Phosphorus uptake and return in grazed, steep hill pastures

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Abstract
Pasture production and dung and litter accumulation were measured on a range of slopes on both a north-facing and a south-facing steep hill paddock for 1 year. All parameters decreased in the following order: campsites, 25° slopes, 45° slopes. Pasture production and dung accumulation declined sharply with increase in surface slope. In particular dung accumulation ranged from very high on campsites to negligible on 45° slopes. The accumulation of pasture litter was more uniform although greater on north-aspect than on south-aspect slopes. There was no significant difference between aspects in the mean annual level of other parameters measured on similar slopes. Pasture species and litter composition varied between campsites and slopes and also with season and aspect. Although legurnes and weeds together at times comprised an appreciable proportion of total pasture production on slopes, these species made a negligible contribution to pasture litter. Uprooted grass plants forrned a significant portion of pasture litter, particularly on slopes.

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