Studies of soil seedbanks in native and sown pastures in northern New South Wales

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 204 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
Phalaris Aquatica ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Native Pasture

Total and germinable soil seedbanks (litter and soil) were studied for a native pasture and three sown pastures (dominated by Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa) in northern New South Wales from 1993 to 1996. Soil core samples were taken from continuously grazed plots for both pasture types and two oversown treatments in the native pasture and from a spring-autumn rest treatment at the sown pasture sites. At each site above ground herbage mass was also estimated regularly as part of the Temperate Pasture Sustainability Key Program. For all sites and treatments, the proportion of germinable seeds as a percentage of the total (dormant and germinable) seedbank ranged from 1–26% for the native pasture and 1–39% for the sown pastures. Germinable seed numbers ranged from 280 to 26,110 seeds per m2, while total seedbank numbers were from 6700 to 178,360 seeds per m2. Native pasture herbage mass was dominated by native perennial grasses, but seeds of these species were less than 20% of the total seed bank in all treatments in 1994 and 1995. At the sown pasture sites, most of the germinable (51–92%) and total (65–97%) seedbanks were either barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) or wireweed (Polygonum aviculare L.). Since seeds of annuals and other forbs generally dominated both the total and germinable seedbanks of these perennial grass-based pastures, these species were likely to increase over time. Seeds of the sown perennial grass Phalaris aquatica L, cv. Sirosa were less than 1% of the total seedbanks in pastures sown in 1990 and less than 3% of those sown in 1979. With above average summer rainfall at the native pasture site in 1996 and prolific growth of redgrass, seeds of this species were 38–63% of the total and 11–29% of the germinable seedbank in May 1996. Except at this site and time, the species composition of the total and germinable seedbanks did not generally reflect the dominance of the above ground herbage mass of these pastures by perennial grasses.

Performance of temperate legumes and associated grasses on granitic soils of low fertility in the New England region of New South Wales

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (77) ◽  
pp. 795 ◽  
Author(s):  
JA Thompson
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Applied Nitrogen

A range of temperate annual and perennial legumes, naturalized or commonly sown in the area, was examined at three field sites in low fertility soils derived from granite on the south western slopes of the New England Region, New South Wales. They were compared over a four year period in terms of their persistence, dry matter and nitrogen production and their compatibility with associated temperate perennial grasses, The response of sown grass to nitrogen fertilizer application was also examined in the absence of legume. Ten legumes were examined at one site and six of these at the other two sites. In general, nitrogen yields were ranked similarly to total dry matter yields of all treatments, including grasses in the absence of legume. However, the legumes were ranked differently in terms of productivity of the legume component and productivity of associated grass. At all sites lucerne gave the highest yields of total dry matter and of legume and the lowest yield and persistence of associated grass-comparable to grass growing in the absence of legume or applied nitrogen. Subterranean clover was ranked second or third in total dry matter yield, depending on site, but provided the highest yield of associated grasscomparable to grass receiving high levels of applied nitrogen. Under this legume soil nitrogen levels tended to be highest. Rose clover, sown at one site only, yielded more legume dry matter than subterranean clover but grass yield was comparable to that with lucerne. The results suggest that subterranean clover is the superior legume for successful mixed sowings although inclusion of white clover could be justified. Lucerne appears to be best sown as a pure sward.

Survey of the productivity, composition and estimated inputs of fixed nitrogen by pastures in central-western New South Wales

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Bowman ◽  
W. Smith ◽  
M. B. Peoples ◽  
J. Brockwell
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
N2 Fixation ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
South Wales

