Pasture renovation guide 2014

INSIDE:This guide contains information about pasture selection, establishment and management to assist with maximising the productivity of your property.

PASTURE RENOVATION GUIDE

POWERING PRODUCTIVITY

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2

Situation Plan to: Process: Early autumn Late autumn Winter Early spring Late spring Summer Autumn (next year)

<30% desirable varieties

RENOVATE PASTURE

Weeds:Control weeds in a forage cereal crop. Reduce seed burden and/or crop out weed population

Systemic knockdown herbicide. Short fallow

2nd knockdown. Sow forage cereal. Consider using a suitable pre-em herbicide

Graze forage cereal. In-crop weed control

Fertiliser N,K,S to maximise production

Silage crop or hay crop. Possible crop-top herbicide

Summer forage crop (with pre-em and/or in-crop herbicide options) or summer fallow

Finish grazing forage. Knockdown herbicide. Sow new pasture

450 - 600 mm 600 - 750 mm 750 mm+/Irrig

Broad-leafed weeds

Use definitive herbicide program to have a number of applications on hard-to-kill weeds such as some thistles, docks, wire-weed and other biennial/perennial weeds

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haFEB - MAY (general purpose, early sowing)

Annual grass weeds

Reduce weed-seed burden. Use of pasture topping, short fallows, pre-em herbicides, crop-topping, early silage harvest. If pH and fertility are okay, then consider going straight into lucerne or HDL

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haMARCH - JUNE (mid-season sowing, wetter sites, lower pH)

Staggers causing grasses, biennial or perennial grass weeds

Reduce plant numbers under a 2 crop strategy. Use systemic knockdowns, and in-crop grass weed control options. If pH and fertility are okay, then consider going straight into lucerne or HDL

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haMAY - JULY (later sowing, good pH, well drained)

Process: Early autumn Late autumn Winter Early spring Late spring Summer Autumn (next year)

Pasture pests: Remove old pasture, replant with species/variety that tolerates pest spectrum

Break lifecycle through cultivation

Prepare good seed-bed and sow pasture Manage weeds and pests Start grazing management

Grazing management. Avoid silage or hay in first year

Rotationally graze Start seasonal maintenance program

450 - 600 mm 600 - 750 mm 750 mm+/Irrig

Cockchafers Use tall-fescue, phalaris or cocksfoot based hardy perennial blend

GT 12 -18 kg/ha GT 15 - 20 kg/ha

GT 18 - 25 kg/ha (light - medium soils)

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha

500+ 15 - 20 kg/ha

500+ 18 - 25 kg/ha (heavier soils)

Argentine stem-weevil Use NEA2 or AR1 endophyte ryegrasses 10 -15 kg/ha or 12 -18 kg/ha or 25 - 30 kg/ha

Grazier 12 -18 kg/ha 700+ 18 -25 kg/ha HR, 850i 25 - 30 kg/ha

Black-beetle Use NEA2 endophyte ryegrasses or a hardy perennial blend 10 - 15 kg/ha or 18 - 25 kg/ha

or

25 - 30 kg/ha

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha 700+ 18 - 25 kg/ha

HR 25 - 30 kg/ha

Root aphid Use NEA2 or AR37 endophyte ryegrasses or a hardy perennial 10 -15 kg/ha

or 18 - 25 kg/ha

or 25 - 30 kg/ha

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha HR 18 - 25 kg/ha

HR 25 - 30 kg/ha

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:AUTUMN STRATEGIES FOR PASTURE RENOVATION

THE “HOW TO” OF AUTUMN PASTURE RENOVATION

Situation What condition is your pasture in and why?

