Establishment of legumes in pasture of savannah woodland in north Queensland

Abstract

Eight leguminous pasture species were sown, either by broadcasting or by drilling, with or without phosphate fertilizer into the native grass pasture of savannah woodland during a dry season. Although responses to both drilling and fertilizing were recorded and these treatments might therefore be recommended, satisfactory stands were recorded and vigour was encouraging even in broadcast unfertilized plots. The two annual species used, Dolichos biflorus and Stylosanthes humilis, were superior to all of the six perennial species used in stand and vigour in the season of establishment. Practical applications, including the possibility of aerial seeding of legumes into native grassland during the dry season of the "dry tropics", and the importance of strategic burning and grazing in establishment, are discussed.