Superphosphate on perennial pastures. I. Effects of a pasture response on sheep production

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 991 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Curll
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Gross Margins

From 1973 to 1975 in the Mediterranean environment of southern New South Wales, superphosphate was applied annually at four rates (0, 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1) to an established perennial pasture with a substantial history of superphosphate use. The pasture was continuously grazed by Border Leicester × Merino ewes (at 10 and 13.3 ha-1), so that plant growth responses to superphosphate could be assessed in sheep production terms and an estimate made of the monetary value of these responses. Growth rate of unfertilized pastures declined over the experimental period, and depending on the quantity of superphosphate applied and stocking rate, responses of fertilized pastures ranged from 20 to 36% in 1973, 28 to 157% in 1974 and 75 to 233% in 1975. From having similar proportions of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), pastures tended towards clover dominance with little (62 kg ha-1) or no superphosphate, particularly at high stocking rate, and to grass dominance at higher rates of superphosphate, particularly at low stocking rate. By increasing the level of available pasture, superphosphate increased wool production and ewe liveweight, lambs reared, their growth rate and the percentage that reached marketable weight (32 kg). These trends were similar at both stocking rates. Significant quadratic response relationships existed between these parameters and rate of superphosphate. Withholding superphosphate caused a progressive reduction in gross margins of about 37% over the 3 year trial period, while its application increased gross margins, relative to those from unfertilized pastures, by a maximum 10, 42, and 140% for the first, second and third year respectively. It is suggested that these pasture responses calibrated in animal production terms may be extended to other situations most effectively by using the data to test and improve tentative models used to predict fertilizer requirements.

Superphosphate on perennial pastures. II.* Effects of a pasture response on steer beef production

1977 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Curll
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Dominant Component ◽  
History Of ◽  
Gross Margins

For a 3 year period, superphosphate was applied annually at rates of 0, 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 to an established phalaris (Phalaris aquatica)/subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) pasture with a substantial history of superphosphate use. Steers, replaced annually, continuously grazed these pastures so that plant growth responses to superphosphate could be calibrated in animal production and economic terms. Pasture growth rate responses to superphosphate, relative to unfertilized treatments and averaged over 3 years, were 64, 108 and 136% for the 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 treatments respectively. Similar proportions of phalaris and subterranean clover were maintained in the unfertilized pasture, and phalaris became the dominant component in the fertilized pastures. Superphosphate significantly increased the level of available pasture and steer growth rates. Steers from the 62, 125 and 250 kg ha-1 treatments averaged, at sale, 70, 98 and 117 kg heavier respectively than those from the unfertilized treatments. Over the experimental period, a twofold reduction in gross margins followed from withholding superphosphate. In contrast, its application in the second and third year led to an average fourfold and sixfold improvement respectively in gross margins. It is suggested that the use of these results to test and improve simulation models of fertilizer systems is the most effective means of establishing guidelines on which to base decisions on current fertilizer policy in other situations. __________________ * Part I, Aust. J. Agric. Res., 28: 991 (1977).

Effect of management system and stocking rate on the performance of ewes and lambs

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (83) ◽  
pp. 810 ◽  
Author(s):  
BD Hill ◽  
DG Saville
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Management System ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
The Body ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Lamb Growth

A grazing experiment was conducted at Cowra, on the western slopes of New South Wales, on a pasture consisting of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and annual species including capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), barley grass (Hordeum leporinum). wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) . The performance of Border Leicesterx Merino ewes mated to Dorset Horn rams and the growth of their progeny was compared under rotational and set stocked grazing management systems, with and without a 20 per cent area of lucerne saved for grazing when additional feed was required. There was one stocking rate (8.7 ewes ha-1) in 1966 and two (8.7 ewes ha-1 and 13.0 ewes ha-1) in 1967 to 1969. Rotational grazing decreased the lamb growth rate but increased the number of lambs born. The management system did not affect the body weight or wool production of the ewes. Lucerne was quickly eliminated from the set stocked areas and was greatly reduced in the rotational systems. Capeweed became dominant in the set stocked areas. Saving increased the number of lambs born at the high stocking rate in 1967 to 1969. In 1966 saving reduced lamb growth, ewe body weight and wool growth in the rotational system. The high stocking rate increased wool production per hectare, but decreased the number of lambs born and, in 1967, the lamb growth rate.

