Publication Date

1993

Description

Limitations of low-quality grass pastures, soil fertility, mechanisms of legume persistence and the long-term sustainability of pastures for beef production were studied in a humid subtropical environment of New South Wales, Australia. Sustainability of pastures and animal growth responses in 3 experiments (varying from 4 to 10 years' duration) al 2 sites have been analysed and described. Steers or heifers were used lo assess the effects of introducing subtropical or temperate legumes, level of superphosphate and stocking rate on natural grass pastures, Principal factors which improved the level of beef production from pasture were (i) introducing persistent legumes (ii) level of phosphorus fertiliser inputs and (iii) a moderate increase in stocking rate. Pastures improved with legumes were more productive but showed greater variation in productivity between years than natural grass pastures, Soil seedbanks of while clover (Trlfollum repens) and joinlvelch (Aescllynomenefalcata) varied from 1780 to 2900 seeds/m1, which improved the persistence of these legumes.

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Evaluation of Pastures for Sustained Beef Production in Subtropical New South Wales

Limitations of low-quality grass pastures, soil fertility, mechanisms of legume persistence and the long-term sustainability of pastures for beef production were studied in a humid subtropical environment of New South Wales, Australia. Sustainability of pastures and animal growth responses in 3 experiments (varying from 4 to 10 years' duration) al 2 sites have been analysed and described. Steers or heifers were used lo assess the effects of introducing subtropical or temperate legumes, level of superphosphate and stocking rate on natural grass pastures, Principal factors which improved the level of beef production from pasture were (i) introducing persistent legumes (ii) level of phosphorus fertiliser inputs and (iii) a moderate increase in stocking rate. Pastures improved with legumes were more productive but showed greater variation in productivity between years than natural grass pastures, Soil seedbanks of while clover (Trlfollum repens) and joinlvelch (Aescllynomenefalcata) varied from 1780 to 2900 seeds/m1, which improved the persistence of these legumes.