The effects of sowing time, sowing technique and grazing on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) establishment

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 627 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Charles ◽  
GJ Blair ◽  
AC Andrews

The effects of sowing time (autumn and spring) and technique (conventional cultivation, inverted T direct drill, triple disc direct drill and aerial seeding), on the establishment of tall fescue into a weed infested pasture on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales were examined. A pre-sowing herbicide treatment was included in the 2 direct drilling treatments, and heavy pre-sowing grazing was used in the autumn sowing. The design used 38 plots of 0.12 ha, analysed as 2 separate, complete block experiments, with some common treatments. Tall fescue establishment, 120 days after the autumn sowing, averaged 48 seedlingslm2 on the inverted T treatment (16% establishment). Establishment was improved by 63%, to 78 seedlings/m2, with herbicide and 46%, to 70 seedlings/m2, by heavy grazing. These effects were additive, giving 105 seedlings/m2 for the combined treatments. Only 52 seedlings/m2 established on the triple disc treatment with heavy grazing and herbicide, while establishment on the cultivated seedbed was not different from the inverted T (93 seedlings/m2). There was no establishment after the aerial seeding at either sowing. Fescue establishment showed the same trends in the spring sowing, with 140 seedlings/m2 on the inverted T treatment with pre-sowing herbicide, which was higher than the establishment of 107 seedlings/m2 on the cultivated seedbed. The fescue yield, 18 months after the autumn sowing, was highest in the autumn sown, inverted T treatment with pre-sowing herbicide and heavy grazing (123 kg/ha). In the spring sowing, fescue was recorded only on the cultivated treatment (84 kg/ha) and on the inverted T treatment with pre-sowing herbicide (39 kg/ha). These results show that tall fescue can be re-established into weed dominated pastures on the Northern Tablelands with direct drilling, in either autumn or spring, and that heavy, pre-sowing grazing and herbicide increase fescue establishment.

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
GW Charles ◽  
GJ Blair ◽  
AC Andrews

The effects of sowing time (autumn and spring), sowing technique (conventional cultivation, inverted T direct drill, triple disc direct drill and aerial sowing) and post-sowing weed competition on the establishment of tall fescue were assessed at a field site on the Northern Tablelands of N.S.W. Weed competition [principally Vulpia rnyuros (L.) Gmel.] was removed by pre-sowing herbicide and post-sowing weed control treatments of 0, 30, 60 or 90 days duration. The seedling emergence percentage was monitored until 9 months after the autumn sowing and plots were harvested 9 and 18 months after the autumn sowing. Tall fescue establishment averaged 46 seedlings m-2 from the spring sowing, successful establishment of 15% of viable seed, and 3.5 times better than for the autumn sowing. Eighteen months after sowing, the average dry matter yield of fescue was 960 kg ha-1 for the spring sowing, 33% higher than for the autumn sowing. Aerial sowing resulted in less than 3% establishment at either sowing time. The establishment from the direct drilling machines were equal to that of the cultivated seedbed in the autumn sowing (16 seedlings m-1). In the spring sowing, 79 seedlings m-2 established from the inverted T sowing technique, 43% more than for the cultivated seedbed, and 115% more than for the triple disc. Fourteen months after the spring sowing, post-sowing weed control had reduced the yield of the unsown species 82% on average, and increased the yield of tall fescue by 11956, but had no effect on the final number of established fescue plants. These results show the potential for the establishment of tall fescue on the Northern Tablelands from direct drilling in spring, avoiding many of the problems currently associated with establishment from conventional cultivation in autumn.


