A basis for improved soil and water management for irrigated pastures in northern Victoria

Abstract

The water relations of white clover and paspalum as monocultures and components of a mixed pasture were studied on a normal and a modified soil profile during the interval between 2 successive irrigations. Responses of individual species were similar in monocultures and mixed pastures. On the normal profile white clover was the first species to react to soil water deficit when the rate of leaf elongation fell by 33% to about 10 mm/day after 30 mm of cumulative evaporation minus rainfall (E - R). This was followed by a reduction in dawn and midday leaf water potential at around 50 mm E - R. After 65 mm E - R, leaf elongation had ceased. In contrast, paspalum showed no signs of water shortage until 70-80 mm E - R. At this stage both the rate of leaf elongation and midday leaf water potential fell. After 90 mm E - R the dawn leaf water potential fell and by 120 mm E - R leaf elongation was negligible. Modification of the profile increased soil water availability by allowing more extraction of water at depth in the profile. This delayed the onset of water stress by about 40 mm E - R in both species. These observations show that the common irrigation interval of 60-90 mm E - R in northern Victoria is likely to restrict pasture yields because it causes a period of soil water deficit stress, especially for white clover, and the development of leaf area is impeded, increasing the time taken for canopies to recover maximum productivity after grazing. To overcome these limitations farmers will have to water more frequently or modify the soil profile to provide pastures with a better water supply.