Effect of groundwater pump management on reclaiming salinised land in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
CP Norman
Keyword(s):  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Groundwater Pumping ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Salinity Control ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Intermittent Pumping

In 1985, groundwater pumping from shallow aquifers, with off-farm disposal, began near Girgarre in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria, to provide salinity control to about 1000 ha of farming land. Two groundwater pumps (TI02 and T103) ran continuously for the first 5 years of the project before reverting to intermittent pumping. The operation of a third pump (T103) was based on the capacity for disposal into an evaporation basin. Following 3 years of groundwater pumping, significant reductions in root-zone (0-0.6 m) soil salinity levels were recorded in both annual and perennial pasture paddocks within 350 m of a pump. Yields of perennial pasture on all monitored paddocks showed a significant increase after commencement of the project. In a paddock 300 m from a groundwater pump, average dry matter production increased from 6.3 to 17.2 t/ha. year within 4 years of pumping. Reclamation was reduced by more than a year on paddocks not subjected to irrigation, or those located >800 m from a groundwater pump. Once reclamation was achieved from continuous pumping, the introduction of intermittent pumping continued to maintain optimum soil salinity and pasture production levels on the irrigated paddocks. However, on a dryland paddock and those located >800 m from a pump, increasing fluctuations in soil salinity and soil sodicity levels were measured under this management regime.

Salinity control by pumping and re-using groundwater: its effect on watertable levels, soil salinity and farm productivity on a dairy property in the Goulburn Valley, Victoria

1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 669
Author(s):  
AF Heuperman ◽  
AP Repsys ◽  
AH Mehanni
Keyword(s):  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Groundwater Pumping ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Farm Productivity ◽  
Salinity Control ◽  
Butter Fat ◽  
Irrigation Water Use ◽  
Dry Soil ◽  
Productive Land

The introduction of watertable control by groundwater pumping on a salt-affected dairy farm in the Goulburn Valley resulted in large increases in butter fat production. Since intensive pumping started, in 1981, watertable levels showed an overall downward trend but were still subject to major fluctuations caused by irrigation and rainfall. During this period butterfat production increased from about 300 to 390 kg/ha (of productive land) and yearly pasture production rose from about 560 to 650 t/ha DM. These productivity increases are attributed to both a reduction in average soil salinity in the top 60 cm of the profile from 2400 to 1200 mg total dissolved salts per kg dry soil and an increase in irrigation water use from less than 10 M litre/ha before to nearly 12 M litre/ha after pumping started.

Irrigating perennial pasture with saline water: effects on soil chemistry, pasture production and composition

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. E. Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Saline Water ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Saline Irrigation ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Salinity Levels

In response to a local survey that revealed that many farmers in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria did not adhere to recommendations for safely applying saline irrigation water to perennial pasture, an experiment was conducted at Tatura. Six irrigation water quality treatments, which differed in the timing of the application of saline water, were applied to perennial pasture plots over 4 irrigation seasons. Measurements made included soil EC1:5, soil SAR1:5, soil ESP, pasture dry matter production and composition, dry matter digestibility, tissue ion concentrations and mineral ash content. After 4 seasons, in which the winter rainfall for each season was significantly lower than the long-term average, soil sodicity and salinity levels appeared to reach steady values. Plots irrigated with non-saline water (0.1 dS/m, treatment 1) performed the best in terms of lower soil salinity and sodicity levels and higher dry matter production and pasture quality levels. However, for most of these measurements and for most seasons, there were no significant differences between the control plots and those irrigated with water at 1.2 dS/m (treatment 2). Soil EC1:5 and SAR1:5 levels were highest, and dry matter production and dry matter digestibility levels the lowest (particularly for the clover component), in plots irrigated with water at 2.4 dS/m throughout the season (treatment 6). There were no significant differences in soil characteristics or biomass production between the remaining 3 treatments (treatments 3, 4 and 5) or between treatment 2. These treatments had the same amount of salt applied throughout the season but differed in the pattern of salt application — whether it occurred at the beginning or end of the season, or was alternated with fresh water throughout the season. This study confirmed that in the long term, there is a reduction in the yield of perennial pastures when saline irrigation water at levels greater than 0.8–1.2 dS/m is used on the red-brown earths of the Shepparton Irrigation Region. However, the soil and pasture were more sensitive to the total amount of salt applied rather than to the pattern of salt application throughout the season. It was concluded that farmers should monitor the salinity levels of their irrigation water to avoid a build up of Na+ and Cl– in the soil profile and consequent long-term reductions in herbage production and quality.

Grazed pasture parameters. I. Pasture dry-matter production and availability in a stocking rate and grazing management experiment with dairy cows

1966 ◽  
Vol 67 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.G. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Matter Production

1. Net pasture dry matter production and available pasture dry matter were measured over 3 years in a small-scale replica of the study of the effects of dairy cow grazing management and stocking rate reported by McMeekan & Walshe (1963).2. The four treatments were(i) Controlled rotational grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cows/acre).(ii) Controlled rotational grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).(iii) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, light stocking rate (0.95 cows/acre).(iv) Uncontrolled, set stocked grazing, heavy stocking rate (1.19 cows/acre).3. The pasture measurement technique employed measured net pasture production (gains through new growth minus losses from all sources). It is argued that this parameter, rather than absolute pasture production, governs the changes in the dry matter feed supply to the grazing animal.

