Abstract

The soil type is an important factor influencing the occurrence of trace element deficiencies in grazing animals in New Zealand. Cobalt and selenium deficiencies occur mainly on soils from acidic rocks. Cobalt deficiencies may also occur on soils from more basic parent materials where the soils have been strongly leached. Selenium deficiencies is less easily predicted on the basis of soil characteristics. Copper deficiencies are more likely in stock grazing on peat soils, gley soils, certain pumice soils, saline soils, recent soils and some steepland soils. For all 3 elements, classification of occurrences of deficiency by soil type has provided a basis for delineating areas where deficiencies are likely, areas where they are unlikely and areas of marginal status. This has enabled a rational approach to investigations and the application of treatment and control measures.

DC, Smeaton, TK Wadams, BD MacKisack, RD Winter, CM Miller, and H-UP Hockey

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 44, , 117-120, 1984