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Publication Date
1977
Description
A survey of farmers in a ley farming ( cereallivestock) area of South Australia with naturalized annual medics (Medicago spp.) showed a great potential for improved usage of annual medics in their farming systems. Most effective medic users expected dominant medic pastures 6 or more years in 10, whereas less effective medic utilizers expected dominant medic pastures 5 or less years in 10. Nearly 50% of farmers had not sown any medic seed over the last 10 years. While most of these had less effective medic use there were several examples of more effective use with no or minimal medic seed sowing. Additionally, control of insect pests, higher stocking levels, stubble removal, cropping programmes, and weed control were identified as management factors that resulted in the wide range of expected frequencies of dominant medic pastures.
Citation
Smith, Murray V., "Farmer usage of annual medics in a ley farming area in South Australia" (1977). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 16.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1977/sess5/16)
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Farmer usage of annual medics in a ley farming area in South Australia
A survey of farmers in a ley farming ( cereallivestock) area of South Australia with naturalized annual medics (Medicago spp.) showed a great potential for improved usage of annual medics in their farming systems. Most effective medic users expected dominant medic pastures 6 or more years in 10, whereas less effective medic utilizers expected dominant medic pastures 5 or less years in 10. Nearly 50% of farmers had not sown any medic seed over the last 10 years. While most of these had less effective medic use there were several examples of more effective use with no or minimal medic seed sowing. Additionally, control of insect pests, higher stocking levels, stubble removal, cropping programmes, and weed control were identified as management factors that resulted in the wide range of expected frequencies of dominant medic pastures.
