New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts
Legumes in low-input perennial pastures of southern Australia: historical role
and future development
B. S. DEAR
J. M. VIRGONA
NSW Agriculture
Agricultural Research Institute
PMB Wagga Wagga
NSW 2650, Australia
Abstract This review deals with the role of legumes in native
and low-input perennial pastures in temperate Australia. It draws on lessons
learnt from the problems associated with legume dominance and proposes
development and management strategies to ensure a sustainable role for legumes
in pasture systems in the future. The low-input syndrome is defined in
geographical and management terms, and the historical role of legumes in
pasture development/decline in the higher-rainfall zone of eastern Australia is
summarised. In general, while the loss of perennial native grasses is often
attributed to the introduction of a vigorous legume, other factors such as
invasion of annual (Mediterranean) grasses and broad-leaf species, and the lack
of appropriate grazing strategies must also share a significant responsibility
for the decline in these species. The proposed characteristics of a stable,
low-input pasture system are: a diverse range of species; a high degree of
botanical stability; an economic level of production; and, efficient use of
resources. The primary roles of legumes in low-input pasture systems are to
maintain or increase soil nitrogen (N) levels, and to ensure pastures produce
at an economically viable level without incurring major shifts in botanical
composition. Suggested strategies for developing legumes specifically for
low-input pastures include: selecting more persistent cultivars/species whether
annuals or perennials; selecting legumes which are more phosphate (P) efficient
and function at lower P levels found in low-input systems; evaluating the
ability of legume species to add N to the systems; and, ensuring that cultivar
development takes place under realistic sward conditions. The need for a better
understanding of legume ecology in low-input perennial grass systems was
identified as an important step in developing more stable low-input systems.
Keywords pasture legumes; low-input systems; native pasture;
cultivar development; grazing management; pasture composition
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 1996, Vol. 39: 579-589
0028-8233/96/3904-0579 $2.50/0 (c) The Royal Society of New Zealand
1996
PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (1043K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)
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