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Boosting profit and reducing risk on mixed farms in low and medium rainfall areas with newly discovered legume pastures enabled by innovative management methods – southern region.

Growers have shifted their focus from livestock to crops over the last 30 years, however continuously cropped paddocks are not sustainable and come with high risk, especially in dry areas where wheat cultivation dominates. Intensive cropping is susceptible to herbicide resistant weeds, requires large nitrogen fertiliser inputs, and there are significant financial implications when yields are restricted by frost or dry conditions.

This project builds on previous work undertaken in the medium rainfall zones of Western Australia and southern New South Wales. It aims to demonstrate how novel pasture legumes improve livestock production through enhanced growth and reproduction, and earlier access to markets, while dramatically reducing fertiliser and herbicide inputs for following crops. The project will also develop whole farm economic modelling to equip farmers with tools to adopt new pasture varieties and management practices.

Project date

10 May 2018-30 Jun 2022

Research organisations

South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)

Project funded by

Multiple industries
Alternative protein Cereal grains Other rural industries Pulse grains

Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

GRDC's purpose is to invest in RD&E to create enduring profitability for Australian growers. We invest in projects and …
  • Location

    Australia

  • Organisation type

    Research funding body

Focus areas

Sustainabilities

Technology areas

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