Nutrient status and soil properties in areas of the Benalla, Koetong, Rennick and Trentham nurseries producing 1-0 P. radiata seedlings in 1971.  F.G. Craig and P. Hopmans.  March 1972.  21 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

1. Fertilisers are needed in all four nurseries to maintain soil fertility, though only Rennick and Koetong are clearly deficient in any one nutrient element; magnesium at Koetong and manganese at Rennick.
2. Detailed fertiliser recommendations for the areas sampled in 1971 are given at the conclusion of this report. Moderate dressings are needed at Koetong, Rennick, and Benalla. Only light dressings are needed at Trentham.
3. Large additions of organic matter to the soils at Rennick and Benalla are required. Koetong requires moderate additions, but the Trentham soil needs none. Trials are being established to determine the most efficient methods of adding organic matter to the Rennick, Benalla, and Koetong nursery soils.
4. The Rennick nursery soil has a dangerously high pH which is due to the high pH of the irrigation water used at the nursery. Addition of sulphur to the nursery soil is being tested as a means of overcoming this problem.