Subterranean clover as a winter forage crop in a subtropical environment

1975 ◽  
Vol 15 (76) ◽  
pp. 631 ◽  
Author(s):  
DR Kemp
Keyword(s):  
East Coast ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Forage Crop ◽  
Early Autumn ◽  
Subtropical Environment

The feasibility of using subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) rather than oats (Avena spp.) or annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) as a low cost winter forage crop was studied over three years at Taree (lat 32�S) on the subtropical east coast of Australia. When sown in early autumn, with sufficient moisture, subterranean clover yields during the winter were equal to oats liberally supplied with nitrogen, though initial yields from oats were greater over the first two months from sowing. Subterranean clover and ryegrass yields were similar during winter when sown in early autumn. In a dry year, the best results were obtained from sowing subterranean clover in mid autumn. Late autumn or early winter sowings of subterranean clover were unsatisfactory. It was concluded that sowing subterranean clover at high rates (30 kg ha-1) in early autumn provides a suitable low cost, alternative, winter forage crop.

scholarly journals Comparative effects of grazing, herbicide or forage conservation on barley grass content in Trifolium subterraneum L. clover-based pasture

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (9) ◽  
pp. 800
Author(s):  
John W. Piltz ◽  
Simon J. Flinn ◽  
Leslie A. Weston
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Harvest Timing

Barley grass (Hordeum spp.) is a relatively short lived annual that provides high quality grazing early in the season, but its seed heads cause contamination of wool and carcasses, and may irritate the mouth, eyes and nose of sheep. Treatments were imposed on established subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) annual pasture in the same plots for three consecutive years (2015 to 2017) to evaluate changes in barley grass content. Treatments included: grazing alone (G), herbicide followed by grazing (HG), or a forage conservation harvest in early October, late October or early November consistent with an early silage harvest (ES), late silage harvest (LS) or hay cut (H). Grazing plus herbicide markedly reduced (P < 0.05) barley grass numbers compared with all other treatments, but increased (P < 0.05) the growth of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum L.). ES reduced (P < 0.05) barley grass and increased (P < 0.05) subterranean clover compared with H, but broadleaf weed content benefitted by LS in contrast to either ES or H. Although herbicide application was the most effective method for barley grass control, forage harvest timing could be used to beneficially manipulate pasture composition.

Competitive growth of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) and some annual pasture species

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (61) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG McIvor ◽  
DF Smith
Keyword(s):  
Water Availability ◽  
Marked Reduction ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Competitive Growth ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Relative Growth Rates ◽  
Competition For Light

A comparison of the relative growth rates (RGR) of plants of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) under high soil fertility conditions showed capeweed to have a higher RGR in the early weeks of growth, offsetting the effect of smaller seed size. However, when grown in mixed swards with the clover, under conditions of high NPK and water availability, capeweed did not readily suppress clover growth. If the capeweed and clover began growth together, clover growth was reduced by associated capeweed only after twelve weeks of growth, and then only slightly. If the capeweed was established four weeks before the clover there was a marked reduction of clover growth at the harvest eight weeks after the clover was sown. The results suggest that 'smothering' of clover by capeweed through competition for light is unlikely in grazed pastures in southern Australia.

The effect of defoliation and sward density on the growth of some annual pasture species

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (61) ◽  
pp. 178 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG McIvor ◽  
DF Smith
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Plant Survival

The comparative production from pure and mixed swards of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula), subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), and annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) grown in containers was measured over a 12-week period. Densities of one to 64 plants dm-2, and clipping frequencies of two- and four-weekly intervals and no defoliation were combined factorially. Plant survival decreased as density rose for all swards. More frequent defoliation increased the survival of capeweed and clover in mixed swards and capeweed in pure swards. In both pure and mixed swards, capeweed produced the most herbage at low densities, but this advantage was not maintained at the highest density in undefoliated swards when ryegrass was the most productive. Increased defoliation reduced root weights. The treatments only affected the root : shoot ratios of capeweed grown at high densities-clipping at four-week intervals gave higher ratios. In the mixed swards, capeweed content declined and clover and ryegrass content increased as density was increased. Capeweed content was little altered by defoliation, but subterranean clover increased and ryegrass decreased with more frequent defoliation.

