John Kliewer's List: Pasture

• Weed control
• Year before sowing
• The risk of pasture establishment failure doubles when there has been no preparation in spring prior to sowing. Many pastures fail due to competition from weeds, in particular annual grasses. Weed control prior to sowing pastures can double the number of perennial grass plants that establish. Weeds that pose the greatest threat such as annual grasses to establishing pastures need to be identified.
• Firstly determine if the weeds are broadleaf or grass, perennial or annual, as these characteristics will affect planning and control strategies.
• (Table 1)
• Year after sowing:
• Existing vegetation must be controlled prior to sowing to remove competition. Generally, this is done by heavy grazing of the pasture before the autumn break, then spelling to allow the weeds to germinate after the break. Apply a non-selective herbicide (weeds can be controlled by cultivation) about three to four weeks after germination when weeds are actively growing. The type of weeds present in the paddock will determine the most appropriate herbicides and rates to use.
• Table 1. Weed control methods

• Soils

    

  A soil test is important to determine the nutrient status of the soil. More importantly for phalaris establishment, the results will indicate the soil pH and aluminium (Al) levels.
• If aluminium levels are high in the topsoil (above 8-10 mg/kg CaC12), lime should be incorporated prior to sowing phalaris. Where subsoil (20-40cm) aluminium concentrations are high (above 5 mg/kg CaC12) phalaris should not be sown. Grasses such as cocksfoot, which are more tolerant to aluminium, can be sown.
• In most situations it is better to sow pasture in autumn, as the plants establish and are given the opportunity to set seed and form dormant buds before the hot summer, which increases the plants survival rate. Spring sowing is possible in cooler districts when summer rainfall is likely.

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