Gross nutrient status (rating)

Gross nutrient status is a rating defined by McKenzie and Hook (1992) and included with the McKenzie et al. (2000) attributes. The interpretations relate to the behaviour of profiles under agricultural management. Profiles with a low nutrient status (class 1) exhibit major responses to N, P, and K fertilisation along with most micronutrients. Profiles with a moderate nutrient status (class 2) respond to N and P fertilisation with occasional responses to some micronutrients. It is uncommon for profiles with a high nutrient status (class 3) to respond to N and P fertilisation except after intensive farming. The main sources for the McKenzie and Hook (1992) assessment of nutrient status were Stace et al. (1968) and Northcote et al. (1975).