Publication Date
1997
Description
Both Lotus uliginosus Schkukr and L. corniculatus L. require lenient grazing management for persistent production. However, grazing systems, where Lotus is adapted in eastern Australia are based on intermittent set stocking. Conflict between plant ecophysiology and the adverse influences of traditional grazing systems that limit the adoption of new grazing management technology have been addressed by a participatory (co-learning) research and development process. The approach taken involved the use of a facilitator who ran an initial meeting to involve stakeholders and subsequently established “colearning” groups and “co-learning” experimental sites. These sites are monitored, progress is reviewed, and knowledge is built and documented with the use of “ripple-down-rules”. Concurrent with this, replicated “core” experiments have been established to examine the effects of grazing intensity and spelling time on yield and persistence of Lotus in relation to the physiology and phenology of the Lotus plant.
Citation
Blumenthal, M J.; Ayers, J F.; and Hochman, Z, "Grazing Management of Lotus in Eastern Australia: A Participatory Approach" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 11.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session28/11
Included in
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Grazing Management of Lotus in Eastern Australia: A Participatory Approach
Both Lotus uliginosus Schkukr and L. corniculatus L. require lenient grazing management for persistent production. However, grazing systems, where Lotus is adapted in eastern Australia are based on intermittent set stocking. Conflict between plant ecophysiology and the adverse influences of traditional grazing systems that limit the adoption of new grazing management technology have been addressed by a participatory (co-learning) research and development process. The approach taken involved the use of a facilitator who ran an initial meeting to involve stakeholders and subsequently established “colearning” groups and “co-learning” experimental sites. These sites are monitored, progress is reviewed, and knowledge is built and documented with the use of “ripple-down-rules”. Concurrent with this, replicated “core” experiments have been established to examine the effects of grazing intensity and spelling time on yield and persistence of Lotus in relation to the physiology and phenology of the Lotus plant.