Low rates of phosphorus fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season under rain-fed conditions did not affect dry matter production of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 353 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. L. Burkitt ◽  
D. J. Donaghy ◽  
P. J. Smethurst
Keyword(s):  
Lolium Perenne ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Lolium Perenne L ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Extractable P ◽  
Intensively Managed

Pasture is the cheapest source of feed for dairy cows, therefore, dairy pastures in Australia are intensively managed to maximise milk production and profits. Although soil testing commonly suggests that soils used for dairy pasture production have adequate supplies of phosphorus (P), many Australian dairy farmers still apply fertiliser P, often by applying smaller rates more frequently throughout the year. This study was designed to test the hypotheses that more frequent, but lower rates of P fertiliser applied strategically throughout the growing season have no effect on dry matter production and P concentration in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), when soil extractable P concentrations are above the critical value reported in the literature. Three field sites were established on rain-fed dairy pasture soils ranging in P sorption capacity and with adequate soil P concentrations for maximising pasture production. Results showed that applied P fertiliser had no effect on pasture production across the 3 sites (P > 0.05), regardless of rate or the season in which the P was applied, confirming that no P fertiliser is required when soil extractable P concentrations are adequate. This finding challenges the viability of the current industry practice. In addition, applying P fertiliser as a single annual application in summer did not compromise pasture production at any of the 3 sites (P > 0.05), which supports the current environmental recommendations of applying P during drier conditions, when the risk of surface P runoff is generally lower. The current results also demonstrate that the short-term cessation of P fertiliser application may be a viable management option, as a minimal reduction in pasture production was measured over the experimental period.

scholarly journals Effects of the MaxP (TM) endophyte in tall fescue on pasture production and composition, and the sheep grazing preference in a dryland environment

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 259-262
Author(s):  
K.N. Tozer ◽  
S. Ates ◽  
N.R. Mapp ◽  
M.C. Smith ◽  
R.J. Lucas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Sheep Grazing ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Annual Grasses

Pasture growth, botanical composition and sheep grazing preference were measured over 20 months in tall fescue (cultivar Advance), without endophyte (Nil) or infected with AR542 (MaxPTM) endophyte, and clover pastures sown into a dryland soil, Canterbury, New Zealand. Pastures were rotationally grazed with sheep, with grazing preference for the two endophyte treatments measured in late autumn and early spring. Annual dry matter production from April 2004 to April 2005 was not significantly different between AR542 (6293 kg DM/ha) and Nil (5864 kg DM/ha) tall fescue. The number of tall fescue plants/m2 and their basal diameter was greater for AR542 (35 plants/m2, 7.5 cm diameter) than Nil endophyte tall fescue (28 plants/m2, 6.8 cm diameter). AR542 endophyte tall fescue pastures had fewer weeds, mainly annual grasses, than Nil endophyte pastures throughout the trial. Grazing preference, measured by the number of sheep grazing each plot, and decline in pasture height did not differ between Nil and AR542 tall fescue. Keywords: tall fescue, novel endophyte, AR542, botanical composition, weed, grazing preference

scholarly journals Effect of Salinity on Biomass Yield and Physiological and Stem-Root Anatomical Characteristics of Purslane (Portulaca oleraceaL.) Accessions

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Amirul Alam ◽  
Abdul Shukor Juraimi ◽  
M. Y. Rafii ◽  
Azizah Abdul Hamid
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Yield Reduction ◽  
Salinity Effect ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Salinity Levels

13 selected purslane accessions were subjected to five salinity levels 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 dS m−1. Salinity effect was evaluated on the basis of biomass yield reduction, physiological attributes, and stem-root anatomical changes. Aggravated salinity stress caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in all measured parameters and the highest salinity showed more detrimental effect compared to control as well as lower salinity levels. The fresh and dry matter production was found to increase in Ac1, Ac9, and Ac13 from lower to higher salinity levels but others were badly affected. Considering salinity effect on purslane physiology, increase in chlorophyll content was seen in Ac2, Ac4, Ac6, and Ac8 at 16 dS m−1salinity, whereas Ac4, Ac9, and Ac12 showed increased photosynthesis at the same salinity levels compared to control. Anatomically, stem cortical tissues of Ac5, Ac9, and Ac12 were unaffected at control and 8 dS m−1salinity but root cortical tissues did not show any significant damage except a bit enlargement in Ac12 and Ac13. A dendrogram was constructed by UPGMA based on biomass yield and physiological traits where all 13 accessions were grouped into 5 clusters proving greater diversity among them. The 3-dimensional principal component analysis (PCA) has also confirmed the output of grouping from cluster analysis. Overall, salinity stressed among all 13 purslane accessions considering biomass production, physiological growth, and anatomical development Ac9 was the best salt-tolerant purslane accession and Ac13 was the most affected accession.