Plan to What needs to be done depending on your pasture’s condition

3

Situation Plan to: Process: Early autumn Late autumn Winter Early spring Late spring Summer Autumn (next year)

<30% desirable varieties

RENOVATE PASTURE

Weeds:Control weeds in a forage cereal crop. Reduce seed burden and/or crop out weed population

Systemic knockdown herbicide. Short fallow

2nd knockdown. Sow forage cereal. Consider using a suitable pre-em herbicide

Graze forage cereal. In-crop weed control


Silage crop or hay crop. Possible crop-top herbicide

Summer forage crop (with pre-em and/or in-crop herbicide options) or summer fallow


450 - 600 mm 600 - 750 mm 750 mm+/Irrig

Broad-leafed weeds

Use definitive herbicide program to have a number of applications on hard-to-kill weeds such as some thistles, docks, wire-weed and other biennial/perennial weeds

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haFEB - MAY (general purpose, early sowing)

Annual grass weeds

Reduce weed-seed burden. Use of pasture topping, short fallows, pre-em herbicides, crop-topping, early silage harvest. If pH and fertility are okay, then consider going straight into lucerne or HDL

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haMARCH - JUNE (mid-season sowing, wetter sites, lower pH)

Staggers causing grasses, biennial or perennial grass weeds

Reduce plant numbers under a 2 crop strategy. Use systemic knockdowns, and in-crop grass weed control options. If pH and fertility are okay, then consider going straight into lucerne or HDL

40 - 70 kg/ha 60 - 80 kg/ha 80 -120 kg/haMAY - JULY (later sowing, good pH, well drained)

Process: Early autumn Late autumn Winter Early spring Late spring Summer Autumn (next year)

Pasture pests: Remove old pasture, replant with species/variety that tolerates pest spectrum

Break lifecycle through cultivation

Prepare good seed-bed and sow pasture Manage weeds and pests Start grazing management

Grazing management. Avoid silage or hay in first year

Rotationally graze Start seasonal maintenance program

450 - 600 mm 600 - 750 mm 750 mm+/Irrig

Cockchafers Use tall-fescue, phalaris or cocksfoot based hardy perennial blend

GT 12 -18 kg/ha GT 15 - 20 kg/ha

GT 18 - 25 kg/ha (light - medium soils)

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha

500+ 15 - 20 kg/ha

500+ 18 - 25 kg/ha (heavier soils)

Argentine stem-weevil Use NEA2 or AR1 endophyte ryegrasses 10 -15 kg/ha or 12 -18 kg/ha or 25 - 30 kg/ha

Grazier 12 -18 kg/ha 700+ 18 -25 kg/ha HR, 850i 25 - 30 kg/ha

Black-beetle Use NEA2 endophyte ryegrasses or a hardy perennial blend 10 - 15 kg/ha or 18 - 25 kg/ha

or

25 - 30 kg/ha

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha 700+ 18 - 25 kg/ha

HR 25 - 30 kg/ha

Root aphid Use NEA2 or AR37 endophyte ryegrasses or a hardy perennial 10 -15 kg/ha

or 18 - 25 kg/ha

or 25 - 30 kg/ha

500+ 12 -18 kg/ha HR 18 - 25 kg/ha

HR 25 - 30 kg/ha

OptionsProcess & seasonal timing How to renovate and manage your pastures throughout the season

Pasture seed What species and varieties to use and sowing rates based on your annual rainfall

4

OVER-SOW WITH SHORT-TERM VARIETIES

Over-sow with an Annual or Annual/Italian blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 1-2 years

Graze-down hard. Possibly use a knockdown herbicide Over-sow into moisture Start grazing, manage

weeds and pests Grazing Silage or hay crop Grazing as applicable or summer forage crop


Seed options: 450 - 600 mm 600 - 750 mm 750 mm+/Irrig

Straight variety TetraproTetraploid annual ryegrass

or 8 -12 kg/ha

or 10 -15 kg/ha

or 15 - 20 kg/ha

Blend HS 10 -15 kg/ha

HS 12 - 20 kg/ha 15 - 25 kg/ha

50% - 70% desirable varieties

OVER-SOW WITH MEDIUM-TERM VARIETIES

Over-sow with an Italian or Italian/hybrid blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 2-3 years+


weeds and pests Grazing Silage or hay crop Rotationally graze, do-not overgraze good pastures

Evaluate performance and pasture composition and respond accordingly


Straight variety or

8 -12 kg/ha

or

10 -15 kg/ha

or

15 - 25 kg/ha

Blend +

10 -15 kg/ha + 12 - 20 kg/ha

+ 15 - 25 kg/ha


TOP-UP EXISTING PASTURE

Over-sow with a perennial or perennial/hybrid blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 3-5 years+


weeds and pests Grazing

Silage/hay making, pasture topping. Stop weed-seed set with herbicides or good grazing management

