Effects of grazing management on Sirosa phalaris herbage mass and persistence in a predominantly summer rainfall environment

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge ◽  
B. A. Orchard
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Plant Frequency ◽  
On Farm

Herbage mass, plant frequency and basal cover data collected from September 1993 to August 1996 were used to compare the effects of various seasonal closures with continuous grazing on the persistence of Sirosa phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirosa) at 3 sites on the North West Slopes of New South Wales. Sites were on-farm and consisted of up to 10 treatments with 2 replicates and treatments were initially imposed in 2 different years. Pastures were either newly sown (3 years old) and grazed by either sheep or cattle, or degraded (14 years old) and grazed by sheep. Drought conditions prevailed in 1994–95, confounding the interpretation of the importance of treatments that involved long periods of closure, since significant effects could be attributed to both grazing exclusion and the timing of the closure in relation to plant phenology. However, across all sites and years, fitted values for phalaris herbage mass were generally significantly higher than the continuously grazed control in only 2 treatments: spring closure (at 1 site) and an extended spring closure combined with an autumn closure (at all sites). At the end of these studies phalaris herbage mass in spring–autumn closures was 4–32 times higher than the control plots. These results were confirmed by analysis of initial and final plant frequency data. At all sites, no recruitment of Sirosa seedlings occurred in any treatment. These data support the hypothesis that for increased persistence in a summer rainfall environment Sirosa phalaris requires some form of grazing management that involves the exclusion of grazing in the critical periods of spring and autumn.

2. On a New Species of Manna, from New South Wales.

1851 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 239-240
Author(s):  
Thomas Anderson
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Chemical Constitution ◽  
A New Species

About thirty years ago a species of manna, obtained from the Eucalyptus Mannifera, was brought from New South Wales, and was examined by Dr Thomas Thomson, and afterwards by Professor Johnston, both of whom ascertained it to contain a new species of sugar, different from the mannite which exists in ordinary manna. The author had, through the kindness of Mr Sheriff Cay, an opportunity of examining a very different species of manna, remarkable both from its chemical constitution, and from its possessing a definitely organised structure. This substance was discovered by Mr Robert Cay in 1844, in the interior of Australia Felix, to the north and north-west of Melbourne, where it occurs at certain seasons on the leaves of the Mallee plant, Eucalyptus Dumosa, and is known to the natives by the name of Lerp.

The nutrient status and cultivation practices of the soils of the North-West wheat belt of NSW.

1954 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 422 ◽  
Author(s):  
EG Hallsworth ◽  
FR Gibbons ◽  
TH Lemerle
Keyword(s):  
Organic Carbon ◽  
New South ◽  
Nutrient Status ◽  
North West ◽  
Nitrogen Levels ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Cultivation Practices ◽  
North Western ◽  
Available Phosphate

A study has been made of the nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphate, and pH levels of the wheat soils of north-western New South Wales, and the cultivation practices adopted. They are found generally to be high in both total and available phosphate, and particularly high figures for available phosphate, over 1000 p.p.m., were found in limited areas. The nitrogen levels of the virgin chernozemic soils are distinctly higher than those of the red-brown earths and red solodic soils, but soils of all groups show a decline with cultivation, which is most rapid in the first 10 years. The introduction of periods under lucerne raises the nitrogen level, but the wheat/grazed fallow or wheat/grazing oats appear to cause the same nitrogen losses as are encountered under continuous wheat, in spite of the prevalence of stubble burning which inevitably accompanies this practice. The average yields of wheat on the chernozemic soils are distinctly higher than those obtained on the red-brown earths and red solodic soils, on some of which nitrogen appears to be limiting.

Vegetation changes after fire on two land systems in arid North-west New South Wales.

1985 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
WE Mulham
Keyword(s):  
Arid Zone ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Dune System ◽  
Erosion Risk ◽  
North West ◽  
South Wales

Following a sequence of favourable years in which pasture growth over much of the arid zone of Australia reached very high ievels, controlled burns were carried out on two contrasting vegetation types in the extreme north-west of New South Wales. A wheei-point apparatus was used to measure subse- quent changes in botanical composition and foliage cover over a four year period. On a pasture periodically dominated by Mitchell grass (Astrebla spp.) burning while growing conditions were favourable resulted in only a small long- term decrease in the cover of Mitchell grass. In the short-term all chenopod species were eliminated and a wider range and greater abundance of annual forbs were promoted in the following spring. On a similar area burned by wildfire in a year of low summer rainfall the response from Mitchell grass was much poorer and botanical composition of the pasture present in the following spring differed from that which developed in the spring following the controlled burn. It also differed from that of the unburnt pasture. The major differences were due to the response of forb species and are attributed to variation in seasonal rainfall. On a dune-system pasture the dominant grasses were species of Aristida and Enneapogon. These are relatively short-lived and appear to have little ability to regrow from the butt after fire. Their slow regeneration after the burn was reflected in the substantial increase in relative abundance of perennial forbs in the following autumn, and of annual forbs the next spring. Although fire appeared to have no long-term effect on the pasture it dramatically reduced tree and shrub numbers. It is suggested that during years in which abnormal quantities of Mitchell grass are present in this region, controlled burning could be a useful form of management. A mosaic of patches burnt at different times would reduce the potential for wide-scale wildfires, provide refuge areas for stock and wildlife in the event of wildfire, and promote a wider choice of plant material for grazing animals. However, in dune-systems vegetation, removal of the pasture cover and reduction of the tree and shrub density would constitute an erosion risk.