Competition among seedlings of perennial grasses, subterranean clover, white clover, and annual ryegrass in replacement series mixtures

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 377 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Plant Competition ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Maximum Likelihood Estimates ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Replacement Series ◽  
Successful Establishment

Seedlings of 3 perennial grasses, Danthonia linkii Kunthcv. Bunderra, D. richardsonii Cashmore cv. Taranna(wallaby grasses), and Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa,were each grown in replacement series mixtures with seedlings ofTrifolium repens L. (white clover),Trifolium subterraneum L. var. brachycalycinum (Katzn.et Morley) Zorahy & Heller cv. Clare (subterraneanclover), and Lolium rigidum L. (annual ryegrass). Plantswere sown 5 cm apart in boxes (45 by 29 by 20 cm) at a density of 307plants/m2. Maximum likelihood estimates were usedto derive parameters of a non-linear competition model using the dry matterweights of perennial grasses and competitors at 3 harvests, approximately 168,216, and 271 days after sowing. Intra-plant competition was examined inmonocultures of each species, grown at plant spacings of 2, 5, and 8 cm apartwith plants harvested at the above times.Competition occurred in all perennial grass–competitor mixtures, exceptin those of each perennial grass with white clover and thephalaris–subterranean clover mixture (Harvest 1) and those withD. richardsonii and phalaris grown with white clover(Harvest 2). For D. richardsonii (Harvests 1 and 2) andD. linkii (Harvest 1 only) grown with white clover andthe phalaris–subterranean clover (Harvest 1), the two species in themixture were not competing. In the phalaris–white clover mixture, eachspecies was equally competitive (Harvests 1 and 2). These differences incompetition and aggressiveness reflected differences in individual plantweights in monocultures where there was an effect (P < 0.05) of species ondry matter weight per box, but no significant effect of plant spacing.These data indicated that for successful establishment,D. richardsonii and D. linkiishould not be sown in swards with either subterranean clover or white clover,or where populations of annual ryegrass seedlings are likely to be high.Phalaris was more compatible with both white clover and subterranean clover,but aggressively competed with by annual ryegrass.

Irrigated pasture productivity and its variability in the Shepparton region of northern Victoria

1983 ◽  
Vol 23 (121) ◽  
pp. 131 ◽  
Author(s):  
CR Stockdale
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
Pasture Productivity

The seasonal distribution and variability of growth of three types of irrigated pastures were measured at Kyabram over a period of up to seven years. The pasture types studied were (1) paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum)-dominant perennial pasture, (2) ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/clover (Trifolium repens) perennial pasture, and (3) annual pasture based on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum). The influence of environmental factors on the year-to-year variability in monthly growth rates was also examined. Annual growth curves were constructed for each pasture type, and examination of the variability about each monthly mean indicated that the spring months, and October in particular, were the most variable months for pasture growth. Environmental factors were found to account for part of the year-to-year variation in pasture growth of paspalum pastures in August, September, October, November and April. Higher mean maximum temperatures significantly increased growth in September, October and April, with the greatest response occurring in October; hours of sunshine was the significant factor influencing growth in August and November. Annual pasture growth also responded to changes in mean maximum temperature or hours of sunshine in September and October. The comparative mean annual production of paspalum pasture, ryegrass/clover pasture and annual pasture was 18.3, 18.3 and 11.0 t DM/ha, respectively. These levels of production represented 1.1, 1.2 and 1.6% conversion of photosynthetically active radiation during the growing period of the three pasture types, respectively. These levels of productivity and the animal production that should result, suggest that the pasture productivity on many irrigated dairy farms is either very low or the pasture that is grown is inefficiently utilized. Because animal productivity depends on pasture productivity more than any other single factor, farmers should make improvement of pasture growth their major aim while having regard for the variability in growth that can result from variations in environmental factors.

Effect of spelling newly sown pastures

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (64) ◽  
pp. 549 ◽  
Author(s):  
RCG Smith ◽  
EF Biddiscombe ◽  
WR Stern
Keyword(s):  
Growth Form ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Seed Reserves ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass

Newly sown pure swards of Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were either grazed or spelled (deferred) for five weeks after emergence in autumn and then evaluated with young Merino wethers stocked at 10 sheep ha-1. Sheep on deferred pastures had higher intakes and liveweight than on plots continuously grazed. Spelling increased the availability of pasture for prehension due to a greater weight of herbage being offered and the more erect growth form. Under continuous grazing the animal productivity on clover was much lower than on ryegrass but following deferment, both species had similar productivity. The beneficial effects of spelling after emergence were manifest over the ensuing ten months by liveweight, fleeceweight and number of days of grazing. Spelling also increased seed reserves at the end of summer and the number of plants re-establishing at the beginning of the next growing season.