Effects of irrigation frequency and transient waterlogging on the production of a perennial ryegrass - white clover pasture

1997 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 165 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Dunbabin ◽  
I. H. Hume ◽  
M. E. Ireson
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Irrigation Frequency ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Absolute Increase ◽  
Irrigation Interval ◽  
Matter Production

Summary. Perennial ryegrass–white clover swards were irrigated for 3 years every 50, 80 and 120 mm of crop evapotranspiration minus rainfall (ETc–R) and water ponded on the soil surface for either 4, 12 or 24 h at each irrigation. Pasture production and clover content were highly seasonal, peaking in spring and autumn. Frequent irrigation increased dry matter production by an average of 56%. When irrigating at 50 mm ETc–R, dry matter production was decreased by ponding water on plots, 17% for 12 h ponding and 14% if ponded for 24 h. However, when irrigating at an interval of 80 mm ETc–R ponding increased dry matter production by 7% for 12 h ponding and by 25% for 24 h ponding. Ponding also increased production at an irrigation interval of 120 mm ETc–R by 25% for 12 h ponding but only by 2.4% for 24 h ponding. While these increases in dry matter production are large in relative terms the absolute increase in production is small. More water infiltrated per irrigation at longer irrigation intervals, and at longer ponding times. Frequently irrigated, rapidly drained swards used irrigation water most efficiently. The small gain in dry matter production achieved by prolonging ponding at longer irrigation intervals is an inefficient use of water and likely to recharge regional groundwater systems. Oxygen diffusion rate measurements suggested that ponding for as short as 4 h was likely to cause waterlogging stresses and that these stresses were higher when irrigating frequently. The relative increase in waterlogging stress by extending the period of ponding from 4 to 24 h was small.

scholarly journals PROGRESS IN EVALUATING FOREST FARMING

1979 ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
M.F. Hawke ◽  
D. Bond ◽  
N.S. Percival
Keyword(s):  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Spatial Arrangement ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Forest Farming ◽  
Tree Management ◽  
Management Regime ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
And Performance

The Tikitere forest farming research area was established in 1973 to determine the feasibility of integrating farming and forestry. This paper reports on progress in evaluating the effects of tree density and spatial arrangement on numbers and performance of livestock, and availability and productivity of pasture. Only 5 years after planting Pinus radiata (D. Don) into pasture there were large reductions in carrying capacity with increasing tree density, and it is apparent that a tree management regime leading to a final crop of 400 sph is unsuitable for combining with intensive livestock production. Individual livestock performance as measured by both liveweight change and wool production was poorer under trees, and a number of possible explanations are given, Availability of pasture for livestock was affected both by a reduction in dry matter production with increasing tree density and by the covering of ground with thinning and pruning debris. The effects of the latter on managing livestock under trees are discussed.

A relation between wool production per animal and annual pasture dry matter production per animal

1982 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 705 ◽  
Author(s):  
BA Rowe
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Simple Relation ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
First Year ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Wool Production ◽  
The Third ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Curvilinear Relation

A simple relation between the annual wool production per animal (y) and the amount of pasture dry matter produced per animal (x) was derived and tested using the results from a grazing experiment in which the effects of superphosphate and stocking rate on wool and pasture dry matter production were measured from pastures which were continuously grazed by Merino wethers for 3 years. The linear relation, y = a + b/x, accounted for 63% of the variance in wool production per animal in the first year, 82 % in the second and 97 % in the third. Exclusion of an outlier from the first year results increased the variance accounted for to 85 %. This model is simpler and more precise than some others that have been published. It is also consistent with the curvilinear relation between production per animal (y) and pasture production per animal (x).

A lysimeter study of the water balance of border-check irrigated perennial pasture

2004 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Bethune ◽  
Q. J. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Water Balance ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Production ◽  
Clay Loam ◽  
Clay Loam Soil ◽  
Deep Drainage ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Matter Production ◽  
Loam Soil

The dairy industry is a major user of water in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales. Water is typically applied to pasture using the border-check irrigation system. The border-check system is largely gravity driven and thus energy efficient. However, deep drainage can potentially be high because the system allows only limited control over the depth of water applied in each irrigation event. For this reason, heavy soils are regarded as the most suitable for border-check irrigation. This study quantified net deep drainage (deep drainage less capillary rise) under border-check irrigated pasture on a Goulburn clay loam soil. Additionally, the study investigated the extent to which irrigation frequency and watertable conditions influence water use, dry matter production and deep drainage. The water balance and dry matter production were monitored over 2.5 years in a lysimeter facility in northern Victoria. The Goulburn clay loam is representative of the heavier textured soils used for border-check irrigation of pasture in northern Victoria. The average measured net deep drainage was 4 mm/year. This indicates that relatively small levels of net deep drainage can be achieved under well-managed border-check irrigation on a Goulburn clay loam soil. Net deep drainage losses were greatest following winter, when rainfall exceeded pasture water use for an extended period. Increasing the interval between irrigation events resulted in reduced plant water use, infiltration of irrigation water, rainfall runoff and pasture production. However, increasing the interval did not impact on net deep drainage or water use efficiency. Depth of watertable had a relatively minor impact on the water balance.

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