Establishment of Warm- and Cool-Season Native Perennial Grasses on the North-West Slopes of New South Wales. Ii. Establishment and Seedling Survival in the Field

1981 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pastures

Emergence and survival of the seedlings of warm-season native perennial grasses Aristida ramosa R.Br., Bothriochloa macra (Steud.) S . T. Blake, Dichanthium sericeum (R.Br.) Camus, Sporobolus elongatus R.Br., Eragvostis leptostachya Steud. and Chloris truncata R.Br. and the cool-season species Stipa variabilis Hughes and Danthonia linkii Kunth were studied in both native pastures and sown monospecific plots on the north- west slopes of New South Wales. The most favourable period for the successful emergence and establishment of warm-season grasses was from mid summer to early autumn. Cool-season native perennial grasses established best from seedlings that appeared from mid autumn to late winter. Few seedlings were observed to germinate in spring, probably as a result of large variations in temperature, low minimum temperatures or intra and interspecific competition. Seedlings growing in native pasture spent long periods in the vegetative phase compared to the early flowering of seedlings in the sown plots. In the pasture studied only two seedlings flowered over 700 days after emergence, and many others after persisting for up to 2 years died without producing seed. These findings indicate that the seedlings in these native pastures were under considerable stress and that the adult populations of the species examined were relatively stable and little recruitment occurred.

Effects of continuous and seasonal grazing strategies on the herbage mass, persistence, animal productivity and soil water content of a Sirosa phalaris - subterranean clover pasture, North-West Slopes, New South Wales

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge ◽  
S. R. Murphy ◽  
S. Harden
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
North West ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Continuous Grazing

An experimental site was established in 1997 on the North-West Slopes of New South Wales to further investigate the use of strategic grazing management to improve the persistence of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv.�Sirosa) and subsequent effects on animal production and soil water content. The pasture was sown in 1992 to Sirosa phalaris, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum var. subterraneum cv. Seaton Park) and lucerne (Medicago sativa cv. Aurora). Four grazing treatments were applied in a randomised 3-replicate design. Treatments consisted of continuous grazing at 12.3 sheep/ha (C12 or control); continuous grazing at 6 sheep/ha (C6), and 2� spring and autumn strategies of either resting from grazing for 6 weeks in each season (SAR0), or reducing stocking rate from 12.3 to 4.0 sheep/ha (SAR4). Despite annual applications of fertiliser and high clover content, Sirosa phalaris herbage mass in plots continuously grazed at 12.3 sheep/ha declined from a mean of 3300 kg DM/ha in spring 1997 to < 700 kg DM/ha by May 1998. At the end of the study (February 2001), Sirosa mean herbage mass in these plots was 670 kg DM/ha and lower (P < 0.05) than for the other treatments (mean value 5400 kg DM/ha). These marked changes in herbage mass, and the degradation of the Sirosa-based pasture to an annual pasture by continuous grazing at 12.3 sheep/ha, were not generally reflected in either short-term animal production or substantial differences in soil water content. Wool production (kg/head) was not significantly different among treatments each year. Compared with continuous grazing at 12.3 sheep/ha, sheep liveweights were higher (P < 0.05) in plots continuously grazed at 6.1 sheep/ha from November 1997 to February 1999. However, from February 1999 to 2001, sheep liveweights in the 2 treatments with the highest Sirosa phalaris content were lower (P < 0.05) than those continuously grazed at 12.3 sheep/ha. Only the soil water content for the C6 and SAR4 treatments at 0–30�cm was significantly different to the control treatment, but the differences were predicted to be < 2.5 mm/year. In the root zone (0–90 cm), mean soil water content ranged from 159 to 309 mm (mean 220 mm), while plant available water (soil water content – soil water content at –1500 kPa) was a mean of 79 mm, ranging from 11 to 168 mm.

