ABSTRACT
Selenium uptake by pasture species is dependent on many physical, chemical and biological factors. These factors include soil pH, type, the application of fertiliser, and the differing abilities of plant species to accumulate selenium. Difficulties arise in comparing selenium accumulation data from different plant species as some species grow more rapidly than others. High levels of sulphate in soils are thought to compete with selenium uptake, especially that of SeO42-, the selenate ion. Selenium uptake may also be affected by applications of nitrogen fertilisers due to higher growth rates. The fertilisers were applied at rates corresponding to ADAS recommendations and the selenium solutions used were diluted and comparable with concentrations in marginally deficient pasture soils. Clover species showed litde or no reduction in selenium concentration with increased growth due to fertiliser application. Dactylis glomerata showed little variation in selenium concentration with fertiliser treatments.
