Factors affecting pasture growth in a topographically diverse native perennial grass pasture on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales

Thirty-six sampling locations in a variable landscape paddock on the Central Tablelands of NSW were established to determine the effect of soil chemical, soil physical and botanical composition factors on pasture production. Combinations of these factors were found to be good predictors of potential pasture production. Subterranean clover frequency and the ability of soil to hold moisture were predictors of pasture production in both years. Subterranean clover frequency was in turn affected by soil physical characteristics and at a second tier level by soil available phosphorus (P) in year 1 and soil aluminium in year 2. The results of this research indicate that researchers, advisors and producers need to consider more than just soil available P levels in assessing productive potential of pasture paddocks and their likely response to fertiliser application. Subdivision of variable landscape paddocks on an aspect/position on slope basis appears warranted based on the findings of this study. Subdivision would allow for enhanced management of grazing and better targeting of fertiliser to nutrient responsive areas of the landscape.