Rotationally graze, do-not overgraze good pastures

Start seasonal maintenance program


Straight variety 8 -12 kg/ha or

10 -15 kg/ha

or

15 - 20 kg/ha

Blend AllGrass 10 -15 kg/ha

AllGrass 12 - 20 kg/ha

+

15 - 20 kg/ha

>90% useful varieties

MAINTAIN EXISTING PASTURE

Seasonal pasture maintenance Soil-test, apply capital ‘P’ fertiliser, soil amendments

Monitor for grubs, mites and treat appropriately

Winter herbicides for annual grasses and/or broad-leafed weeds


Silage/Hay making, pasture topping. Stop weed-seed set with herbicides or good grazing management


Continue seasonal maintenance program

Situation Plan to: Process: Early autumn Late autumn Winter Early apring Late apring Summer Autumn (next year)


THE “HOW TO” OF AUTUMN PASTURE RENOVATION

Situation What condition is your pasture in and why?

Plan to What needs to be done depending on your pasture’s condition

5

OVER-SOW WITH SHORT-TERM VARIETIES

Over-sow with an Annual or Annual/Italian blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 1-2 years


weeds and pests Grazing Silage or hay crop Grazing as applicable or summer forage crop



Straight variety TetraproTetraploid annual ryegrass

or 8 -12 kg/ha

or 10 -15 kg/ha

or 15 - 20 kg/ha

Blend HS 10 -15 kg/ha

HS 12 - 20 kg/ha 15 - 25 kg/ha


OVER-SOW WITH MEDIUM-TERM VARIETIES

Over-sow with an Italian or Italian/hybrid blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 2-3 years+


weeds and pests Grazing Silage or hay crop Rotationally graze, do-not overgraze good pastures

Evaluate performance and pasture composition and respond accordingly


Straight variety or

8 -12 kg/ha

or

10 -15 kg/ha

or

15 - 25 kg/ha

Blend +

10 -15 kg/ha + 12 - 20 kg/ha

+ 15 - 25 kg/ha


TOP-UP EXISTING PASTURE

Over-sow with a perennial or perennial/hybrid blend. Monitor and consider as a candidate for full renovation in 3-5 years+


weeds and pests Grazing

Silage/hay making, pasture topping. Stop weed-seed set with herbicides or good grazing management


Start seasonal maintenance program


Straight variety 8 -12 kg/ha or

10 -15 kg/ha

or

15 - 20 kg/ha

Blend AllGrass 10 -15 kg/ha

AllGrass 12 - 20 kg/ha

+

15 - 20 kg/ha

>90% useful varieties

MAINTAIN EXISTING PASTURE

Seasonal pasture maintenance Soil-test, apply capital ‘P’ fertiliser, soil amendments

Monitor for grubs, mites and treat appropriately

Winter herbicides for annual grasses and/or broad-leafed weeds


Silage/Hay making, pasture topping. Stop weed-seed set with herbicides or good grazing management


Continue seasonal maintenance program

Situation Plan to: Process: Early Autumn Late Autumn Winter Early spring Late spring Summer Autumn (next year)

OptionsProcess & seasonal timing How to renovate and manage your pastures throughout the season

Pasture seed What species and varieties to use and sowing rates based on your annual rainfall

6

RENOVATOR RANGE - 2014 GUIDE

HS

Plan for 9 - 12 mths

D B L Min. av. rain

25 kg/ha 550 mm+

Contains % by weight:

40% Arnie annual ryegrass (d)60% Maximus annual ryegrass (t)

Winter feed + hay/silage

Plan for 1 - 2 years


40% Hulk Italian ryegrass (d)35% Maximus annual ryegrass (t)15% Laser (Persian) annual clover10% Bolta (Balansa) annual clover

All-year feed + hay/silage

D B L Min. av. rain

25 kg/ha 550 mm+

Plan for 1 - 3 years


20% Bolta balansa clover27.5% Zulu II arrow leaf clover32.5% Laser persian clover20% Elite II Berseem clover

Grass free short term pasture

B L W Min. av. rain

8 - 15 kg/ha 500 mm+

Plan for 3 years+

ALLGRASS


60% Bealey perennial ryegrass (t)40% Barberia long rotation ryegrass (d)