Total productivity and legume nitrogen fixation (N2 fixation) in dryland pastures were examined in a 2 year study (1999–2001) on 118 farms in central-western New South Wales. Pasture exclosure cages, placed at 217 on-farm sites, were harvested on 7 occasions and the foliage hand-sorted according to species in order to measure shoot dry matter (DM). The separated legume shoot material collected in spring 1999 (52 different legume samples) and 2000 (76 different legume samples) from a subset of representative pastures (41 cages on 28 different farms in 1999, 32 cages on 25 different farms in 2000) was also analysed for concentration of nitrogen (%N) and 15N natural abundance. These data were subsequently used to calculate the proportion of the legume shoot N derived from atmospheric N (%Ndfa), comparative measures of the relative efficiency of N2 fixation (kg N fixed/t DM accumulated) and the amounts of shoot N fixed (kg N/ha). The survey encompassed 8 common pasture types, and 5 others that were less common, ranging from native perennial grass pastures with little legume content to lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pastures with and without companion clovers. Fifteen legume species were found in the pastures, some only occasionally. Lucerne and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) were the only perennials. Mean spring estimates of %Ndfa were similar in 1999 and 2000 for lucerne (72 and 81%, respectively), rose clover (T. hirtum All., 82 and 77%) and annual medics (Medicago spp., 89 and 86%). For the remaining 12 legume species, measures of %Ndfa ranged from 64 to 95% and averaged 83%. Shoot %N contents were greater for lucerne than for the other 14 legumes and this was reflected in the comparative measures of N2 fixation which ranged from 14.5 kg N/t DM for rose clover to 25.7 kg N/t DM for lucerne in 2000. The most productive pasture type comprised lucerne plus balansa clover [T. michelianum Savi var. balansae (Boiss.) Azn.], white clover or arrowleaf clover (T. vesiculosum Savi), but all pasture types that contained lucerne were highly productive. Spring was the most productive season and summer the least. Lucerne was overwhelmingly the most productive legume and was responsible for >83% of the fixed N in those pastures that contained both lucerne and other legumes. Lucerne productivity was approximately uniform throughout the year whereas, for other pastures, especially those based on rose clover or subterranean clover (T. subterraneum L.), there were sharp peaks in spring and little or no dry matter production over summer. The presence of lucerne in pastures significantly (P<0.05) reduced broadleaf weeds. It was concluded that, where there are requirements in central-western New South Wales agriculture for uniform forage production throughout the year and a high input of fixed N, lucerne is substantially superior to other species.

The economics of temperate pasture systems on the central and southern Tablelands of New South Wales

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. T. Vere ◽  
R. E. Jones ◽  
M. H. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
High Quality ◽  
South Wales ◽  
The Individual

Pastures are the basis of most forms of agricultural production on the New South Wales central and southern tablelands. Pastures occupy the bulk of the region's landmass and pasture-based livestock production annually contributes more than three-quarters of the regional gross value of rural production. Throughout the region, there is substantial variation in pasture composition, ranging from high quality introduced perennial grasses and legumes to pastures comprising mainly low quality native species. This paper examines the economics of the main categories of temperate pastures over a range of soil fertility-rainfall environments on the south-eastern tablelands areas of New South Wales. Using a linear programming model and discounted development budgets, the results demonstrate the strong influence of the environment on the economics of the individual pasture systems. The highest economic returns in both the short and longer-terms were to the introduced perennial grass pastures in most of the environments. Pastures based on introduced legumes and the high quality native species also generated sound economic returns, although there are recognised problems with the persistence of the legume pastures. Over time, the returns to the better quality native pastures compare favourably with the introduced legumes and are better suited to acidic soils than the perennial grasses. Low quality native species produced relatively poor economic returns in all environments and unfortunately, are the main pasture type in the region's less favourable environments.

