Spatial analysis of legume suitability in Queensland

Abstract

Pasture legumes are recognised as the best long-term management option for increasing productivity and profitability from pasture-based production systems for large areas of Queensland. However, the land area that is suitability for pasture legumes across Queensland has not been well quantified. This study is currently underway to quantify the area that is suited to the most widely suitable and used pasture legume species using updated spatial data including land resource and longterm climate mapping, compared to trial results and commercial experience of where legumes are suited. The results from this spatial analysis of where legumes are suited will be compared to a spatial survey and analysis of where legumes are established and naturalised, combined with an economic analysis to quantify the potential value of more widespread adoption of pasture legumes to the beef industry as part of the Queensland Pastures Resilience Program (QPRP).