Pasture Resources

PTN Pasture Resources

Welcome to the PTN Pasture Resources, a home for all things pasture related, promoting the value and benefits of pasture improvement for livestock, fodder and crop production systems.

Here you will find resources, tools, news and useful links to assist you in making the best pasture selections and decisions for your production requirements. By having access to this timely, practical and regionally relevant information, farmers can adopt and implement proven pasture improvement tools which will start to create a more sustainable pasture feedbase.

Pasture Resources ‘Toolbox’

We have put together a range of relevant ‘tools’ in the toolbox for you to use as you require. Learn about pasture renovation, nutrition, grazing management, weed and pest control.

Pasture Establishment/Renovation 

Pasture establishment (renovation) with improved species is a key tool in the pasture management toolbox.  The right pasture sown in the right place for the right purpose, under the right management will help optimise enterprise productivity and profitability.

Key to be aware of in pasture establishment:

  1. Assess potential gains from renovation versus other PII toolbox options such as nutrient management, weed control, grazing management.
  2. Knowing which species suit your soils, topography, management and enterprise needs is critical when selecting a suitable pasture for renovation purposes.
  3. Pasture renovation is expensive and requires considerable planning and preparation to gain the maximum benefit. Preparation needs to start at least one full year before the seed is actually sown.
  4. When you have invested in a new pasture, it is essential to manage it appropriately to maximise productivity and persistence for the life of the pasture to ensure the optimal return on investment.

Pasture Nutrition

Fertile soils drive productive pastures through optimal water and nutrient use. When soil nutrients are lacking, pastures are unable to reach their potential regardless of how much water and sunlight is available and how effective grazing management is.

Healthy fertile soils are a combination of:

  • physical fertility – soil texture, structure and resilience
  • chemical fertility – nutrient supply and cycling
  • biological fertility – organic matter, soil animals and micro-organisms.

Pasture Grazing Management

Grazing management is the key to pasture and livestock productivity, profitability and persistence.

Take a look through the following resources to learn more:

Weed Control

Optimal pasture production occurs when pastures contain the maximum density of desirable species. This is achieved through careful pasture species selection in the short term and effective long-term integrated weed control achieved by incorporating a range of management tools.

When used appropriately these tools will:

  • prevent weeds being introduced.
  • remove weeds or reduce weed seed set.
  • restrict weed germination.
  • encourage competition from desirable species.

Pest Management

Pasture pests can impact significantly on both pasture production and pasture persistence.  The key to effective pest control is to understanding the breeding cycle of each pest population and develop a strategic control program, rather than just aiming to control active adults at any one time.

Analysis of life cycles helps identify the critical timing for pesticide applications and avoid dormant populations re-emerging.

Useful Resources

We have compiled a number of useful resources which can provide beneficial information and guidance. Take a look at the links below:

  • Agriculture Victoria | Information for farmers to improve the productivity, quality and health of their land and pastures.
  • NSW DPI | Learn about pasture species and varieties used in NSW.
  • WA DPIRD | Learn about pasture species and varieties and their importance.
  • GRDC Weed Management Manual | The manual provides information on the latest tools and techniques to help manage current weeds and weeds of emerging economic importance.
  • Future Beef | Resource for north Australian beef industry, sharing the latest practical tools, scientific insights, and relevant, timely advice.

Where did the PII begin?

The PTN Pasture Resources were developed and adapted from the Pasture Improvement Initiative (PII) ran as a stand alone organisation which wrapped up in recent years. While the organisation no longer exists, the information, research and tools created are still relevant and now have a home within the Pasture Trials Network.

Full credit for the content made available here goes to the PII team.

 

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