Observations on topdressing a copper-deficient pasture in South-Eastern Queensland

Abstract

Trials were conducted in successive years to examine the effect of topdressing with copper sulphate, alone and in combination with superphosphate and with superphosphate plus lime, on the botanical and chemical composition of pasture and on the growth rate of grazing Hereford heifers. Topdressing with copper sulphate at 28 lb. per acre per annum in two applications each of 14 lb. per acre at intervals of six months enables grazing cattle on this predominantly carpet grass pasture to accumulate and maintain adequate liver copper reserves.