The perennial pasture legume tedera has the same requirement for phosphorus and is more efficient in using potassium and sulfur when compared to subterranean clover

AbstractTedera, (Bituminaria bituminosa C.H. Stirt var. albomarginata) a herbaceous deep rooted perennial legume is being evaluated as a summer-autumn feed for sheep production in South Western Australia (SWA). As soils of SWA are generally infertile it was necessary to determine the requirement of phosphorous (P), potassium (K) and sulfur (S) for growth of tedera compared with subterranean clover. This was carried out using four glasshouse experiments. Results showed that tedera has the same requirement for P application, about 40% lower for K and none for S compared to subterranean clover. Critical tissue concentrations for 90% maximum yield of herbage were also determined. Results showed tedera required about one and half times more P, about half the K in the tissue compared to subterranean clover. Tedera showed no herbage response to additions of S. This study warrants further investigation under both glasshouse and field conditions.