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Effect of stubble height and irrigation management on the growth, botanical composition and persistence of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and chicory swards in cool-temperate Tasmania

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 02:39 authored by Adam LangworthyAdam Langworthy, Richard RawnsleyRichard Rawnsley, Mark FreemanMark Freeman, Stephen CorkreyStephen Corkrey, Pembleton, KG, Matthew HarrisonMatthew Harrison, Peter Lane, Henry, DA

The profitability of dairying in south-eastern Australia can be improved by increasing pasture production during summer–autumn, when growth rates for the existing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) feedbase are low. A study undertaken in cool-temperate north-west Tasmania examined the effect of stubble height and irrigation management on swards of perennial ryegrass, continental (summer-active) tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). Irrigation treatments included full irrigation (∼20 mm applied at every 20 mm precipitation deficit), deficit irrigation (∼20 mm applied at alternate full-irrigation events) and rainfed (no irrigation).

All species achieved greater summer–autumn yields when repeatedly defoliated to stubble heights of 35 or 55 mm than when defoliated to 115 mm, irrespective of irrigation treatment. Swards were managed under a common defoliation schedule of nine defoliation events in 12 months. Under full irrigation, second-year tall fescue achieved a greater summer-autumn yield than perennial ryegrass (by 10%, or 0.7 t DM ha-1), highlighting the potential role of tall fescue in north-west Tasmania. This was further demonstrated by the high marginal irrigation water-use index values (1.6-2.7 t DM ML-1) of tall fescue. By contrast, summer–autumn growth achieved by chicory was less than or equal to perennial ryegrass.

Funding

Dairy Australia Limited

History

Publication title

Crop and Pasture Science

Volume

70

Pagination

169-182

ISSN

1836-0947

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Australia

Rights statement

?Copyright the author(s) 2019

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Sown pastures (excl. lucerne); Climate change mitigation strategies; Management of water consumption by plant production

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