Tests of subtropical pasture species under irrigation in central Queensland

Abstract

In simple grass/legume mixtures, subtropical pasture legumes have shown no value for irrigated pastures in areas of subcoastal Central Queensland where mild to heavy frosts are experienced over winter. The limited range of grasses tested were better adapted. Further testing of these and a wider range of cultivars is warranted, both in pure grass swards with nitrogen fertilizer and in combination with temperate pasture species. In trials in 1966-71, 6 grass and 11 pasture-legume species were sown in simple grass/legume mixtures. The legumes were difficult to establish, unless the seedbeds were very clean, and they did not persist well.