Pasture Theme

Summary

Highlights

• Development of the experimental protocols as a common set of data for cross-Site analysis.

• SGS database that provided a single repository for data at each Site, easy access to the data collected and queries to extract data in a form required by the Theme.

• Exchange of information and ideas between Theme members and those involved in other parts of SGS National Experiment.

• Involvement of farmers in a participatory R&D approach that added value to the research.

• Cross-Site analysis that resulted in the principle that “Sustainable and productive pastures based on sown perennial grasses in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) of southern Australia will need to be grazed at high stocking rates (15-23 DSE/ha) in combination with rotational grazing or resting, and with adequate soil P (soil Olsen P > 20 mg/kg). Additional gains in production and sustainability can be obtained by ensuring an adequate legume component (10 to 20%), including a C4 perennial grass and ameliorating soil acidity (pH (CaCl2) of these acid soils to be >4.7). Pastures based on native perennial grasses will require lower soil P and more conservative stocking rates, depending on species”.

• Use of the model as part of the cross-Site analysis, which confirmed that increases in herbage accumulation due to rotational grazing were likely to be minor and that deep-rooted C3 and C4 perennial grasses could potentially increase herbage accumulation.

• Preparation of the Pasture Theme paper for the special edition of AJEA, and the focus it provided for the analysis.

• Harvest Year, which provided the Theme with support (post-doc) and allowed time to complete the analysis and write up the results.

• New research ideas such as the possible benefits of deep rooted C3 and C4 perennial grasses for improved herbage accumulation and water-use.