Oversowing, performance

D B L Min. av. rain

12 -18 kg/ha

(Use 25 kg/ha for a pure stand.)550 mm+

Plan for 5 years+

HR


50% Bealey perennial ryegrass (t)34% Impact 2 perennial ryegrass (d)8% Storm white clover8% Weka white clover

Highest performance

D B L Min. av. rain

25 - 30 kg/ha 700 mm+

Plan for 5 years+

850i


40% Arrow perennial ryegrass (d)40% Impact 2 perennial ryegrass (d)10% Storm white clover10% Weka white clover

Performance, wet sites

D B L E Min. av. rain

25 kg/ha 700 mm+

HDL

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Plan for 5 years+

700+


38% Arrow perennial ryegrass (d)38% Impact 2 perennial ryegrass (d)10% Storm white clover14% Antas sub clover

Performance, dry summers

D B L W E Min. av. rain

25 kg/ha 700 mm+

(d) diploid ryegrass

(t) tetraploid ryegrass

All clovers Agricote Protech.Protech grasses available

D B L W EDairy Beef Lamb Wool Equine

Plan for 5 years+

Grazier


35% Kidman perennial ryegrass (d)35% Barberia perennial ryegrass (d)15% Denmark sub clover15% Antas sub clover

Hardy, winter performance

B L W E Min. av. rain

12 - 25 kg/ha 550 mm+

Plan for 5 - 10 years+

500+


32.5% Dovey summer active tall fescue20% Barberia long rotation ryegrass (d)10% Howlong cocksfoot10% Lawson phalaris20% Antas and Denmark sub clovers7.5% Palestine Strawberry clover

Hardy, long-term pasture. Salinity, drought, acidity tolerant. Heavier soils, potentially wet sites


12 - 18 kg/ha 450 mm+

GT


20% Holdfast GT Phalaris7.5% Howlong cocksfoot35% Kidman perennial ryegrass (d)15% Mintaro sub clover15% Campeda sub clover7.5% Storm white clover

Persistent and productive. Long-term pasture for extensive grazing. Most soil types, drought tolerant.

Plan for 5 - 10 years+


12 - 18 kg/ha 500 mm+

Plan for 5 years+

Equine


30% Dovey summer active tall fescue30% Arrow perennial ryegrass (d)40% Barberia long rotation ryegrass (d)

Quality horse pasture


30 - 50 kg/ha 550 mm+

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PASTURE & FORAGE READY RECKONER

Plan forHeritage Seeds

Proprietary Variety Use patternTypical kg/ha Similar fit to:

Annual Ryegrass

8 -12 mths

Very early TetraPro tet Autumn & winter, spring quality not important 20 - 30 Tetila, Sungrazer, DiamondT

Early GrassMax dip Budget winter feed, short springs. 15 - 25 Griffin, Flyer, Noble

Mid - late Maximus tet Mid-season utility annual, improved quality. 20 - 30 Atomic, Tama, Zoom

Late Vortex tet Newest mid-late season, fast establishing. 20 - 30 Winterstar 2, Mach1, Adrenalin

Very late Arnie dip High performance annual, excellent late quality 15 - 25 Unique very late diploid.

Italian Ryegrass

1- 2 years

Mid-late Hulk dip Utility biennial, mid-late season 15 - 25 Crusader, Maverick2, Indulgence Knight, Concord II

Late Aston tet High performance biennial, late season 18 - 30 Feast 2, Jeanne, Emmerson

3 - 5 years+

Early Barberia dip Winter feed, multiple years, dry tolerant 15 - 25 Unique, unmatched for drier areas

Very Late Shogun tet High performance, oversowing 18 - 30 Banquet 2, Ohau, Optima

Perennial Ryegrass

5 - 8 years+

Early Kidman dip Persistence with year-round performance 15 - 25 Jackeroo, Fitzroy, Vic, AusVic

Mid-season Arrow dip Utility perennial, suits most systems 15 - 25 Extreme, Samson, Nui

Late Impact 2 dip Performance with high persistence 15 - 25 PGOne50, Revolution, Matrix

