Evaluation of native and introduced grasses for low-input pastures in temperate Australia: experimental approach, site and genotype descriptions

Abstract

This paper describes the experimental methodology, sites, seasonal conditions and germplasm used in the Australian Native and Low Input Grass Network (NLIGN). In 1998, eight sites were established across the temperate pastoral zone of southern Australia. These were located at Armidale, Binya, Sutton and Trangie in NSW; Springhurst in Victoria; Jericho in Tasmania; Flaxley in South Australie and Kendenup in Western Australia. A total of 62 lines were evaluated, of which, 29 were Australian native grasses and 33 were introduced. With differences in seed size among species and a lack of information on dormancy and germination characteristics of the native plants, seedlings were transplanted into the field on weed-mat as spaced plants. Lines were compared over a 3-year period from 1998 to 2001. Methods used for determination of forage production, persistence and palatability are described. Information detailing the original collection sites of the germplasm, a list of NLIGN sites where each genotype was evaluated, as well as a detailed description of sites and seasonal conditions is also presented.