and the practice. Most people would agree with the concept of soil and plant analysis but the practice, or service offered, in any agricultural situation can be subject to valid criticism.

This article defines some of the principles involved and illustrates some of the problems, to provide a better understanding of the usefulness and the limitations of soil and plant analysis as a diagnostic aid in plant and animal nutrition.

Symptoms Of Nutrient Deficiencies In Rape, M G. Mason, J. W. Gertrell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Rape is a relatively new crop in Western Australia and this investigation was undertaken to produce visual symptoms of nutrient deficiencies so that they could be recorded and used for diagnosing deficiencies in the field. The appearance of mineral deficiency symptoms can vary considerably with growing conditions, so that symptoms produced in a glasshouse are only a guide to the probable symptoms in the field.

Superphosphate Deficiency Raises Pasture Oestrogens, H G. Neil, T. Marshall

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A recent field experiment on established pastures at Esperance Downs Research Station has demonstrated a relationship between superphosphate application, pasture oestrogens and oestrogenic response in sheep.

Results of the experiment indicate that on phosphate deficient soils carrying oestrogenic clovers, the levels of oestrogenic materials in the pasture are increased if superphosphate applications are below those recommended for healthy pasture growth.

Phalaris Staggers : Prevention By Cobalt Bullets, Bryan J. Gorddard, P. P. Mann, A. J. Hadlow

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

FARMERS in the south west of Western Australia are familiar with the use of cobalt for the prevention of ill-thrift and deaths due to cobalt deficiency in sheep and cattle.

Less common is the use of cobalt for the prevention of chronic phalaris poisoning, known as phalaris staggers.

This condition is well known in eastern Australia, but only isolated cases have been recorded in W.A. no doubt due to the relatively small area sown to phalaris in this state.

Hypocalcaemia In Sheep, J Craig

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Hypocalcaemia can cause trouble among in-lamb and lactating ewes, especially if they are grazing lush pasture or young cereal crops.

Dry sheep can also be affected. The disease can be confused with pregnancy toxaemia.

. . . A timely reminder issued by Senior Veterinary Surgeon J. Craig.

Calfhood Diseases. 2. Respiratory And Nutritional Deficiency Diseases, M R. Gardiner

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

MOST of the common organisms found in the environment of calf sheds and yards may at times be responsible for respiratory infections, to which the young animal is very susceptible.

Control Of Copper, Zinc And Manganese Deficiencies In Fruit Trees, N J. Halse

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE three elements copper, zinc and manganese are plant nutrients of the type often referred to as minor or trace elements.

Although essential elements for plant growth, they are required in comparatively small quantities.

Iron Deficiency Of Oats In The Lower South West, Edgar Noel Fitzpatrick, R. Sprivulis

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Oats grown on the acid peaty sands of the West and South Coastal areas of Western Australia develop iron deficiency.

This deficiency can be cured by spraying with iron sulphate. A 2 to 4 per cent, solution can be applied through a low volume spray without damage to the plants. The spray should be repeated when deficiency symptoms reappear.

Growing oats on these soils is not recommended.

Potassium Deficiency In Medium Rainfall Areas, William John Toms

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

IT is well known that potassic fertilisers must be used for the successful growth of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) on many soils in the higher rainfall districts of Western Australia.

Recent investigations have shown that some soils in medium rainfall districts are also too low in potassium to grow healthy subterranean clover pastures.