The use of fire to establish Townsville lucerne in the Northern Territory

Abstract

During the wet season of 1964-65 two trials were established near Darwin to determine if Townsville lucerne (Stylosanthes humilis H.B.K.) could be established in undisturbed annual sorghum (Sorghum intrans F. Muell. ex Benth.) pastures after wet season burning had controlled grass growth. In the first trial, plots were burnt at intervals throughout the wet season. Townsville lucerne pods were broadcast immediately after burning. Grass control and Townsville lucerne establishment were satisfactory in plots burnt after December 6. The second trial examined the effect on Townsville lucerne establishment and S. intrans control of burning, seeding rate, superphosphate, and weedicide treatments. Burning had the most important effect ; seeding rate had little significant effect and superphosphate none. The weedicide treatment was ineffective. The trials indicate that provided wet season burning is used to control S. intrans, Townsville lucerne can be established cheaply over wide areas of the higher rainfall region of the Northern Territory.