Pasture improvement is the process of developing country to increase the nutritive value and performance of pasture grasses and legumes.
Pasture improvements may take the form of: fertiliser applications to promote existing grass and legume species, blade plough/oversowing and direct drilling into established pastures or by preparing a full cultivated seedbed. Improved pastures can also contribute to soil nitrogen levels and help improve the overall structure and health of your soil.
Why should you improve your pastures?
More complete vegetative cover and improved soil structure will allow a higher percentage of the rainfall to infiltrate the soil where it can be used for plant growth, rather than running off.
Ley pastures enable farmers and graziers to achieve profitable and sustainable cropping/grazing systems.
The introduction of legumes in your grass mixes will add significant quality to your pastures. These mixes can be tailored to suit your individual requirements.
AgriCote legumes can be mixed with fertiliser safely and strategically spread, capitalising on seasonal opportunities. Legumes like mink white clover and B1 Burgundy work well using this method.
Hard seeded legumes can be fed through the grazing animal suitable legumes are Mega Stylo mix and Wynn Cassia.
This can be included in your loose-lick purchases from your manufacturer. Dung establishment via loose-lick 5kg of seed per 1000kg of product.
Over-sowing legumes into existing grass pastures is an excellent way of introducing more quality to the paddock. Legumes that are well suited for this method are Lucerne, B1 Burgundy and Medics.
The use of aerial application methods can be particularly beneficial for getting a legume component in those hard to cover areas. Legumes like siran, Amiga, Mega Stylo, Wynn Cassia and B1 Burgundy work well in this situation.