PHOSPHORUS AND BEEF-PRODUCTION IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA .10. STRATEGIES FOR PHOSPHORUS USE

Phosphorus is a key factor in beef production in northern Australia. Recent research has indicated some low cost strategies for overcoming P deficiency in grazing systems based on both native and sown pastures and these, together with published information and commercial experience, are summarized as a series of recommendations for supplement and fertilizer use on a regional basis. As background, we discuss the importance of variability in the generally low levels of soil P in northern Australia, propose relationships between stocking rate, soil P and rainfall and emphasize the extraneous factors involved in implementing our recommendations on a regional and property scale.