Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and greater lotus (Lotus uliginosus) in perennial pastures in eastern Australia 2. Adaptation and applications of lotus-based pasture
J. F. Ayres A D , M. J. Blumenthal B , L. A. Lane A and J. W. O’Connor CA NSW Department of Primary Industries, Centre for Perennial Grazing Systems, Glen Innes, NSW 2370, Australia.
B Grains Research and Development Corporation, Barton, ACT 2600, Australia.
C NSW Department of Primary Industries, Pasture Research Unit, Berry, NSW 2535, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: john.ayres@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46(4) 521-534 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA04242
Submitted: 15 November 2004 Accepted: 9 September 2005 Published: 20 April 2006
Abstract
This co-learning study with greater lotus (Lotus uliginosus Schukr.) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) was undertaken in the Perennial Pasture Zone of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, in conjunction with 14 community groups. The overall study combined a field experiment investigating grazing management practices with a co-learning study assessing the adaptation and potential applications of these 2 Lotus species. The present paper reports on the co-learning study. Seventeen sites were established on farms situated in the North Coast, Northern Tablelands, North West Slopes, South Coast and Southern Tablelands regions of NSW. Of the 17 co-learning sites, greater lotus or birdsfoot trefoil was established successfully and yielded useful findings at 9 of 10 sites in northern NSW and 3 of 7 sites in southern NSW. Establishment failure of greater lotus or birdsfoot trefoil at the 5 remaining sites was associated with severe drought conditions at, or shortly following, sowing. Results from across the 4 regions are collated to report on the adaptation of the 2 Lotus species to a diversity of climatic, edaphic and management applications. The study has confirmed that greater lotus is a valuable perennial legume for high rainfall coastal plains, coastal low-lands, coastal hill-country and niche tablelands environments where the average annual rainfall (AAR) exceeds 1000 mm. Significantly, the study shows that birdsfoot trefoil has important potential for low fertility acidic soils on tablelands and slopes where the AAR is 650–1000 mm, especially in northern NSW.
Additional keywords: co-learning, technology transfer.
Acknowledgments
Professors Ray Ison and Craig Pearson (The University of Sydney) contributed the original concept of the project, and Peter Ampt (The University of Sydney) facilitated the formation of the co-learning groups. The project was funded by Meat and Livestock Australia. New South Wales Department of Primary Industries provided staff, field and administrative infrastructure and laboratory support for conduct of the project. Farmer members of the co-learning groups provided land and equipment — the time, effort and advice graciously offered by the cooperating farmers was invaluable and greatly appreciated by the project team. Appreciation is especially extended to the following representatives of the co-learning groups: Grant and Mandi Stevenson (Mila Landcare Group), ‘Woodburn’, Mila via Bombala; Ian Baker (Towamba Landcare Group), ‘Willeroo’, Burragate; Robert Lance (Collector Landcare Group), ‘Stillwater’, Yarra via Goulburn; Chris Fisher, ‘The Glen’ Currawong Road via Goulburn; Simon Hale, PO Box 3543, North Nowra ; John Mann, ‘Moonbucca’, Rylstone ; Margaret Francis (Booral Landcare Group), Bucketts Way, Booral via Stroud; John Clarke, Waukivory Road via Gloucester; Neville Duddy, ‘Springsure’, Red Range via Glen Innes; James Newmarch (Swan Vale Landcare Group), ‘Dursley’, Inverell; Des Adams (Bannockburn Landcare Group), ‘Coomerang’, Oakwood via Inverell; Robert Mason (South-West Inverell Landcare Group), ‘Carrawarra’, Gum Flat via Inverell; Graham Charters, ‘Hill Top’, Bingara; John and Doreen Mather (Nullamanna Landcare Group) ‘Hawthorn Dale’, Nullamanna via Inverell; Howard Hammond, Melinga via Taree; Paul and Karen Hutchinson, ‘Queensbury’, Booral via Stroud; Will Wentworth, ‘Elmgrove’, Towamba via Bega. The study also received helpful guidance and direction from the Meat and Livestock Australia Technology Transfer Advisory Committee: Graham Clarke, ‘Glengare’, Glencoe; Colin Ferguson, ‘Kimo’, Junee Rd, Gundagai; Don Lean, ‘Inglebar’, Jackadgery; Charles Litchfield, ‘Coroo’, Cooma; Dr Mike Stephens and Gabrielle Kay (Meat and Livestock Australia). Industry support was provided by several other agencies and agri-businesses. Special thanks goes to: Heritage Seeds Pty Ltd (Peter Neilson, Albury); Pacific Seeds (Nick Gardner); Dick Walker, Gwymac Landcare Co-ordinator, Department of Land and Water Resources, Inverell; Incitec Fertilisers (Martin Williams, Orange); John Read and Peter Orchard, NSW Agriculture. This study has been a major research undertaking that has involved collaboration between a large team from NSW Department of Primary Industries. The team has included researchers Dr Martin Blumenthal, Dr John Ayres and Zvi Hochman, technical officers Leah Lane, Emma Wilson, John O’Connor and Jim Hindmarsh; biometrician Helen Nicol; consultant researchers Terry Launders, Dr Gordon Stovold; technical assistants Phil Borchard, Neville Burke; district agronomists Linda Ayres, Neil Griffith, Gerry Hennessy, Jeff Lowien, Lester McCormick, Bob McGufficke, Peter Simpson and Harry Kemp. The authors thank Christine Dempsey and Philip Manieri for financial management, and Carmen Elvins for assisting with preparation of the manuscript.
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