Beef production from lucerne and subterranean clover pastures. 1. The effects of pasture, stocking rate and supplementary feeding

1980 ◽  
Vol 20 (107) ◽  
pp. 678 ◽  
Author(s):  
EC Wolfe ◽  
RD FitzGerald ◽  
DG Hall ◽  
OR Southwood
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Development ◽  
New South ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Wagga Wagga ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
South Wales ◽  
June July

The production and management of weaner steers on two pasture types were studied over 3 years at Wagga Wagga in southern New South Wales. One pasture (LC) was sown with a mixture of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and the other (C) was sown only with subterranean clover. On each pasture the management treatments were 1.3 and 2.0 steers ha-' in 1975, and 2.1 and 3.0 steers ha-1 in 1976 and 1977, with a grain supplement at the heavier stocking rate in all years. Each year, steers gained more liveweight in February-March or April-May on LC than on C, and this advantage was maintained or increased until slaughter in the following January. The faster growth of steers on lucerne-clover was always associated with an increased supply of green herbage. Annual liveweight gain on LC exceeded that on C by 20-30 kg/head in 1975 and 1977, and by up to 90 kg/head in 1976, when the rainfall pattern was unsuitable for clover growth. Carcases from steers on LC were heavier (all years), covered with a greater depth of fat (1 975 and 1976) and showed better eye muscle development (1 76 and 1977) than those on C. In 1975, neither stocking rate nor supplementary feeding affected liveweight or carcase development. In the following 2 years, increasing the stocking rate from 2 to 3 steers ha-1 reduced annual liveweight gains by 35-40 kg/head. Oat grain supplements (2-3 kg/head day-1 in February-March, June-July and December-January) improved weight gains and carcase quality on both pasture types in 1977, but only on C in 1976

Superphosphate utilization in clover ley farming. I. Effects on pasture and sheep production

1974 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
GD Kohn
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Wagga Wagga ◽  
First Year ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
Ley Farming ◽  
Hordeum Leporinum ◽  
Sheep Production

From 1962 to 1966 an experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Institute, Wagga Wagga, N.S.W., with dry Merino sheep on an annual clover-grass pasture, in which the stocking rate and the rates of topdressing with superphosphate were varied. In the first year Trifolium subterraneum (subterranean clover) responded to superphosphate, particularly at the lowest stocking rates. In the following 2–3 years there was a change to Hordeum leporinum Link (barley grass) dominance. A greater amount of subterranean clover persisted over the years on the unfertilized plots than on the fertilized plots. Clover burr on these treatments was associated with better liveweight performance by sheep over the dry summer-autumn period. However, after the autumn rains germinating barley grass on the topdressed plots allowed rapid liveweight gains to be made by the sheep on those treatments. Greasy wool production per head, averaged over four shearings, was 4.81, 4.36 and 3.86 kg at 5, 10 and 15 sheep per ha respectively. Superphosphate had no significant effect on wool production. Liveweights decreased as the stocking rate increased. However, at a given stocking rate, the liveweight changes were influenced by changes in pasture composition induced by topdressing with superphosphate, as much as by total available pasture. It appears that in this clover ley farming area topdressing can be omitted in the pasture phase of a wool production system after 700 kg superphosphate ha-I have been applied to the soil.

A study of inoculation and sowing methods for Trifolium subterraneum in New South Wales

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (62) ◽  
pp. 284 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Roughley ◽  
MH Walker
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Ph Values ◽  
South Wales ◽  
History Of

The effects of treatments known to influence the nodulation of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were tested at 32 sites in New South Wales. The influence of the treatments varied but where positive effects were obtained the results generally corroborated earlier findings. At soil pH values below 5.5, lime pelleting was generally superior to slurry inoculation without lime but still better nodulation resulted from drilling inoculated seed with equal parts of lime and superphosphate. The results highlighted the difficulty of predicting the need to inoculate seed to achieve effective nodulation. The soil texture and pH, presence of the host plant and the previous history of the site were not reliable guides. Nodulation was generally improved by separating seed and superphosphate and by drilling seed rather than broadcasting it even if covered later.

