Simulating the potential of subtropical grasses to fill feed gaps in a Mallee environment

2008

Research organisaton

Trial details

Researcher(s) Lindsay Bell (CSIRO)
Anthony Whitbread (CSIRO)
Year(s) 2008
Contributor Birchip Cropping Group
Trial location(s) Hopetoun, VIC
Simulating the potential of subtropical grasses to fill feed gaps in a Mallee environment locations
Aims

For a sub-tropical grass established in the Mallee environment, to assess the pattern and reliability of growth and its potential as a fodder source using simulation models.

Key messages
  • On average in the Mediterranean Mallee environment, sub-tropical grasses grow best during late spring and early summer when soil temperatures are rising and soil moisture is available.
  • Unless significant rain occurs after December, the growth rate of sub-tropical grasses is typically low in the period December to April.
  • Subtropical grasses are dormant in the winter months, so weed control measures are relatively easy and the inclusion of annual medics may be possible.
  • The standing fodder of sub-tropical grasses can potentially be carried over for grazing later in summer.
Lead research organisation N/A
Host research organisation N/A
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop type Other crop: Grasses
Treatment type(s)
  • Crop: Rotation
  • Management systems: Mixed farming
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Unreplicated

Hopetoun 2008

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Hopetoun, VIC Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Hopetoun, VIC Tenosol
Soil Moisture Source: BOM/ANU
Average amount of water stored in the soil profile during the year, estimated by the OzWALD model-data fusion system.
Year Hopetoun VIC
2008 454.1mm
2007 455.4mm
2006 441.2mm
2005 483.1mm
2004 436.8mm
2003 429.3mm
2002 387.1mm
2001 445.0mm
2000 453.4mm
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Hopetoun VIC

NOTE: Exact trial site locality unknown - Climate data may not be accurate
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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2008 trial report



Trial last modified: 20-03-2019 09:20am AEST