The seasonal growth of lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) on deep sandy soils in a semi-arid environment

Abstract

The potential of lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) as a perennial pasture grass on deep sandy soils in the Western Australian wheatbelt was studied at 20 deep sand sites near Meckering. The seasonal growth pattern of lovegrass resulted in over 80 per cent of annual dry matter yield being produced outside the period of most effective rainfall (April-August). Yields were considerably higher than that of annual pastures on similar soils. Highest grass yields were obtained at sites with a water table within 150 cm of the ground surface. Lovegrass is unlikely to succeed at sites without a water table because of inadequate moisture availability in summer. Two features at present detract from its value as a pasture grass in the region. Slow growth rates in winter reduce its ability to compete with winter growing annual pasture species. Low nutrient concentrations during the warmer months, especially at the highest yielding sites are likely to limit its forage value to stock. The reasons for the low nutrient concentrations are discussed.