Very late Bealey tet Highest performance perennial 18 - 30 Banquet 2, Halo, Base

Tall Fescue

Winter active Prosper Winter dominant rainfall, summer dry 8 - 15 Resolute, Flecha, Fraydo

Summer active Dovey Flats, heavy soils, irrigation 8 - 15 Quantum, Jessup, Advance

Phalaris Summer dry Atlas PG Winter dominant rainfall, short spring 2 - 6 Unique high summer dormancy

Low pH Advanced AT Low pH & high Al tolerance, winter act. 2 - 6 Unique aluminium tolerance

Set-stock Holdfast GT High grazing tolerance, most soils, winter act. 2 - 6 Unique grazing tolerance

Utility Landmaster Extensive beef/sheep, most soils, winter act. 2 - 6 Unique light soil ability

Rotational Lawson Extensive beef/sheep, most soils, winter act. 2 - 6 Holdfast, Sirolan

Summer active Australian II Heavier soils, summer active, suits set-stock 2 - 6 Australian, Maru, Australis

Cocksfoot Standard Howlong Extensive beef/sheep, lighter soils 2 - 4 Porto, Kara, Vision

Summer dormant

Kasbah Extensive, early areas, summer dry 2 - 4 Currie, Uplands, Tekapo

Summer active Grassly Summer rainfall, milder climates 2 - 4 Greenly, Lazuly

Brome Winter active Bareno Winter growth, standing summer feed 15 - 30 Atom, Exceltas, Matua

White Clover

Large leaf Storm Intensive dairy/beef/lamb 2 - 5 Haifa, Will, Waverly, Jumbo

Med leaf Weka Extensive grazing beef/sheep, dryland dairy 2 - 5 Tahora, Prestige, Sustain, Demand

Red Clover Med - large leaf Tuscan Intensive grazing dairy/beef/lamb 3 - 8 Collenso, Astred, Hamua

Chicory 1 - 3 years+ Commander Short-term quality forage, summer active. 4 - 8 Choice, Grouse, Chico, Puna 2

Forage Brassicas

Rape Interval 10 -12 weeks, intensive systems 4 - 6 Greenland, Goliath, Titan

Rape Leafmore 10 -12 weeks, extensive sheep/beef 3 - 5 Winfred, Rangi, Bonar

Turnip Dynamo 12 -14 weeks, all stock classes 2 - 5 Barkant, MPT, New York

Kale Caledonian 16 - 20 weeks, intensive systems 2 - 4 Kestrel, Sovereign, Voltage

Swede Invitation 16 - 20 weeks, extensive systems 2 - 3 Dominion, Highlander

9

NOTESdip = diploid, tet = tetraploid; lucerne numbers indicate dormancy group; sub = ssp subterraneum, yan = ssp yanninicum, bchy = ssp brachycalycinum;Sowing rates: general guide, lower rates for dryland / low rainfall sites, or guide for inclusion in a mix; higher rate for pure/dominant stand.Pasture mix guide: Dryland: 15 - 25 kg/ha (10 -15 kg grass + 5 -10 kg legume/ha); Med/high rainfall/Irrig: 20 - 30 kg/ha (15 - 25 kg grass + 4 - 8 kg legume/ha)

Plan forHeritage Seeds

Proprietary Variety Use patternTypical kg/ha Similar fit to:

Lucerne 8 years+ Sardi Five 5 Grazing, quality hay production, Irrigation 8 - 20 Venus, Kaituna, L56

8 years+ Venus 5 - 6 Long-term grazing, quality hay, lighter soils 8 - 20 Force 5, Stamina 5, Sardi 5

8 years+ Sardi Grazer 6.5 Extensive grazing & under cropping 8 - 20 Unique - highest grazing tolerance

5 - 8 years+ Sardi Seven 7 Grazing, hay, general purpose 8 - 20 Stamina 6, Haymaster 7, Force 7

5 - 8 years+ Sardi 7 series 2 7.4 Grazing, hay, general purpose 8 - 20 General Improvement on Sardi 7

5 - 8 years+ Genesis II 7 Grazing, hay, general purpose 8 - 20 Aurora, Quadrella, Trifecta

4 - 5 years+ Pegasis 9 Hay cutting, with good grazing tolerance 8 - 20 WL525, Blue Ace, L91

3 - 4 years+ Sardi Ten 10 Winter grazing, highest hay potential 8 - 20 WL925, ML99, Force10

3 - 4 years+ Sardi Ten series 2 10 Winter grazing, highest hay potential 8 - 20 General improvement on Sardi Ten

Sub Clover

Very early Losa sub Early country, extensive sheep/beef, low pH 2 - 8 Dalkieth, Nungarin, York

Early Monti yan Early areas, heavy soils, sheep/beef, low pH 2 - 8 Hatrick, Riverina, Trikkala

Early - mid Mintaro bchy Mid-season, high production, high hard seed 2 - 8 Unique early brachy.

