Uptake of native and applied selenium by pasture species

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Abstract
Selenium at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 oz per acre has been applied to a pasture as selenious acid, and the selenium content of dissected species determined over an 18-month period. A marked difference in selenium content between species was apparent, the concentration being greatest in browntop (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.) and least in white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) fell between these extremes. Selenium levels in each of the four species were related in a linear manner to rate of application. Relatively high levels in herbage in the first cut are attributed to foliar intake and possibly contamination of the leaves with applied selenite. The subsequent drop in selenium content may be due to: (1) dilution of plant selenium through growth and removal of herbage, and (2) reversion of applied selenium in the soil to a relatively unavailable form. One oz selenium per acre a year applied as selenite is considered a safe and effective means of adjusting the selenium content of herbage on Atiamuri sand to a desirable level (0.05–1 p.p.m.).

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