Performance of some perennial grasses on severely salinised sites on the inland slopes of New South Wales

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. S. Semple ◽  
I. A. Cole ◽  
T. B. Koen
Keyword(s):  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Growth Potential ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Chloris Gayana

Thirty perennial grass accessions were evaluated for emergence, growth and persistence at 6 severely salinised seepage scalds on the western slopes of New South Wales. Warm-season accessions were sown or planted in spring 1996 and 1997, and cool-season types in autumn 1996 and 1997. Control species, tall wheat grass (Thinopyrum ponticum) and puccinellia (Puccinellia ciliata) were sown in spring and autumn. Plants were monitored over 2 growing seasons. None of the accessions, including the controls, performed well at all sites. Of the accessions established from seed, tall wheat grass was the most reliable in terms of the number of successful establishments but its growth potential was only achieved at a few sites. Some warm-season species (Panicum coloratum, Chloris gayana and Cynodon dactylon) approached their growth potential at some sites but overall rates of establishment were very low. The performance of puccinellia appeared to be adversely affected by low pH. It was concluded that on severely scalded sites, vegetative propagation of stoloniferous–rhizomatous plants, e.g. Pennisetum clandestinum, Paspalum vaginatum and C. gayana, may be the best option.

Changes in fallow weed species in continuous wheat in northern New South Wales 1981-1990

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 831 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Wicks ◽  
W. L. Felton ◽  
R. D. Murison ◽  
R. J. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Plant Density ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Wild Oats ◽  
Wild Mustard ◽  
South Wales

Four experiments in northern New South Wales comparing fallow management treatments of no-tillage, cultivated with the stubble retained, and cultivated with the stubble burned, from 1981 to 1990, were sampled for weeds between wheat harvest and seeding on a number of occasions during this period. Eighty weed species were identified, 23 of which were found at all 4 sites but only 13 were recorded in the samples taken. These were dwarf amaranth, wild turnip, spear thistle, Australian bindweed, fleabane, bladder ketmia, prickly lettuce, turnip weed, variegated thistle, common sowthistle, dandelion, wild oats and native millet. The density of weeds during the fallow period decreased by 97% from 1981 to 1990 with some species eliminated, probably because of the herbicides used, particularly glyphosate and chlorsulfuron. These included Boggabri and redroot amaranth, button grass, caustic weed, dense crassula, fat hen, legumes, common peppercress, hedge mustard, London rocket, shepherd’s purse, wild mustard, sorghum-almum, paradoxa grass, wild zinnia, and wireweed. Twenty-four weed species were classified as a problem or a potential problem in the future at 1 or more sites. Seventeen weed species, including perennial grasses, often were tolerant to glyphosate at the rates used. The densities of common sowthistle and wild oat were reduced after 10 years, but still remained at all 4 sites. Plant density of species with wind-blown seeds was greater in no-tillage plots than stubble-retained or stubble-burned plots. Weeds whose seeds are dispersed by wind and weeds tolerant to glyphosate were the most troublesome. The perennial grass native millet increased at all 4 sites.

An economic analysis of sown pasture trends on the tablelands of south-eastern New South Wales

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Vere ◽  
P. Dowling
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Livestock Production ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Public Data ◽  
Price Trends

The latter part of the 20th century has seen a persistent decline in the productivity of some types of sown pastures on the central and southern tablelands of New South Wales. Currently, much research effort is directed to stabilising the perennial grass component of these pastures. This paper evaluates the economic justification of that emphasis. It is argued that trends in livestock production can usefully represent increases or decreases in the stocks of three broad categories of sown pastures that are defined as being those pastures sown to introduced perennial grasses and legumes (perennial grasses), introduced legumes only (legumes), and the total of both these categories. Regression methods were used to determine the changes that have occurred in the livestock production from these pastures that could be explained by changes in a range of economic and other variables. The estimated models were then used to forecast wool, beef and lamb production from each pasture type. The results indicate that changes in prices and costs have influenced the trends in animal production from these pastures and that the structures of these influences have changed over time. Production from perennial grass-legume pastures has remained high relative to production from legume pastures despite adverse cost-price trends. The forecasts indicated a continuation of present levels of perennial grass-legume pasture areas but a decline in production from the legume pastures. The results support the concerns about the continued deterioration in the legume only pastures and the thrust of R&D programs that promote the benefits of perennial grass-legume pastures. The use and analysis of public data to improve understanding of the economic factors that influence the long-term stability of intensively grazed rangelands is highlighted.

