Dear, B. S.; Sandral, G. A.; Virgona, J. M.; Swan, A. D.
Abstract:
The effect of using 4 perennial grasses or lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) in the pasture phase on subsequent wheat grain yield, protein, and grain hardness was investigated at 2 sites (Kamarah and Junee) in the south-eastern Australian cereal belt. The 6 perennial treatments were 5 mixtures of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), with one of lucerne, phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L), wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia richardsonii (Cashm.) H.P. Linder), or lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula (Schrader) Nees cv. Consol), or one mixture of cocksfoot, phalaris, and lucerne. The results were compared with wheat after one of 3 annual pastures consisting of either pure subterranean clover, subterranean clover with annual volunteer broadleaf and grass weeds, or yellow serradella (Ornithopus compressus L.). The duration of the pasture phase was 3 years at the drier Kamarah site (av. annual rainfall 430 mm) and 4 years at Junee (550 mm). The effect of time of removal of the pastures in the year prior to cropping (28 August?3 September or 6?7 November) and the effect of nitrogen (N) fertiliser application were also examined.