Track 1-07: Prospects for Management to Increase Grassland and Forage Productivity
Publication Date
2013
Location
Sydney, Australia
Description
In the Mallee region of southern Australia, the dry and variable climate results in frequent summer-autumn feed gaps, restricting the profitability of farms that combine livestock and crop enterprises. To assess the suitability of summer-growing perennial grasses to fill these feed gaps, 2 replicated field trials with different cultivars were conducted. The data also served to validate a C4 grass model, which was then used in a simulation experiment comparing 2 different soil types and 3 locations. Most grass cultivars established well except on sandy, non-wetting soils. Four out of 5 cultivars persisted over 6 years, producing 1000 – 9000 kg/ha in response to summer rainfall, with little differences between the cultivars. Model performance was satisfactory (R2: 0.82-0.93; RMSD: 476-1673 kg/ha, depending on cultivar). Simulation results indicated that biomass production closely followed seasonal trends in temperature and moisture availability. Grazing potential in 3 locations was highest in summer and early autumn, with differences according to rainfall and soil type. It was concluded that summer-growing perennials are a promising option to alleviate feed gaps on mixed crop-livestock farms.
Citation
Descheemaeker, Katrien; Llewellyn, Rick; Moore, Andrew D.; and Whitbread, Anthony, "Experimental Trials and Simulation Modelling Indicate that Summer-Growing Perennial Grasses Are a Potential New Feed Source in the Mallee Region of Southern Australia" (2013). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 5.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/22/1-7/5)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Experimental Trials and Simulation Modelling Indicate that Summer-Growing Perennial Grasses Are a Potential New Feed Source in the Mallee Region of Southern Australia
Sydney, Australia
In the Mallee region of southern Australia, the dry and variable climate results in frequent summer-autumn feed gaps, restricting the profitability of farms that combine livestock and crop enterprises. To assess the suitability of summer-growing perennial grasses to fill these feed gaps, 2 replicated field trials with different cultivars were conducted. The data also served to validate a C4 grass model, which was then used in a simulation experiment comparing 2 different soil types and 3 locations. Most grass cultivars established well except on sandy, non-wetting soils. Four out of 5 cultivars persisted over 6 years, producing 1000 – 9000 kg/ha in response to summer rainfall, with little differences between the cultivars. Model performance was satisfactory (R2: 0.82-0.93; RMSD: 476-1673 kg/ha, depending on cultivar). Simulation results indicated that biomass production closely followed seasonal trends in temperature and moisture availability. Grazing potential in 3 locations was highest in summer and early autumn, with differences according to rainfall and soil type. It was concluded that summer-growing perennials are a promising option to alleviate feed gaps on mixed crop-livestock farms.