1975 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 269 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lazenby ◽  
JV Lovett

The production of herbage by five pasture species—Phalaris tuberosa (phalaris), Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue), Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), Trifolium repens (white clover) and Medicago sativa (lucerne)—was measured when they were grown in the field in monoculture, and by phalaris and white clover when grown in mixture. The plots were irrigated to prevent water deficits, and five levels of nitrogen were included; the mixture was also grown under dryland conditions. All plots were defoliated at intervals during a period of 3 years. A capacitance probe was used in an attempt to determine harvest times more objectively, and to establish long-term relationships between meter readings and components of plant yield. Major differences in production were detected between the species, lucerne producing most in the first 2 years of the experiment. Nitrogen and available soil moisture affected both production and botanical composition, and significant differences were detected in species' responses to applied nitrogen and in nitrogen recovery. The performance of lucerne and tall fescue suggests that both species deserve to be more widely grown on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.


2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 345 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge

A series of seed and seedling studies was undertaken in northern New South Wales for the temperate perennial grasses phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirosa and Australian), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea cv. Demeter), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne cv. Kangaroo Valley), and 2 wallaby grasses (Austrodanthonia bipartita syn. Danthonia linkii cv. Bunderra and A. richardsonii syn. D. richardsonii cv. Taranna). Studies were conducted to determine the level of dormancy in freshly harvested seed and the time required to overcome it, effects of alternating daily temperatures on the germination of non-dormant seed, effect of time-of-sowing on seedling emergence (2 studies) and survival, levels of seed production and soil seedbanks, and the effect of litter cover and soil type on the emergence of Sirosa phalaris seedlings.Grass species, time, and their interaction all had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on both dispersal unit and caryopses germination. One month after harvest, germination of caryopses was lower (P < 0.05, 2 and 1%, respectively) for Taranna and Bunderra than for Sirosa (79.5%). In March 1993, germination of the 2 wallaby grasses was also lower (P < 0.05) than that of Sirosa. Dormancy of freshly harvested seeds of Sirosa was mainly associated with the structures surrounding the caryopses (7.7 v. 79.5% mean germination), but for Taranna and Bunderra it was related to physiological dormancy of the caryopses.Germination levels that were not significantly different to the maximum occurred for temperature ranges of 35/30–15/10�C [Sirosa (commercial)], 35/25–15/10�C (Australian phalaris), and 35/30–15/05�C (Kangaroo Valley ryegrass). In contrast, maximum germination of wallaby grasses only occurred for Taranna in the temperature range 25/20–20/10�C, and for Bunderra at 25/15 and 20/15�C.Seedling emergence in the field was episodic, occurring on only 3 occasions from 1993 to 1996. No seedlings of Sirosa phalaris, Demeter tall fescue, or Kangaroo Valley ryegrass were successfully recruited, but Taranna and Bunderra successfully recruited new plants from natural seedfalls. Whereas seed production of the perennial grasses studied was relatively high (~10 000 seed/m2 in 1992), soil seedbank levels were much lower (generally <1000 seeds/m2). These data were used to indicate the likely successful establishment of sown perennial grasses or by regeneration from natural seedfall.


1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1311 ◽  
Author(s):  
GM Lodge ◽  
AJ Schipp

Two experiments examined the effects of sowing time and depth (surface and 10, 25, 50 mm) on emergence of Danthonia richardsonii Cashmore and Danthonia linkii Kunth. Experiment 1 was conducted from January to December 1990 on a loam/sand mixture in boxes. Emergence was highest in both species for seeds sown onto the soil surface in summer and autumn (P < 0.05). Sowing at any depth at any time of the year, or surface sowing in winter and spring, markedly reduced emergence. Experiment 2 was conducted in the field at Tamworth, northern New South Wales from September 1991 to August 1992, on a red brown earth and a black earth. This study confirmed that emergence in both species was highest from surface sown seed. Field emergence was lowest in winter, but in contrast to experiment 1, it was higher in spring, particularly on the black earth. Seedling emergence appeared to be related to mean maximum temperature, decreasing in winter as it declined below 20�C, and increasing in spring when it was greater than 23�C. Differences in seed weight were reflected in emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii in experiment 1. Similar emergence was recorded for the loamlsand mixture and sand, indicating that there was little effect of texture. Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirosa surface sown in December had lower emergence ( P < 0.05) than both Danthonia spp., but emergence of this larger seeded cultivar was higher at depths of 10 and 25 mm. Laboratory studies to determine reasons for the low emergence of D. richardsonii and D. linkii from depth, indicated that neither had an obligate light requirement for germination. Depth, however, reduced germination (P < 0.05) compared with surface sowing of seed. Seedlings at depth also were observed to have slower rates of shoot and root elongation. In the field, the most successful establishments of D. richardsonii and D. linkii seedlings are likely to occur from surface sowings in April and May. Sowing in spring may also be possible if mean maximum soil temperatures exceed 23�C, and seedlings can establish before the onset of hot, dry conditions in summer.


