Seasonal distribution of herbage growth from sandplain Mulga country, Charleville

Abstract

Soil moisture may be adequate for rapid plant growth for prolonged periods at any time of year In the Charleville district. However, in pastures growing on mulga soils (acid, red earths), the majority of herbage is produced during the warm summer season (October 1 - March 31). Winter rams have to be well above average for herbage grown during these months to exceed 50% of annual production. The predominance of summer-growing (C4) grasses and absence of cool season grasses in the regional flora is the main reason for this pattern. The density of mulga scrub has no effect on seasonal distribution of herbage production despite major differences in botanical composition. Increased tree density reduced herbage yields but increased the protein and mineral content of this fodder