LIFT - New legumes in farming systems

Summary

This project aimed to investigate different legume pasture varieties in the Lake Grace area, as a result of interest from the LIFT group, in particular the host farmer, Royce Taylor. The original aims were:To determine the impact of early sowing and later sowing on legume nitrogen (N) fixation for subsequent crops.Determine the difference in nitrogen production and animal production of alternative legumes and sowing times.Determine varieties which have tolerance to sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides due to the presence of prickly saltwort in the area.
By investigating these aims, farmers were hoping to identify a 'best bet performer' pasture, which would improve their systems and increase the value of their pastures to both the cropping and livestock enterprises. Improved pastures should mean less nitrogen, pasture re-sowing and feed costs, increased livestock condition, stocking rates and reproductive rates, as well as pasture that could resist necessary SU sprays when dealing with weed issues.
The results were not conclusive however there were indications that sub clovers and biserrula are best suited to the Lakes Information and Farming Technology (LIFT) group area. The site showed that there was little difference in soil nitrogen fixation across the 11 different treatments and therefore the focus of pastures should be for livestock feed, with nitrogen benefiting the following crop simply an added bonus. However, there was a positive link between crop tissue nitrogen and the previous year's pasture biomass. The project failed to investigate the impact of various sowing times, of tolerance to SU herbicides, due to false breaks, and an absence of prickly saltwort on site.
The project was initially run by grower participants, however midway through, it was identified that a coordinator was required to improve the management of the site. This led to a facilitator being bought on board, from which the group found great value. Participants also found value in learning feed quality and quantity measurement techniques as well as legume nodulation scoring, and how these could be applied to their pasture management. Other benefits included the sharing of ideas and practices during the project, which has opened communication channels with the district, not just about pasture management but wider farming practices. The group is interested in conducting further research into pastures most suited to their area.