Grazing trials on the Wallum of south-eastern Queensland. 3. A nursery grazed by sheep

Abstract

A nursery of single species and simple mixtures of 12 grasses and 9 legumes at Beerwah on the coastal lowlands of southern Queensland was grazed by sheep for over 16 years. For the last eight years 25.8 wethers a hectare (10.5/acre) were carried and thrived, heavy grazing pressure being maintained. Changes in botanical composition were recorded. The final mixture was dominated by Trifolium repens and Paspalm notatum. Other species to survive were Digitaria decumbens, Pennisetum clandestinum, Paspalum wettsteinii, and Brachiaria mutica. The majority of species failed to survive the close intense grazing by sheep. Annual replacements of phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, and potassium were made but nitrogen was never applied, and the highly productive pasture was maintained by legume nitrogen, mainly from white clover. Soil fertility improved under the pasture.