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Judy
Docks usually indicate perhaps soil damage, drainage issues, compaction
(all can be caused by pasture damage from animals or excess vehicle
damage in wet weather). These can all cause acidic soil conditions.
Mineral indications would lead to low Ca, P. Perhaps high K. Using just
one species as an indicator of mineral levels is very haphazard. Other
herbs, with similar attributes, being present improves the "diagnosis".
Here on our heavy clay soils (low natural pH, about 5), I would be
looking at liming and what has happened to that particular field over
the last 12 - 18 months. Perhaps sub soiling is called for, but usually
find the problem does resolve itself, with the help of our little
friends underground!!! I usually do not find any detrimental effects to
stock or milk, in fact newly calved cows will seek out dock (good Fe
levels) in the first couple of days after calving.
Ian Buckingham
Maungatawhiri
New Zealand
We have seen a substantial increase in dock in one of our pastures this
spring.
