To determine how serradella performs when introduced to a sub tropical pasture stand.

Legumes are an important tool in a perennial sward to supply a nitrogen source and maintain production. Serradella can be successfully established and persist in an established perennial pasture; this includes persisting as part of a crop/pasture rotation in perennials.

In the more favorable year of 2013 serradella biomass and pod production was higher. There is a yield penalty for serradella when sown into perennials, the penalty though will vary depending on the seasonal conditions. Perennials are still actively growing in March and April before the cooler weather starts to suppress their growth and they become less competitive. An indecisive Autumn break can allow active perennials to deplete moisture reserves that would normally allow germinating serradella to survive. These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of a successful early germination and establishment, although an indecisive break and low rainfall year will exaggerate the yield penalty when serradella is sown into perennials. Additionally, the suppressive effect of a grass selective on perennial growth may reduce competition with annual pasture species and can be used as a tool to increase annual legume production.