Pasture type and use | Perennial herb, growing all year round. It can be used on its own, but most commonly is sown as part of a mixed pasture sward for grazing. Potential for silage and haymaking. |
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Area of adaptation | Plantain is adapted to a wide range of soil acidity pH(Ca) 4.2–7.8. Plantain is adapted to low-fertility situations, and is drought-tolerant. It is also relatively heat-tolerant. |
Min. average annual rainfall | 550+ mm in southern NSW, and 650 mm in northern NSW. |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Will perform well even in low-fertility soils. It requires soils that enable deep taproot penetration for maximum drought tolerance. Free-draining soils are best. |
Varieties | Tonic
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Lancelot * * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights. Tonic has larger leaves and more winter production and is the higher producing of the two cultivars. Lancelot is more tolerant of close grazing, while Tonic is more suited to rotational grazing. |
Sowing rates: |
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Sowing time | Autumn and spring sowing most common. |
Companion species | Annual and perennial clovers in pasture mixes with grasses such as fescue and cocksfoot, and oversown ryegrass.
Will not compete well with ryegrass at establishment. Where perennial ryegrass is sown as part of the pasture mix, plantain establishment will generally be poor. |
Inoculation | Plantain is a herb and does not require inoculation. |
Major nutrient deficiencies | It is highly efficient at utilising mineral and soil nutrients, and does not suffer nutrient deficiencies under normal grazing situations. |
Main insect pests | Slugs and snails are a potential threat at all stages of growth. |
Main diseases | Ascochyta leaf spot has been noted, and Rhizoctonia sp. root rot has been noted in older stands. |
Management | Lancelot plantain will tolerate close grazing and is persistent under set stocking conditions. Tonic has a higher crown and is more suited to rotational grazing.
Plantain will exhibit high levels of response to nitrogen — strategic applications that coincide with growth periods have been found to be beneficial. Palatability and nutrition are best from young leaf material. Stem material is of poor feed value, requiring grazing to control stem initiation. In mixed swards, care is needed to ensure that vigorous clover and ryegrass growth does not out-compete plantain. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | No livestock disorders have been encountered. |
Additional tips |
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Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.