Publication Date
1993
Description
Data from 2 grazing experiments, small-plot studies, and a vegetation and soil survey showed that Bothriochloa pertusa increased relative to native tufted perennial grasses under heavy grazing pressure and was adapted to a wide range of soils in the 500-1000 mm zone of northern Australia. Ability to grow on low-P soils, lower relative palatability, strong stoloniferous development and good seed production, were features of its success. Annual steer gains on 8. pertusa pastures were similar to those on native pastures, with no species x stocking rate interaction. Steer gains on B. pertusa-Vernno stylo pastures were lower than on Urochloa mosmnbicensis-Verano pastures, particularly at high stocking rate. This low gain was associated with low legume yields. It is concluded that B. pertusa is a useful grass which will continue to spread and help to prevent soil erosion and the ingress of undesirable weeds. Compatibility with legumes may be a problem which warrants further research in view of the alleged allelopathic effects of B. pertusa.
Citation
Jones, R J. and Kerr, A, "Bothriochloa pertusa- A Useful Grazing-Tolerant Grass for the Seasonally Dry Tropics?" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 3.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session52/3
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Bothriochloa pertusa- A Useful Grazing-Tolerant Grass for the Seasonally Dry Tropics?
Data from 2 grazing experiments, small-plot studies, and a vegetation and soil survey showed that Bothriochloa pertusa increased relative to native tufted perennial grasses under heavy grazing pressure and was adapted to a wide range of soils in the 500-1000 mm zone of northern Australia. Ability to grow on low-P soils, lower relative palatability, strong stoloniferous development and good seed production, were features of its success. Annual steer gains on 8. pertusa pastures were similar to those on native pastures, with no species x stocking rate interaction. Steer gains on B. pertusa-Vernno stylo pastures were lower than on Urochloa mosmnbicensis-Verano pastures, particularly at high stocking rate. This low gain was associated with low legume yields. It is concluded that B. pertusa is a useful grass which will continue to spread and help to prevent soil erosion and the ingress of undesirable weeds. Compatibility with legumes may be a problem which warrants further research in view of the alleged allelopathic effects of B. pertusa.