Field studies of the effects of pre-sowing weed control and time of sowing on tropical perennial grass establishment, North-West Slopes, New South Wales

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 182 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge ◽  
M. A. Brennan ◽  
S. Harden
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
North West ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Plant Frequency

Two separate experiments on the North-West Slopes of New South Wales investigated: (1) the effects of differing lengths of pre-sowing weed control (2 years, 1 year, and 3–4 months in the spring immediately before sowing) on the soil seed density of liverseed grass (Urochloa panicoides) from November 2005 to November 2007 and its seedling density at establishment (December 2007), as well as on subsequent herbage mass and plant frequency of this species and Panicum coloratum var. makarikariense cv. Bambatsi (Expt 1); and (2) the effects of cultivar, time of sowing (November 2006, January 2007, and March 2007), and defoliation in the autumn after sowing, on the over-wintering ability of 5 tropical perennial grasses (Expt 2). The cultivars sown in Expt 2 were Bambatsi, Dichanthium aristatum cv. Floren, Chloris gayana cv. Katambora, Digitaria eriantha var. eriantha cv. Premier, and Bothriochloa bladhii var. glabra cv. Swann. At sowing (November 2007), liverseed grass seed and seedling densities in Expt 1 were lowest (P < 0.05) in the 2-year pre-sowing weed control treatment (15 and 13/m2, respectively), and the subsequent herbage mass of Bambatsi (January and October 2008) was highest (P < 0.05) in this treatment. In Expt 2, 59 frosts occurred in 2007, and Floren, Bambatsi, and Swann sown in March of that year over-wintered poorly and had lower (P < 0.05) herbage mass and plant frequency in the following spring compared with the other sowing times. These differences were also evident in autumn and spring 2008, up to 23 months after sowing.

Productivity of pasture legumes and chicory in central New South Wales

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Kemp ◽  
D. L. Michalk ◽  
M. Goodacre
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Summer Drought ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Pasture Legumes ◽  
South Wales

Seven experiments were established across a range of environments (latitude 33°S) in central New South Wales to evaluate 52 legume cultivars and lines against currently recommended cultivars. Plots were grazed by either sheep or cattle after each harvest. Criteria for inclusion were that lines were either commercially available or in the process of being registered. Three experiments also included chicory. Sites had from 600 to 900 mm annual rainfall and were at altitudes of 440–1000 m. The 4-year program included the dry summer of 1990–91. White clover and subterranean clover were the most productive species over time. Among subterranean clovers, the subspecies subterraneum cultivars were more productive than the yanninicum or brachycalycinum subspecies. Other species such as balansa, Persian, strawberry, red and crimson clovers, lotus major and murex medic were more variable in production. These legumes often grew well in the establishment year, but failed to persist. Lucerne was in general, not as productive as white or subterranean clover. Caucasian clover and yellow serradella should be evaluated further as conclusive judgements could not be formed. Chicory was often the most productive species in the experiments, especially over the warmer 6 months of the year. It persisted under a 6-week harvest regime and during the drought year. The newer subterranean clover cultivars, Leura, Goulburn and Denmark all exceeded the production from the previously recommended cultivars, Woogenellup and Karridale, even though no major disease was evident in the later group. The lines 89820D and 89841E were sufficiently productive to warrant further evaluation and possible development as cultivars. In contrast, while Huia, Tahora, Bonadino and Tamar were often as productive as the recommended white clover cultivar Haifa, they were not consistently better. Where summer rainfall occurs and the annual rainfall exceeds 650 mm, the greater potential yield of white clover compared with subterranean clover justifies its use. However, no white clover cultivars survived the summer drought in 1990–91 as intact plants. Further work is needed to develop more drought-tolerant cultivars.

Establishment of Woody Weeds in Western New South Wales. 2. Growth and Competitive Potential.

