Production and water use of a wiregrass (Aristida spp.) pasture in South Western Queensland.

Abstract

The productivity of wiregrasses (Aristida spp.), abundant and of low value in mulga lands, was observed on one field site under soil water conditions adequate for growth. Maximum growth rate in summer was 92 kg DM ha-1 d-1 , winter rates were 10% of this. Maximum herbage produced in November to February (summer) was 3600 kg ha-1 , compared with 570 kg ha-1 in April to June (winter). Standing root crop in mid-summer was 1065 kg ha-1. Because of their potential to rapidly produce a large biomass above ground and new inflorescences within 30 days after rain, wiregrasses will continue to be harmful species unless management techniques, based on weaknesses in their life cycle, are evolved.