Studies in the ecology of the Riverine Plain. IV. Basal area and density changes of Danthonia caespitosa Gaudich, in a natural pasture grazed by sheep

1968 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 565 ◽  
Author(s):  
OB Williams
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Substantial Effect ◽  
Steady State Condition ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Natural Pasture

The changes in basal area and density of Danthonia caespitosa were measured over the 9-year period 1949-1957 by charting permanent quadrats in plots which were ungrazed, and lightly, moderately, and heavily grazed. Compared with the control, the grazing treatments had no effect on basal area, and a significant but not substantial effect on the contribution made by the various age groups of the dominant grass. There were no real differences between the age groups of D. caespitosa on continuously and intermittently grazed treatments, and it is suggested that the design of grazing experiments might be simplified, cognizance being given to the stage of degeneration reached by the pasture, and to the possibility that seasonal deferment procedures might cause substantial changes in botanical composition.. In the autumn or winter of 1951 the mature population of D. caespitosa was almost wiped out and the build-up of basal area and density over the 1951-1957 period was very slow. Dry summers and the late arrival of the opening rains in autumn appeared to be responsible for substantial losses in D. caespitosa. Abnormally high rainfall during the preceding growth season appeared to accentuate these losses. In the gilgai microrelief death rates were greater on the depression than on the shelf. It is suggested that the D. caespitosa grassland was degraded, and reached a "steady state" condition under the influence of cattle, sheep, rabbits, and drought. If grazing treatments are to induce changes in such a plant population, such treatments must be a wide departure from the previous procedures which have given rise to the existing plant community. The results are discussed in relation to grazing experiments in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the north-west of Western Australia.

Studies on the Yellow-Footed Rock-Wallaby, Petrogale xanthopus Gray (Marsupialia : Macropodidae) I. Distribution in South Australia

1983 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
PB Copley
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Introduced Herbivores ◽  
Flinders Ranges ◽  
South Wales

Petrogale xanthopus still occurs over most of its former range in South Australia. It is widespread in the Flinders Ranges, where almost 200 colonies are now known, and is locally common in areas of both the Rinders Ranges and Olary Hills. Six colonies are currently known in the western Gawler Ranges with an outlying population on Carriewerloo Station only 50 km west of Port Augusta. Seven colonies have been found in the Olary Hills, to the north and north-west of Olary. The species has suffered a major decline in abundance since European settlement, having become extinct locally throughout this range. Hunting for skins, competition with introduced herbivores for food and shelter, and predation by foxes seem to be the main reasons for this decline. However, it is still not possible to say whether the species currently has a decreasing population and is at risk, is in equilibrium, or is increasing. Information published in this paper and current studies in South Australia and New South Wales should soon determine this.

Listening: An Experimental Study

1977 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.M. Boyd
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Listening Comprehension ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
White Children ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Aboriginal Children

A listening program geared to the interests of rural Aboriginal children was prepared and sent out to two Year S classes in the north-west of New South Wales. The class, with 19 Aboriginals and 4 whites showed measurable gains in listening comprehension at the end of the program. The Experimental Class with one Aboriginal girl and 10 white children did not show improvements in listening until the Aboriginally oriented listening program was terminated. The significance of these results, particularly for minority groups in a classroom, are discussed.

Establishment of Warm- and Cool-Season Native Perennial Grasses on the North-West Slopes of New South Wales. I. Dormancy and Germination

1981 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge ◽  
RDB Whalley
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
High Germination ◽  
Ecological Implications

The dormancy and germination of two groups of native perennial grasses were investigated in caryopses or dispersal units. The species were the warm-season native perennial grasses Aristida ramosa R.Br., Bothriochloa macra (Steud.) S. T . Blake. Dichanthium sericeum (R.Br.) Camus, Sporobolus elongatus R.Br., Eragrostis leptostachya Steud., Chloris truncata R.Br. and the cool-season species Stipa variabilis Hughes and Danthonia linkii Kunth. Optimum temperatures for germination were 20-35°C for A . ramosa; 15-35° for D. sericeum and C. Truncata; 20-25° for E. leptostachya; 20-30° for B. macra and S. elongatus and 15-25° for D. linkii and S . Variabilis. At 1O° and 40° D. linkii and A. ramosa respectively were the only species that had high germination percentages. Removal of the lemma and palea from freshly harvested units of A. ramosa, B. macra, D. sericeum, C. Truncata and S. variabilis significantly increased germination. In units stored at 12-27°C there was a breakdown in dormancy after 2-3 months in A. ramosa and B. macra and after 9 months in S. elongatus. In the germination of D. sericeum and D. linkii the lemma and palea appeared to have a long-term inhibitory role. Twenty-week-old whole dispersal units of B. macra, S. elongatus and E. leptostachya and 40-week-old units of S. elongatus and E. leptostachya had an obligate light requirement for germination. The ecological implications of these data in the successful germination of natural seed falls and artificial seedings are discussed.

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