The use of fodder shrubs in the farming system

2012

Research organisatons
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Michael Wurst
Year(s) 2012
Contributor Upper North Farming Systems
Trial location(s) Jamestown, SA
The use of fodder shrubs in the farming system locations
Aims

This project is investigating where and how perennials, including fodder shrub species can fit into our farming systems and the benefits they can have on production andsustainability.

Key messages
  • New fodder shrub species have been successfully trialed in the UN.
  • Perennials, including fodder shrubs will increase pasture production on poor, degraded soils.
  • Grazing animals require a balanced diet with a variety of pasture species to ensure the correct balance of energy, protein and minerals.
  • High stocking pressure for short periods is necessary to maximize pasture production of both the fodder shrubs and inter-row pasture.
Lead research organisation Rural Solutions SA
Host research organisation Upper North Farming Systems
Trial funding source Caring for our Country
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: Perennial shrubs
Treatment type(s)
  • Crop: Type
Trial type Article/commentary
Trial design Not applicable

Jamestown 2012

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Other trial notes

The Erich program has been researching alternative fodder shrub species to determine the most appropriate species, spacing’s and management to maximize production and use of these fodder shrub systems. Data from the Enrich sites in the Upper North and Eastern Eyre Peninsula has identified a number of alternative species to Oldman saltbush. These may not necessary replace Oldman, but will provide an alternative, often more palatable feed source. 

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information

Download results

Trial results Table 1

# Treatment 1
Survival (%)
1 River saltbush 75
2 Grey saltbush 75
3 Oldman saltbush 72
4 Silver saltbush 95
5 Creeping saltbush 65
6 Ruby saltbush 95
7 Mealy saltbush 95

Survival %


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Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Jamestown, SA Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Jamestown, SA Sodosol
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 Jamestown SA
2012 650.2mm
2011 658.4mm
2010 654.0mm
2009 638.7mm
2008 610.6mm
2007 614.5mm
2006 614.9mm
2005 621.3mm
2004 580.3mm
2003 560.2mm
2002 558.8mm
2001 571.8mm
2000 513.6mm
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.

Jamestown SA

CAUTION: Trial site locality unknown; Climate data sourced from Upper North Farming Systems office location
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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

2012 trial report



Trial last modified: 27-06-2019 11:14am AEST