A grazier survey of the long-term productivity of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)-grass pastures in Queensland

Radrizzani, A., Dalzell, S. A., Kravchuk, O. and Shelton, H. M. (2010) A grazier survey of the long-term productivity of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)-grass pastures in Queensland. Animal Production Science, 50 2: 105-113.


Author Radrizzani, A.
Dalzell, S. A.
Kravchuk, O.
Shelton, H. M.
Title A grazier survey of the long-term productivity of leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)-grass pastures in Queensland
Journal name Animal Production Science  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2010
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1071/AN09040
Volume number 50
Issue number 2
ISSN 1836-0939
1836-5787
Start page 105
End page 113
Total pages 9
Place of publication Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Publisher CSIRO Publishing
Collection year 2011
Language eng
Abstract Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata (leucaena)-grass pastures are productive, perennial and long-lived (40 years). However, little is known about changes in the productivity of these pastures as they age even though they are grazed intensively and are rarely fertilised. A postal survey of beef cattle producers in Queensland who grow leucaena pastures was conducted. The questionnaire gathered information regarding: property location; extent and age of leucaena pastures; soil type; leucaena and grass establishment methodology; grazing and fertiliser management; and grazier perceptions of changes over time in leucaena productivity, grass growth and ground cover, prevalence of undesirable grasses and weeds, and livestock productivity. Graziers were asked to report on both young (≤10 years old) and aging (10 years old) pastures under their management. Eighty-eight graziers responded describing 124 leucaena paddocks covering 11750 ha. The survey results described the typical physical and management characteristics of leucaena pastures in Queensland. Graziers reported a decline in leucaena productivity in 58% of aging pastures, and declines in grass growth (32%) and livestock productivity (42%) associated with declining leucaena growth. Leucaena decline was greater in soil types of marginal initial fertility, particularly brigalow clay, soft wood scrub, downs and duplex soils. Maintenance fertiliser was not applied to most (98%) leucaena pastures surveyed despite significant amounts of nutrient removal, particularly phosphorus and sulphur, occurring over prolonged periods of moderate to high grazing pressure. It is predicted that large areas of leucaena pasture will continue to suffer soil nutrient depletion under current management practices. Research is needed to develop ameliorative actions to reinvigorate pasture productivity. © 2010 CSIRO.
Keyword Grazed stands
Nitrogen
Leucocephala
Survival
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Official 2011 Collection
School of Agriculture and Food Sciences
 
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Created: Tue, 08 Mar 2011, 16:00:54 EST by Dr Scott Dalzell on behalf of School of Land, Crop and Food Sciences