Establishment and management of native grass stands for seed production and forage

Abstract

Programs for reseeding grazing lands are constrained by a range of environmental conditions and, even within specified zones, are usually site-specific. Hence advocacy for a general technique is often not practical.
Planning a program requires recognition of the physical and ecological processes acting on the site, the techniques available for rehabilitation, the economies of scale and the subsequent management requirements at the site. Good planning beforehand and sensible management the first year afterwards are the keys to a successful program.
The principles of pasture establishment and management are similar for any sown plant whether native or exotic. The major difference is that the use of native species will generally be focused on agricultural land of lower productivity, as higher performing exotic species require areas of greater resource and management inputs. Some soil disturbance is essential.
At present only small areas are sown to native pasture species, although a wide range of environments have been tried. The biggest restrictions to their use are a lack of regular supplies of good quality seed and equipment adapted to sowing chaffy seed evenly.
Best sowing time is difficult to predict in semi-arid Australia. Mid-winter and mid-summer sowings should be avoided as seedlings of perennial species are comparatively vulnerable in those seasons. C3 grasses are better sown in autumn and C4 species in spring. This timing increases the chances of several germination and growth periods before their dormant season occurs. However the window of opportunity is small.
Post-establishment management techniques are discussed in relation to the role the pasture is to play. Tailored management should apply to each species at key times to bolster agronomic weaknesses in its adaptations or biology. Comprehensive information about the species under many different situations is most important if its seed industry is to have a predictable future.