Abstract

Dry matter production and plant density were measured after seeding lucerne: (Medicago rarii'a) into grassland at two sites in New South Wales having inearl annual rainfalls of 292 and 425 mm. Various methods of minimal tillage establishment were used. Sod-seeding failed to produce a satisfactory stand at either site, even where herbicide had been applied. Survival was best when lucerne was sown in furrows 15 cm wide, the lucerne density after five years being 8 plants ~n'~, or 80,000 plants ha-'. This treat- ment was also superior in dry matter production to the use of furrows of 5 and 10 an width, or to seeding after a single cultivation. The effect on production of a herbicide applied at sowing decreased with increasing width of furrow. The results of this study could also be relevant to the establishment of other species under rangeland conditions.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call