Abstract
This paper presents a synopsis on the past 10 years of hardseeded annual legume research and adoption. Failure of traditional legume species such as subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual medics (Medicago spp.) in the medium and low rainfall zones of NSW and WA necessitated the development of crop-pasture rotation systems underpinned by more resilient legume species. Such species had been developed and included biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus), bladder clover (Trifolium spumosum), gland clover (T. glanduliferum) and French serradella (Ornithopus sativus cvv. Margurita and Erica). However, their
use in farming systems was limited by lack of information on how to manage them and perceived high cost of establishment. The ability to harvest seed on farm using conventional headers and the unique hard seed characteristics of the new legumes resulted in development of the low-cost, one-time establishment options of twin and summer sowing. Robust rhizobia delivery technology was developed concurrently. Following establishment of the seedbank, new legumes can be used as an on-demand break option in the crop-pasture rotation as they, unlike traditional pasture legumes, do not need to be resown following each cropping phase. Additionally, legume species/varieties have significant potential for sustaining high levels of livestock production. Biserrula also has considerable potential in offering alternative control methods for the problematic cropping weed, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum).
use in farming systems was limited by lack of information on how to manage them and perceived high cost of establishment. The ability to harvest seed on farm using conventional headers and the unique hard seed characteristics of the new legumes resulted in development of the low-cost, one-time establishment options of twin and summer sowing. Robust rhizobia delivery technology was developed concurrently. Following establishment of the seedbank, new legumes can be used as an on-demand break option in the crop-pasture rotation as they, unlike traditional pasture legumes, do not need to be resown following each cropping phase. Additionally, legume species/varieties have significant potential for sustaining high levels of livestock production. Biserrula also has considerable potential in offering alternative control methods for the problematic cropping weed, annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 17th Proceedings of the Australian Agronomy Conference |
| Place of Publication | Australia |
| Publisher | Australian Society of Agronomy |
| Pages | 1-4 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
| Event | 17th Australian Agronomy Conference - Wrest Point Convention Centre , Hobart, Australia Duration: 21 Sept 2015 → 24 Sept 2015 http://www.agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/index.php/conference-2015-homepage |
Conference
| Conference | 17th Australian Agronomy Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Building Productive, Diverse and Sustainable Landscapes |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Hobart |
| Period | 21/09/15 → 24/09/15 |
| Internet address |