Sheep & Beef

Potassium fertilisers can be an important addition to grazing systems because potassium is essential for sustaining productive pastures.  It is particularly important for maintaining the legume component of mixed pastures, and a decreasing proportion of legume species can indicate that soil is lacking in potassium.

Fertiliser Timing

The timing of potassium fertiliser application can affect the total annual pasture production, as well as the distribution of production throughout the year.  Split applications of potassium fertiliser is recommended if high annual rates of potassium are used (>100kg/ha) in high rainfall areas, or where soils are prone to leaching.

Potassium Losses

The removal of animal products such as meat and wool is only responsible for a small proportion of overall potassium losses within grazing systems.  Potassium can also be lost through leaching, runoff and soil fixation, and dung and urine transfer to non-productive areas of the farm like stock camps and yards.  A rule of thumb is that higher stocking rates result in higher transfer losses.  

Production Intensity and Economics

Intensity of the production system will determine if responses to potassium deficiency are likely, and if they will be economic.  Production systems can be manipulated to capture the benefits of increased production resulting from potassium fertiliser use.

Move on for more information about:

Removal Rates and Transfer Losses >>
Pasture and Animal Production >>
Timing of Fertiliser Application to Pastures >>
Production Intensity and Economics >>
Potassium Deficiency Symptoms >>
Research Projects >>