Pasture systems to improve productivity of sheep in south-western Victoria 2. Animal production from ewes and lambs

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 982 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Saul ◽  
Gavin Kearney ◽  
Dion Borg
Keyword(s):  
Flow Analysis ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Supplementary Feeding ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Discounted Cash Flow ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Breakeven Point ◽  
Gross Margins ◽  
On Farm

Two pasture systems (Typical, Upgraded) were compared at five on-farm sites across south-western Victoria between 1990 and 1996. The Typical pasture treatment mimicked the pastures common in the region, with volunteer annual-based species fertilised with ~5 kg/ha.year phosphorus (P). The Upgraded pasture treatment was sown to phalaris, perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover using cultivars recommended for the particular area. Higher rates of fertiliser (13–25 kg/ha.year P) plus other nutrients were applied. Both pastures were set-stocked with breeding ewes. The stocking rate on the Typical treatments was based on normal farm practice. Initially, the stocking rate of the Upgraded pastures was 15% higher than the Typical pastures and increased over time depending if the ewes in the Upgraded pastures were heavier than those in the Typical pastures. Measurements included pasture growth, composition and persistence, ewe stocking rates, ewe and lamb liveweights and condition scores, lambing, marking and weaning percentages, fleece characteristics and supplementary feeding. Over the 6 years, the average carrying capacity of the Upgraded pastures was 18.0 DSE (Dry Sheep Equivalents)/ha compared with 10.2 DSE/ha on the Typical pastures (P < 0.001). As well, the ewes on the Upgraded pastures were 2–3 kg heavier (P < 0.001) and 0.3 condition score higher (P < 0.001) than those on the Typical pastures. Ewes grazing the Upgraded pastures cut significantly more wool per head (4.8 versus 4.5 kg) of higher micron wool (23.1 versus 22.6 um, P < 0.001) but with similar yield and strength. There was no difference in the supplementary feeding required on the treatments. Ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had significantly higher lambing (116 versus 102%), marking (86 versus 81%) and weaning percentages (84 versus 79%) and weaned significantly heavier lambs (23.6 versus 22.6 kg) than those on Typical pastures. There was less feed on offer (P < 0.05) in the Upgraded pastures compared with the Typical pastures in autumn–winter but similar or higher levels in spring and summer. Gross margins using current costs and prices were $20 and $24/DSE for the Typical and Upgraded pastures, respectively. These values were used in a discounted cash flow analysis to determine the long-term benefits of the treatments. Assuming a 12-year life for the pasture, the internal rate of return was 27% with the breakeven point in Year 7. Treatment and ewe condition score significantly influenced lambing percentage with ewes in condition score 3.0 at joining having a lambing percentage of 111% compared with 95% if at condition score 2.3. Irrespective of condition score, ewes grazing Upgraded pastures had a 7% higher lambing percentage than those grazing the Typical pastures. Ewe condition score and lambing time significantly affected weaning weight. Lambs born to ewes in condition score 2.3 during pregnancy and lambing in autumn, reached only 32% of mature ewe liveweight at weaning whereas lambs from ewes at condition score 3.0 achieved 51% of mature weight by weaning.

Occurrence of Phytophthora clandestina in Trifolium subterraneum paddocks in Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Aldaoud ◽  
W. Guppy ◽  
L. Callinan ◽  
S. F. Flett ◽  
K. A. Wratten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Differential Cultivars

In 1995–96, a survey of soil samples from subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) paddocks was conducted across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, to determine the distribution and the prevalence of races of Phytophthora clandestina (as determined by the development of root rot on differential cultivars), and the association of its occurrence with paddock variables. In all states, there was a weak but significant association between P. clandestina detected in soil samples and subsequent root rot susceptibility of differential cultivars grown in these soil samples. Phytophthora clandestina was found in 38% of the sampled sites, with a significantly lower prevalence in South Australia (27%). There were significant positive associations between P. clandestina detection and increased soil salinity (Western Australia), early growth stages of subterranean clover (Victoria), mature subterranean clover (South Australia), recently sown subterranean clover (South Australia), paddocks with higher subterranean clover content (Victoria), where herbicides were not applied (South Australia), irrigation (New South Wales and Victoria), cattle grazing (South Australia and Victoria), early sampling dates (Victoria and New South Wales), sampling shortly after the autumn break or first irrigation (Victoria), shorter soil storage time (Victoria) and farmer’s perception of root rot being present (Victoria and New South Wales). Only 29% of P. clandestina isolates could be classified under the 5 known races. Some of the unknown races were virulent on cv. Seaton Park LF (most resistant) and others were avirulent on cv. Woogenellup (most susceptible). Race 1 was significantly less prevalent in South Australia than Victoria and race 0 was significantly less prevalent in New South Wales than in South Australia and Western Australia. This study revealed extremely wide variation in the virulence of P. clandestina. The potential importance of the results on programs to breed for resistance to root rot are discussed. in South Australia.