1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 93 ◽  
Author(s):  
RD FitzGerald ◽  
ML Curll ◽  
EW Heap

Thirty varieties of wheat originating from Australia, UK, USA, Ukraine, and France were evaluated over 3 years as dual-purpose wheats for the high rainfall environment of the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales (mean annual rainfall 851 mm). Mean grain yields (1.9-4.3 t/ha) compared favourably with record yields in the traditional Australian wheatbelt, but were much poorer than average yields of 6.5 t/ha reported for UK crops. A 6-week delay in sowing time halved grain yield in 1983; cutting in spring reduced yield by 40% in 1986. Grazing during winter did not significantly reduce yields. Results indicate that the development of wheat varieties adapted to the higher rainfall tablelands and suited to Australian marketing requirements might help to provide a useful alternative enterprise for tableland livestock producers.


1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
MH Campbell ◽  
MJ Keys ◽  
RD Murison ◽  
JJ Dellow

The effects of time and rate of application of glyphosate, 2,2-DPA and tetrapion on Poa labillardieri and Themeda australis were measured in seven experiments carried out 55 km south of Braidwood, on the southern tablelands of New South Wales between 1980 and 1982. In an eighth experiment (1981) and in a 35-ha demonstration (1983), at the same site, the effects of applying herbicides (before and after the autumn break) and surface-sowing Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea and Trifiolium repens with fertiliser on the control of P. labillardieri were ascertained. All three herbicides proved effective in reducing the ground cover of P. labillardieri from applications at any time of the year. For T. australis, tetrapion proved effective when applied at any time of the year, while glyphosate and 2,2-DPA were effective in all seasons except winter. Glyphosate at rates between 0.72 and 1.44 kg/ha a.i. was more cost effective than 2,2-DPA (11.1 kg/ha a.i.) and tetrapion (3.75 kg/ha a.i.). Best establishment and development of sown grasses and legumes was attained by applying herbicides after the autumn break but before heavy frosts, and then surface-sowing 1-3 months later. Control of P. labillardieri was best where P. aquatica and F. arundinacea established most densely.


1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 933 ◽  
Author(s):  
RF Reinke ◽  
LG Lewin ◽  
RL Williams

New South Wales rice crops commonly take >180 days from sowing to harvest, and a reduction in crop duration is sought to increase the efficiency of rice production. The response of rice cultivars of differing growth duration to sowing time and N application was examined across 2 growing seasons. The highest yields were obtained at early sowing dates in each season. In season 2, the maximum yield of the short-duration cultivar M101 was not significantly different to the long-duration cultivars Calrose, Pelde, and M7, with yields >12 t/ha. However, yield of cv. M101 was significantly less than the long-duration cultivars at an early sowing date in season 1. Analysis of yield components did not clearly indicate the reason for reduced yield of the short duration cultivar. Damage by birds and mice before harvest, exacerbated by early maturity, is a possible cause.Later sowing reduced yields of all cultivars, with the short-duration cultivar-least affected. Optimum N application decreased with delay in sowing. At early sowings there was a positive yield response to increasing N, whereas at the latest sowings in each season the N response was negative for all cultivars. Where the yield response to applied N was positive, the yield component most associated with yield was the number of florets per unit area (r = 0.55). Where the yield response was negative, yield reductions were primarily caused by a reduction in the proportion of filled grains (r = 0.83). Minimum temperatures during the reproductive stage of each cultivar explained only a small amount of the variation in percentage of filled grain. Low minimum temperatures during the reproductive stage were not the sole cause of the reduction in proportion of filled grains of late-sown, high-N plots. The high yield potential of short-duration cultivars in The high yield potential of short-duration cultivars in the New South Wales rice-growing area is clearly demonstrated, as is the value of such cultivars where late sowing is unavoidable.


