The effect of withholding superphosphate fertiliser for up to fwo years on grazed day pasture in Taranaki has been assessed in plot trials. Three sites of different initial soil test phosphate (Olsen P) level were used, viz. 16, 34 and 60. Seasonal or annual dry matter yields, seasonal distribution of pasture growth, Olsen P. botanical Composltlon and herbage P content were in general, not significantly affected by withholding superphosphate. A farmlet grazing trial has shown that withholding

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... perphosphate for 18 months did not reduce dairy production in the first season. Farmers could make large short-term cost savings by withholding superphosphate fertiliser, without affecting dairy producton. Keywords: pasture production, seasonal distribution, botanical composition, dairy production