The growth of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) in annual pasture. 4. The effect of some management practices on barley grass content

1968 ◽  
Vol 8 (35) ◽  
pp. 706 ◽  
Author(s):  
DF Smith
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Seed Setting ◽  
Grass Seed ◽  
Hordeum Leporinum ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass

The effects of three grazing treatments and three mowing treatments on the dominance of barley grass (Hordeum leporinum) in an annual pasture were examined. Different spring grazing patterns did not markedly alter the amount of seed. Mowing favoured the legume component; topping less so than cutting lower as for hay or silage. However, none of these practices totally prevented barley grass from setting seed, and their effects were partly offset by late irrigation. Oversowing with subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) did reduce barley grass seed setting but alone u-as not effective in changing botanical composition. Compared with Wimmera ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), barley grass showed greater persistence.

A comparison of the effects of autumn deferment and continous grazing on the growth of an annual pasture

1973 ◽  
Vol 13 (65) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
JG McIvor ◽  
DF Smith
Keyword(s):  
Shoot Apex ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Early Winter ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
One Year ◽  
Apex Height

The effects of deferred autumn grazing on a pasture comprising nearly equal proportions of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) and annual grasses were measured over two growing seasons. Autumn deferment increased the survival of capeweed seedlings in both years and of clover in one year but had little effect on the annual grasses. Although there was more herbage present on the deferred plots in early winter, under later set stocking at normal levels by spring the amount of herbage present, plant density, botanical composition and seed numbers were similar on all plots. The accumulation of herbage under deferred grazing caused an elevation of shoot apex height in capeweed, but not in clover. When combined with subsequent intensive grazing, the number of capeweed plants surviving to flowering was sharply reduced. However, this management also resulted in a reduction in herbage production in spring.

Manipulation of buried seed reserves by timing of soil tillage in Mediterranean-type pastures

1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Forcella ◽  
AM Gill
Keyword(s):  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Annual Ryegrass ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Polygonum Aviculare ◽  
Red Brome ◽  
Bromus Rubens

Environmental requirements for seed germination and seedling growth vary appreciably among pasture species. Therefore, it is possible that the botanical composition of pastures may be manipulated by timely seasonal exposure of the soil-seed reserve to conditions that promote germination differentially. This possibility was examined in two Mediterranean type pastures in which plots were tilled once per year, each in a different month, for 2 years. For several pasture species, effects were estimated with respect to numbers of soil seeds, numbers of emergent seedlings and canopy coverage. Individual species showed specific behaviour patterns. Seeds of sorrel (Rumex acetosella) and wireweed (Polygonum aviculare) maintained abundant seed in the soil, those of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were less persistent, and seeds of red brome (Bromus rubens) and silvergrass ( Vulpia spp.) occurred only seasonally in the soil-seed pools. Mature plants of red brome, silvergrass and subterranean clover attained dominance only in summer and early autumn-tilled plots. Annual ryegrass was more abundant when soil was cultivated in late autumn and early winter, whereas sorrel and wireweed were significant only in plots ploughed in winter. Thus botanical composition may be altered radically by time of tillage, and this has several practical implications for pasture management and weed control.

Effect of lupin grain supplements on lamb birth weight and growth rate and on milk production of Merino ewes

1977 ◽  
Vol 17 (89) ◽  
pp. 915 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Arnold ◽  
SR Wallace ◽  
ESde Boer
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Milk Secretion ◽  
Lolium Rigidum ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Cent Increase ◽  
Wimmera Ryegrass ◽  
Lamb Growth

Merino ewes lambing in March on dry subterranean-clover-Wimmera ryegrass (Trifolium subterraneum-Lolium rigidum) pastures were fed a lupin grain supplement at different rates for 10 weeks, beginning four weeks before lambing, In two experiments, birth weights of lambs were unaffected by the supplements but both milk production of the ewes and the growth rate and weaning weight of lambs increased linearly with increasing level of supplementation. At the highest rate of supplement (600 g day-1), the ewes produced 46 per cent more milk in a four hour period in the first four weeks of lactation than ewes that were not fed and their lambs were 3 kg heavier at weaning. In a third experiment in which ewes were fed in yards, increasing the protein level in the ration from 8 per cent to 14 per cent using lupin grain gave a 15 per cent increase in milk production and a significantly higher lamb growth rate at the same level of energy intake. At ad libitum levels of intake the high protein ration gave a 33 per cent higher rate of milk secretion over ten weeks and a 40 per cent higher growth rate of lambs than the low protein ration

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