This paper describes the experimental methodology, sites, seasonal conditions and germplasm used in the Australian Native and Low Input Grass Network (NLIGN). In 1998, eight sites were established across the temperate pastoral zone of southern Australia. These were located at Armidale, Binya, Sutton and Trangie in NSW; Springhurst in Victoria; Jericho in Tasmania; Flaxley in South Australie and Kendenup in Western Australia. A total of 62 lines were evaluated, of which, 29 were Australian native grasses and 33 were introduced. With differences in seed size among species and a lack of information on dormancy and germination characteristics of the native plants, seedlings were transplanted into the field on weed-mat as spaced plants. Lines were compared over a 3-year period from 1998 to 2001. Methods used for determination of forage production, persistence and palatability are described. Information detailing the original collection sites of the germplasm, a list of NLIGN sites where each genotype was evaluated, as well as a detailed description of sites and seasonal conditions is also presented. © CSIRO 2005.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Research Group:	Crop and Pasture Production
Research Field:	Agronomy
Objective Division:	Plant Production and Plant Primary Products
Objective Group:	Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production
Objective Field:	Environmentally Sustainable Plant Production not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Hall, E (Mr Eric Hall)
ID Code:	36564
Year Published:	2005
Web of Science® Times Cited:	9
Deposited By:	Agricultural Science
Deposited On:	2005-08-01
Last Modified:	2006-05-04
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