Merino ewe and lamb performance in the Central Tablelands of New South Wales following joining in March-April or June-July

1988 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 561 ◽  
Author(s):  
HL Davies ◽  
E Devaud
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Late Pregnancy ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Group Number ◽  
Nutritional Advantage ◽  
June July ◽  
Group 1

A March-April joining of Merino ewes was compared with a June-July joining in central New South Wales at a low stocking rate on subterranean clover based pastures over 3 years. In all years, ewes joined in June were heavier (P < 0.05) than ewes joined in March (55 v. 52 kg). Liveweights at the start of lambing and liveweight change from joining to lambing were also high and favoured the later lambing group. The proportion of ewes lambing (97% March v. 93% June) and proportion of ewes twinning (29% March v. 20% June) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, but consistently favoured the March-April joining. Perinatal mortality was low (9.4% March v. 7.1% June) and not significantly different between the 2 groups, but was consistently lower in the June joined group. Number of lambs weaned per 100 ewes joined was also not significantly different, but was higher each year in the March joined group (1 13% March v. 105% June). The growth rate of the lambs (both singles [24% greater, 248 v. 200 g/day] and twins [37% greater, 2 13 v. 155 g/day]) was consistently in favour of March joined ewes. Mean greasy fleece weights of the ewes were not significantly different between the 2 groups, but were in favour of the late joined group (4.83 v. 4.50 kg). Time of joining significantly affected liveweights and greasy and clean fleece weights of the progeny at the shearing in the year following their birth in favour of March joining. These data suggest that, despite a nutritional advantage to the ewes in late pregnancy and milder weather at lambing with a June-July joining, a March- April joining is the preferred option on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales.

Performance of breeding ewes on lucerne-subterranean clover pastures

1985 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 758 ◽  
Author(s):  
DG Hall ◽  
EC Wolfe ◽  
BR Cullis
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Wagga Wagga ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Sheep Production ◽  
Lamb Growth

Pasture production, ewe and lamb growth, ewe wool production and diet quality were studied on lucerne-subterranean clover pastures at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Lucerne was sown at rates of 0.75 to 3.0 kg/ha, and the pastures were rotationally grazed with Border Leicester x Merino ewes at 9.6 or 12.7 sheep/ha, the ewes lambing in August- September. Lucerne density declined by 45% over the 3 years on all treatments. The clover cultivar sown, Woogenellup, had low persistence, particularly at 12.7 sheep/ha. The density of lucerne had little effect on annual wool and lamb production, although the ewes grew faster on the denser lucerne in summer and the sparser lucerne in winter. At 12- 7 sheep/ha, there was an extra 19% total lamb weight by the end of November and an extra 22% of finer wool (1 �m) annually, but the fleeces had a higher proportion of wool tenderness. The major limitations of the lucerne-subterranean clover pastures to sheep production were the low quality of the diet in early summer, and low pasture production in late winter. In early summer the lucerne was rapidly consumed, leaving only moderate quality clover and grass residues, which limited lamb growth, while in winter pregnancy toxaemia occurred, fleeces were tender and wool growth was low, particularly during a drought in 1976.

Effect of fertilizer nitrogen, stocking rate and autumn deferment of grazing in association with hay cutting on the root structure of annual pasture species

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (78) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Doyle ◽  
MJ Sharkey
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Root Structure ◽  
Root Branching ◽  
Grass Roots ◽  
Hordeum Leporinum ◽  
Main Components

Length, weight, branching and chemical composition of roots of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) and subterranean clover, (Trifolium subterraneum), the main components of a non-irrigated pasture were measured in the fourth year of an experiment on pastures grazed by Corriedale wethers. The grazing treatments were in a factorial design (2 x 2 x 3) replicated three times, with three stocking rates, two levels of nitrogen fertilizer and two methods of management. Grass and clover density was reduced progressively as stocking rate was increased from 10 to 12 to 17 wethers ha-1 but the surviving plants at maturity had vigorous root systems. This performance of annual species contrasts with that of perennial pasture species where root development and root branching may be expected to decline with increase in grazing pressure. Applications of nitrogen fertilizer annually at rates of 0 or 67 kg ha-1 had little effect on density of grasses or clovers but clover roots were lighter and had fewer rhizobia nodules where nitrogen fertilizer had been applied. The management of pasture by deferment of grazing during regeneration was beneficial to clover plants in that their root structure was larger at maturity; similar effects were not evident in grass roots.

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