Mid season Campeda sub Sheep/Beef/dryland dairy, most soils, low pH 2 - 8 Urana, Woogenelup, Goulburn

Mid - late Gosse yan Sheep/Beef/dryland dairy, heavier soils 2 - 8 Larisa, Napier, Trikkala

Mid/late - late Antas bchy Highest performance. All stock classes. 2 - 8 Napier, Karridale

Late Denmark sub Productive, low pH, higher rainfall 2 - 8 Leura, Bindoon, Rosabrook

Annual Clover

Very early Frontier Winter growth, low rainfall, most soil types 2 - 6 Balansa

Early Blaza Most soils, low-neutral pH, HDL mixes 2 - 6 Crimson

Early Nitro Plus Hard-seeded persian for early areas 2 - 6 Persian - hard seeded

Early - mid Bolta Low-neutral pH, hay/silage mixes, HDL mixes 2 - 6 Balansa

Mid Lightning Low-neutral pH, hay/silage mixes, HDL mixes 2 - 6 Persian (Shaftal) - soft seeded

Mid Zulu II Deep loamy/sandy soils, low pH 2 - 6 Arrowleaf

Mid - late Laser Most soils, neutral pH, hay/silage, HDL mixes 2 - 6 Persian (Shaftal) - soft seeded

Late Elite 2 Heavier soils, later areas, neutral pH 2 - 6 Berseem

Early Sultan-SU barrel Extensive crop/sheep zone, SU tolerant 2 -10 Caliph, Parabinga

Medics Early Angel strand Extensive crop/sheep zone, SU tolerant 2 -10 Jaguar

Early - mid Scimitar burr Crop/sheep zone, salinity tolerant 2 -10 Santiago, Cavalier

Mid season Jester barrel Crop/sheep zone, excellent regeneration 2 -10 Caliph, Paraggio

Vetch Early Rasina Soft seed, winter feed, cereal hay, low rainfall 20 - 40 Common vetch

Early - mid Morava Soft seed, hay, low-med rainfall 20 - 40 Common vetch

Mid Capello Partly soft seed, hay, grazing, green manure 15 - 30 Woolly pod

Mid-late Haymaker Hard seed, intensive hay, grazing, green manure 15 - 30 Woolly pod

Forage Cereals

Oats Mammoth Feb - May sowing, graze/silage/hay 60 -100 Quamby, Targa, Wintaroo

Triticale Crackerjack 2 Mar - Jun sowing, graze/silage 70 -110 Granador, Endeavour

Barley Dictator 2 Apr - Aug sowing, graze/silage/hay 70 -120 Moby, Southern Green

Forage Sorghum

Early - mid Stargrazer Nov/Dec sowing, graze/silage/hay 15 - 30 Superdan 2, Lush, Zulu 2

10

Question? Yes No – Action required

Lucerne not grown in site for at least 2 years

OK Crop for at least 2 years with alternative species.

Drainage OK. (casual water lays < 1 day)

OK Improve drainage or select alternative site.

pH (CaCl2) > 5.7 OK Increase pH through liming or select alternative site.

Exchangeable Al3+ < 5% OKDecrease aluminium at depth through liming over a number of years or select alternative site.

Weed burden previously reduced

OKCrop for 1 - 2 years with cereals or other grain crops, paying attention to weed control.

Irrigation available Spring sow OK Autumn or early spring sow.

Winter active variety (dormancy rating >6)

Autumn or spring sow OKSpring sowing recommended in winter cold areas, for winter dormant varieties.

