Field experiments were carried out at seven sites in southern Australia from 2002 to 2006 measure changes plant frequency, root characteristics and summer activity for a range of grass herb species or cultivars. Annual rainfall during the experimental period was on average 75 mm lower than long-term average. Plant frequency differed significantly between sites. Temperate grasses generally had higher frequencies subtropical grasses, native herbs. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata cvv. Currie,...

Intercropping is considered by its advocates to be a sustainable, environmentally sound, and economically advantageous cropping system. systems are complex, with non-uniform competition between the component species within cycle, typically leading unequal relative yields making evaluation difficult. This paper review of main existing metrics used in scientific literature assess intercropping systems. Their strengths limitations discussed. Robust for characterising proposed. A major...

To review pasture species for regions with 465–680 mm average annual rainfall, 22 perennial grasses and herbs were evaluated establishment productivity in four states at seven locations where the arrest of groundwater recharge is considered necessary to ameliorate dryland salinity. Species represented introduced native, temperate subtropical grasses, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). This report describes yield; following paper persistence root...

ABSTRACT A controlled environment greenhouse study was con-ducted to observe root growth and initial seedling establishment of loblolly pine (Pinusa taeda L.) over a range soil porosities within uniform matrix. Loblolly trees were grown for 19 weeks in pots with at bulk densities 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 g/cc. Root shoot masses, system surface area, collar diameter increased significantly decreas-ing density. Significant differences tree height appeared the seventh week after planting...

This paper presents a case for the selection and development of wider range perennial grasses pastoral use in higher rainfall (annual >500 mm) zone southern Australia, especially sector Murray–Darling Basin. There is also need to reconsider ‘high-input’ pastures on hill lands by developing more appropriate recommendations managing existing native grass productively. Past experiments which compared based with sown promoted view that indigenous were inferior most respects exotic improved...

Considerable uncertainty exists about future climatic predictions but there is little doubt among experts that the will be warmer. Climate change and associated elevation in atmospheric CO2 level temperatures provide novel challenges potential opportunities for cultivated plant species. Plant breeding domestication can contribute to improvements both yield quality of native grasses, legumes forage shrubs. This review explores use functional traits identify Australian shrubs suitable...

Abstract Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) has a large taproot to store and release starch, carbohydrates nutrients during the plant's growth. Recommended management of lucerne crop aims keep stable subject demands for feed provision stand longevity. Field experiments were conducted in Victoria, Australia, examine effects recovery period on mass nutritive status. Both used established SARDI Seven crops either cut every 21 days (short SR) or 42 (long LR). At each defoliation, taproots extracted...

Experiments conducted from November 1996 to June 2002 in adjacent small catchments near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, compared the productivity and hydrology of a heavily fertilised (about 30 kg phosphorus/ha.year) Phalaris aquatica (phalaris) pasture with that lightly 14 phosphorus/ha every second year) native grassland contained mixture C3 C4 perennial grasses, dominantly Bothriochloa macra (redgrass).In summer, catchment was dominated by grasses while phalaris annual weedy species. During...

This paper reports the results of an initial evaluation a large collection Australian perennial native grasses. The overall aim research was to identify accessions that may be useful for pastoral purposes and controlling land degradation on hill-lands in high (>500 mm) rainfall zone south-eastern Australia. Accessions (807) representing 37 target species were established spaced plant nurseries at Rutherglen Wagga Wagga. Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Porto Eragrostis curvula (Schrad) Nees....

This paper is the fifth in a series describing trials evaluating native and introduced grasses at eight locations across temperate Australia. In these trials, 62 perennial grass lines were assessed for herbage production, survival recruitment under low fertiliser conditions using spaced plants produced glass houses transplanted into field. Sites grouped three different climatic zones: Eastern Australian permanent pasture, mixed farming Mediterranean zone. For each of zones, superior...

The historical approach to pasture improvement in the high rainfall zone of temperate Australia has been add introduced herbaceous legumes and replace perennial native grasses with species requiring inputs fertiliser for maintenance. application this high-input on land low capability lead loss grasses, erosion, soil acidification increasing salinity lower slopes. This model not successful margins wheat belt semi-arid regions. Native Low-input Grasses Network (NLIGN) was established 1996...

