Sowing seeds of legume success in Central Queensland

Abstract

Establishing perennial legumes into tropical grass pastures increases the productivity and profitability of beef businesses in Northern Australia. However, to achieve these benefits an initial establishment of at least 4 plants/m2 is required. Under central Queensland conditions, reliable legume establishment is achieved through fallowing to store soil-moisture prior to sowing, obtaining a fine but firm seed-bed that is weed free, planting an adequate rate of high germination seed and lightly covering or rolling to achieve seed-soil contact at the wettest time of year. This paper summarises the agronomic practices used to achieve successful legume establishment at 9 field trial sites across central
Queensland in 2025.