Author(s):  
D.A. Mccallum ◽  
N.A. Thomson

The effect of a molluscicide or an insecticide on the establishment, by direct drilling of 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) 'Ellett' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L), and 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) was measured in spring and autumn establishment over 2 years. In autumn after a wet summer the application of a molluscicide significantly increased seedling numbers and establishment yield for ryegrass and tall fescue. A molluscicide applied in autumn after a dry summer or in spring had no effect . Application of insecticide significantly improved the establishment of ryegrass and tall fescue in only one of the two springs and had no effect in autumn. Phalaris was the least responsive of the pasture species to either an insecticide or molluscicide. These differences observed at establishment resulting from the applications of a pesticide were not apparent in an assessment made 1 year later. For tall fescue the results recorded on seedling numbers and yield of sown species at establishment and 1 year would suggest that for this species establishment by direct drilling is not recommended. Keywords pasture establishment, 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue, 'Ellett' ryegrass, 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris, direct drilling, molluscicide, insecticide


1997 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 80 ◽  
Author(s):  
WS Semple ◽  
TB Koen

In some areas the increase of woody plants is a problem whereas in others, the lack of regeneration is viewed with a similar degree of concern. The experiments described in this paper were an attempt to further understand factors affecting regeneration of woody plants. The effect of seedbed on the emergence and survival of hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima) and on several species of Eucalyptus was evaluated at two sites in the Central West of New South Wales. Seed was sown in two springs, two summers and two autumns from 1990 to 1992 and seedlings monitored for 12 months after sowing. Seedbeds compared were prepared by cultivation, scalping, burning, applying herbicide (glyphosate) and mowinglgrazing (control). Following failure of surface sowing in spring 1990 and summer 1990191 due to poor seasonal conditions, all subsequent experiments included direct drilled controls. Emergents were recorded in most treatments in the four succeeding seasons but hopbush and eucalypts responded differently to treatments. Numbers of hopbush emergents and seedlings after 12 months were consistently higher following direct drilling into scalped seedbeds. In contrast, the maximum number of eucalypt emergents was not consistently associated with any seedbed type, though emergence was generally higher following direct drilling. However, higher numbers of eucalypt seedlings were present in scalped plots after 12 months. It was concluded that weed control following emergence was the main effect of seedbed preparation on the number of eucalypt seedlings present after 12 months. Though this also applied to hopbush. seedbeds which provided the opportunity of seed burial enhanced emergence. This was believed to be due to the breaking of seed dormancy.


1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 433 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. D. J. Penrose

This study examined factors that determine ear emergence in winter wheats grown at Temora, New South Wales. Three development factors were considered: degree of winter habit, response to photoperiod, and intrinsic earliness. The effect of winter habit was first examined by using 3 pairs of related wheats that differed for spring–winter habit. Wheats were sown under irrigation from mid February to June, for up to 4 consecutive years. Ear emergence was recorded in days of the year for ease of field interpretation, and in photo-thermal time to measure delay in development. Winter habit was found to delay ear emergence throughout this sowing range. Ear emergence was then studied in 23 winter wheats that as a group encompassed a broad range for each of the 3 development factors, and these winter wheats were grouped on the basis of combinations of development factors. Differences in ear emergence between these groups guided the construction and testing of regression equations that described ear emergence as a function of sowing date and of the 3 development factors. Many combinations of factors were associated with the time of ear emergence (i.e. 1 October) at Temora that best optimises the balance between frost risk and yield potential. Combinations of development factors also influenced the flexibility of sowing time for winter wheats grown at Temora. These findings may assist the breeding of new winter wheats that can be sown over a longer period than current winter cultivars.


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