LUCERNE PREPARATION CHECK-LIST

VARIETY TO FIT THE JOB

Plan for: 3 - 4+ Years 5 - 8+ years 8 - 10+ years

Dedicated hay production

First choice

Alternative VenusSemi winter active

Dual purpose hay and grazing

First choice

Alternative PegasisHighly winter active

Grazing/Extensive pasture

First choice

Alternative PegasisHighly winter active

Longevity increases

Hay quality increases

DM yield per annum increases

Grazing Tolerance increases

Sow

ing

rat

e kg

/ha

incr

ease

s

LUCERNE READY RECKONER

11

LUCERNE SOWING RATES

Annual rainfall 350 mm - 450 mm 450 mm - 600 mm 600 mm - 800 mm 800 mm+/Irrigated

kg/ha 4 - 6 6 - 8 10 - 12 15 - 20

It is strongly recommended that prior to sowing, a pre-plant pre-emergent herbicide be considered. Herbicides such as trifluralin and pendimethalin are commonly used with good success. Consult an agronomist and check label instructions before proceeding. Low-till/no-till systems can be used to good effect, but paddock preparation, weed burden and herbicide spray systems need to be considered and prepared for prior to sowing.

LUCERNE STAND THINNING OUT?Sometimes after a number of years, lucerne plant numbers in a paddock may reduce to lower than desirable levels, but the lucerne stand may still be the best option for a while yet. It can be a very useful strategy to over-sow the stand with a suitable companion species. If a full lucerne stand is required on that site, then it is better to terminate the existing lucerne, crop for a few years, address reasons for decline, and then re-sow.

Desired outcome:

350 mm - 450 mm 450 mm - 600 mm 600 mm - 800 mm 800 mm+ / Irrigated

Keep lucerne for 1 more year

Over-sow in autumn with a one-year species, terminate crop in following summer.

oats annual ryegrass annual ryegrass Italian ryegrass

20 - 60 kg/ha 10 - 15 kg/ha 10 - 15 kg/ha 15 - 20 kg/ha

Keep lucerne for 2 more years

Over-sow with a biennial species. Consider chicory for stands with many grass-weeds.

Italian ryegrass Italian ryegrass chicory Italian ryegrass


Keep lucerne for 3 - 4 more years

Over-sow with a long-rotation grass.

or

pasture Brome hybrid ryegrass hybrid ryegrass hybrid ryegrass


Keep lucerne indefinitely

Over-sow with a suitable long-term pasture grass.

or

or

phalaris phalaris perennial rye perennial rye


Full lucerne stand required

Terminate current stand. Crop for 2 years minimum to utilise nitrogen fixation from the lucerne. Address reasons for decline such as weed burden, fertility, pH, drainage, cultivar disease susceptibility, prior to re-sowing lucerne.

= interchangeable

Northern Australia, Central Queensland and Atherton Tablelands Paul Tippett M: 0413 442 816 E: [email protected]

South East Queensland / Burnett and Central Highlands Geoff Chambers M: 0427 010 757 E: [email protected]

South West Queensland / Darling Downs Chris Collyer M: 0427 007 900 E: [email protected]

Northern New South Wales Tony Stewart M: 0427 010 854 E: [email protected]

North Coast New South Wales and Hunter Valley Riley Cooper M: 0413 442 809 E: [email protected]

Western Australia Tim O’Dea M: 0429 203 505 E: [email protected]

Northern Victoria and Riverina Reece Hardwidge M:0428 178 719 E: [email protected]

South Australia Daryl Turner M: 0418 191 060 E: [email protected]

Southern and Central New South Wales James Stonestreet M: 0437 950 496 E: [email protected]

Tasmania and Gippsland Rob Winter M: 0427 010 870 E: [email protected]

Western and Central Victoria Mark Rouse M: 0413 442 804 E: [email protected]

Key Account and Temperates Commons Manager Tim Pepper M: 0417 500 911 E: [email protected]

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TERRITORY MANAGER FOR MORE DETAILS

www.heritageseeds.com.au

Disclaimer:The information presented in this publication is offered in good faith, based on seed industry data and relevant advice. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and freedom from error. Heritage Seeds, its agents or advisors, accepts no responsibility for any loss or actions arising from viewing the publication’s content. Copyright Heritage Seeds © 2014

Pasture renovation guide 2014

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