Model for calculating maintenance phosphate requirements for grazed pastures

Abstract

A model has been developed for calculating the maintenance phosphate requirements of grazed pastures. It is based on estimates of phosphate losses under various combinations of stock and land type. Factors incorporated in the calculation include P losses in the soil, P losses through animals in produce and the transfer of waste materials off productive areas, potential carrying capacity of land, stocking rate, and pasture utilisation by stock.