Efficiency of water usage in perennial pasture production

Abstract

Perennial pasture on a red-brown earth at Werribee, Victoria, was subjected to four irrigation treatments, resembling fixed moisture regimes. Maximum yields were obtained from plots watered whenever moisture suction in the topsoil reached three atmospheres. Frequent irrigation produced a pasture richer in clover than did infrequent irrigation, but led to appreciable water loss by deep seepage. Distribution and utilization of the applied irrigation water were most efficient with infrequent irrigation.