Differential effect of pasture species on the pH and cation exchange capacity of a subsequently cultivated soil

Abstract

SUMMARYHigher pH values had been established under grass than under clover pastures during a prior pasture phase. The differential effect of pasture species on the pH of the subsequently cultivated soil was reduced in time, but continued to be significant after 4 years.There was greater cation exchange capacity and lower percentage base saturation after clovers than after grasses. The cation exchange capacity of the inorganic fraction of the soil was not affected by the type of pasture and did not change with time. The difference in cation exchange capacity for the cultivated soil was, therefore, due to the difference in the cation exchange capacity of organic matter residual from the clover and grass pastures.