Microlaena stipoides (Labill.) R.Br. (microlaena), a C3 perennial grass, is common within grazed native pastures in the high-rainfall zone (>550 mm average annual rainfall) of south-eastern Australia. It has ability to spread via seed production or vegetatively, using both rhizomes and stolons. This experiment aimed determine how variable microlaena population was single area, with aim determining whether relied on vegetative sustain populations. Leaf samples were collected from 85...

The soil phosphorus (P) requirements of 18 species that included native grasses and naturalised legumes were compared with the predominant sown (Trifolium subterraneum, Lolium perenne Phalaris aquatica) in a series glasshouse field experiments based on Long-term Phosphate Experiment at Hamilton, Victoria. Austrostipa scabra Rytidosperma caespitosum had lowest external P requirements, as measured by Olsen which 90% maximal dry matter (DM) production was obtained, but low nutrient value...

Intercropping using mixtures of dryland crop species for grain or seed production was investigated in southern Australia across a range rainfall zones over three years. The objective to understand the productivity and profitability intercropping extensive, high-input cropping systems. Previous research has shown large benefits mixtures; however, few farmers practice Australia, an analysis is needed support future potential adoption. Experimental results showed strong mixture responses (in...

Abstract This review covers research carried out on native grass pastures in moist temperate Australia. Such extend from southern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to south‐eastern Other areas occur Tasmania south‐western Western Changes the original composition resulting agricultural practices are briefly described. Research grasses various regions since 1990 is reviewed detail. currently progress outlined suggestions made for future grasses. The need correct imbalance between...

Microlaena (Microlaena stipoides var. (Labill.) R.Br.) is a C3 perennial grass that native to areas of south-eastern Australia. In this region, grasses are important for the grazing industries because their extended growing season and persistence over several years. This series experiments focused on population biology by studying phenology (when seed was set), rain (how much produced where it fell), germination, germinable seedbank, predation seedling recruitment in pasture. Experiments...

This paper reports on the collection phase of a research program which aimed to identify Australian native grasses that may be useful for pastoral purposes and controlling land degradation hill-lands in high (>500 mm) rainfall zone south-eastern Australia. Live plants 37 target species were collected along number transects, at specific locations, New South Wales Victoria. The sites generally public roads, chosen their vegetation diversity. Each site was marked 1: 250000 topographic map,...

Despite native grasses occupying a large area of land in Australia, there has been limited work on the responses these species to addition phosphorus (P). The main objective this study was investigate effect P create range contents soil productivity and morphology two at times harvests. Two contrasting perennial grasses, namely kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra Forssk. syn. T. australis R. Br. Stapf) weeping [Microlaena stipoides var. (Labill.) Br.] were grown glasshouse with five (7, 17, 32,...

This paper describes the experimental methodology, sites, seasonal conditions and germplasm used in Australian Native Low Input Grass Network (NLIGN). In 1998, eight sites were established across temperate pastoral zone of southern Australia. These located at Armidale, Binya, Sutton Trangie NSW; Springhurst Victoria; Jericho Tasmania; Flaxley South Australie Kendenup Western A total 62 lines evaluated, which, 29 native grasses 33 introduced. With differences seed size among species a lack...

Microlaena stipoides (microlaena) is an important perennial grass in over 7 million hectares of native pastures southern Australia and can survive persist despite severe soil water deficits during summer. Many other pasture species similar conditions by relying on summer dormancy, which raises the possibility that microlaena may behave similarly. A field experiment using rainout shelters was conducted existing north-east Victoria. The a split-plot design with two watering treatments (‘summer...

Changing the mix of land uses in agricultural systems affects benefits enjoyed by humans. Such range from food and water to aesthetic spiritual benefits. If one aim land-use decision-making is maintain or improve quality human lives, consequences proposed changes must be evaluated across all that contribute well-being. This a challenging task. Difficulties include classifying minimise double-counting, objective quantification disparate benefits, costs analyses. The reported work addresses...