Native Grass Pastures
Native grass pastures in the North East region of Victoria
One interesting study of the adoption and management of native grass pastures in the North East region intended to formulate guidelines on the most desirable and appropriate management system for native grass-based pastures so that a productive and sustainable system of agriculture can be implemented.
The main components of native grass-based pastures identified by landholders in the region include Weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides), Wallaby grass (Danthonia spp.), Red-leg grass (Bothriochlora macra) and Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra). The main grass species identified by landholders as low value include Windmill grass (Chloris truncata), Spear grass (Stipa spp.) and Wire grass (Aristida spp.). Many other species have been recorded in the North East region, but were not mentioned by landholders in the study.
The area of undisturbed pasture, containing a predominantly native grass base was 22%. Within this region, existing native pastures have traditionally been replaced by introduced perennial species, such as Lolium perenne, Phalaris aquatica, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundmucea, Trifolium repens and Trifolium subterranean.
The study found that overall pasture species recognition by landholders was poor, with most unable to identify the dominant pasture species within their paddocks. Knowledge of the species composition in each paddock is critical for the appropriate management of pastures. Differentiating between the native, introduced perennial and annual grasses and the other grass weeds is critical to better productivity, utilisation and weed management (Whalley, 1994).
The results of this study show a great deal of opportunity to expand the research and extension effort in native grass pasture management. The three most common and useful native grasses within the North East include Weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides), Wallaby grass (Danthonia spp.) and Red grass (Bothriochlora macro). These native grass-based pastures are more widespread than is currently acknowledged. The future direction of native grass pasture work relies on being incorporated into the overall program of pasture and vegetation management. This will include extension of sustainable pasture and livestock systems and research into individual grass lines and management options.
Source: Vogel, W., (1996) The Adoption and Management of Native Grass Pastures in North East Victoria, DNRE, Wodonga.
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was last reviewed on 18/09/2008