1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
CA Booth ◽  
F Sanchez-Bayo ◽  
GW King
Keyword(s):  
Soil Depth ◽  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
High Survival ◽  
High Survival Rate ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Tap Root

Growth and survival of hopbush (Dodonaea attenuata), turpentine (Eremophila sturtii) and punty bushes (Cassia eremophila and C. artemisioides) were studied in relation to the effects of grazing and shrub density, at four sites in the Bourke-Wanaaring region of western New South Wales during 1979 to 1982. Hopbush shrubs grew faster than turpentine and punty bushes. Small hopbush grew better on open areas, while mature shrubs grew better in dense stands. Turpentine showed better performance in open areas, and punty bush growth was unaffected by shrub population density. All these species showed a high survival rate, particularly in height classes greater than 25 cm, and they kept growing even during drought periods. The effects of grazing on survival were inconclusive. Hopbush and turpentine root development was rapid, attaining depths of over 1.1 m in wet soils, 14 weeks after germination. Mature plants in the field, both hopbush and turpentine, were observed to have extensive lateral root networks at either 22 cm or 30-70 cm soil depth respectively, as well as a tap root system. The characteristics of both species help explain the competitive advantage of these shrubs over herbaceous species, and their survival capability in times of drought. Competition of hopbush with the perennial grass woollybutt (Eragrostis eriopoda) and annual herbage was also examined. In spring, survival of hopbush seedlings was favoured within woollybutt tussocks, this situation being reversed in autumn. Woollybutt biomass was negatively affected by the proximity of hopbush shrubs. Annual herbage seemed not to have any effect on hopbush survival, although shrub seedlings grew better under conditions of moderate herbage cover. Microtopography affected the establishment of both grasses and shrubs, with depressions favouring the growth of grasses at the expense of shrubs during periods of adequate moisture, and the growth of shrubs during drier times. The findings suggest that the woody weed problem is unlikely to wax and wane and that turpentine may be particularly difficult to control. Maintenance of high levels of pasture cover from perennial grasses and annuals may slow down recruitment and growth in open areas with scattered parent shrubs, where control will be less costly, and may contain future spread.

Perennial Grass Response to Seasonal Rests in Naturalised Pastures of Central New South Wales.

1996 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 309 ◽  
Author(s):  
PM Dowling ◽  
DR Kemp ◽  
DL Michalk ◽  
TA Klein ◽  
GD Millar
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Active Growth ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Annual Grasses

The influence of grazing management, herbicide and fertiliser on botanical change in two perennial grass based pastures was assessed over six years at two sites in central New South Wales. Ten treatments at both sites compared continuous grazing, three seasonal rests from grazing (autumn, winter, summer), and herbicide application for seedling grass control, each at two levels of fertiliser addition (nil, recommended). These treatments were designed to screen options for management rather than devise complete systems. In a degraded perennial pasture dominated by annual grasses, the proportion of perennial grasses and forbs increased with summer rests, especially at the recommended fertiliser level. Legumes increased with herbicide application, and annual grasses remained high in the continuously grazed control and other treatments. There were no significant effects on composition from autumn or winter rests. On the summer rest treatment at the recommended fertiliser level, perennial grasses (mostly cocksfoot) increased from 11% to 30% compared with the control where perennial grass declined below 5%. The increase was due to both recruitment and increase in size of existing plants, as a consequence of resting the perennial grasses when actively growing, flowering and setting seed, in favourable seasons. In contrast, on the better quality perennial pasture dominated by phalaris, there were limited management effects and perennial grasses increased on all treatments over time. The absence of a response at this site was attributed to a lenient stocking rate, dominant perennial grasses and limited rainfall during periods when active growth might be expected. Summer rests in this case also led to a small increase in forbs. The data suggest that perennial grasses can be encouraged with a conservative stocking policy that maintains the available feed-on-offer above 1 t DM/ha through seasons of active growth.

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