Abstract
Chicory is a productive perennial forage herb that is well adapted to a range
of environments across southern Australia. Chicory needs nitrogen (N) supply
from either inorganic fertiliser, or a companion legume. The objective of this
study was to test the suitability of lucerne (Medicago sativa), balansa clover
(Trifolium michelianum), arrowleaf clover (T. vesiculosum), and
subterranean clover (T. subterraneum) as companion legumes in chicory-
based pastures. Two field experiments were established adjacent to each
other at Morongla near Cowra, New South Wales in 2008 and 2009. Pasture
establishment, persistence, herbage production and botanical composition
were assessed over 3 years. Results showed that chicory pastures mixed
with annual legumes, either a single species or a mixture of 3 annual legume
species produced more pasture DM compared to a pure chicory stand or
lucerne/subclover pasture. Chicory mixed with aerial seeded legumes was
more productive, but can create a dilemma for grazing management in spring.
It is suggested that 10-15% legume component in chicory-based pastures
would be enough to meet the N requirement for the optimal growth of
chicory in spring. The growth of chicory was suppressed greatly by lucerne
and gradually the sward became dominated by lucerne in year 3, indicating
that lucerne was an incompatible companion species for chicory, most
probably due to superior competition for moisture.
of environments across southern Australia. Chicory needs nitrogen (N) supply
from either inorganic fertiliser, or a companion legume. The objective of this
study was to test the suitability of lucerne (Medicago sativa), balansa clover
(Trifolium michelianum), arrowleaf clover (T. vesiculosum), and
subterranean clover (T. subterraneum) as companion legumes in chicory-
based pastures. Two field experiments were established adjacent to each
other at Morongla near Cowra, New South Wales in 2008 and 2009. Pasture
establishment, persistence, herbage production and botanical composition
were assessed over 3 years. Results showed that chicory pastures mixed
with annual legumes, either a single species or a mixture of 3 annual legume
species produced more pasture DM compared to a pure chicory stand or
lucerne/subclover pasture. Chicory mixed with aerial seeded legumes was
more productive, but can create a dilemma for grazing management in spring.
It is suggested that 10-15% legume component in chicory-based pastures
would be enough to meet the N requirement for the optimal growth of
chicory in spring. The growth of chicory was suppressed greatly by lucerne
and gradually the sward became dominated by lucerne in year 3, indicating
that lucerne was an incompatible companion species for chicory, most
probably due to superior competition for moisture.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 16th AAC |
| Subtitle of host publication | Capturing opportunities and overcoming obstacles in Australian agronomy |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | The Regional Institute |
| Pages | 1-5 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | 16th Australian Agronomy Conference - University of New England, Armidale, Australia Duration: 14 Oct 2012 → 18 Oct 2012 Conference number: 16th http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/index.php/2012-conf-proc-homepage (Conference proceedings 2012 homepage) |
Conference
| Conference | 16th Australian Agronomy Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Capturing Opportunities and Overcoming Obstacles in Australian Agronomy |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Armidale |
| Period | 14/10/12 → 18/10/12 |
| Internet address |
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