Li GD, Lodge GM, Moore GA, Craig AD, Dear BS, Boschma SP, Albertsen TO, Miller SM, Harden S, Hayes RC, Hughes SJ, Snowball R, Smith AB and Cullis BC (2008) Evaluation of perennial pasture legumes and herbs to identify species with high herbage mass and persistence in mixed farming zones in southern Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 48(4): 449–466.

Summary

Ninety-three perennial legume and herb accessions/cultivars from 47 species in 20 genera were evaluated across New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia from 2002-2005. The objective of the evaluation program was to identify new perennial plants that could reduce deep water drainage to ground water and contribute to the feed base. Results showed that Puna chicory (Cichorium intybus cv. Grasslands Puna) was the only species that was comparable to Sceptre lucerne in terms of persistence and herbage production. Puna chicory could produce up to 31.4 t DM/ha herbage mass over 3 years. Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum cv. Palestine) and birdfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus SA833) were the best performing species at the heavy clay soils prone to waterlogging. The paper also identified a range of species that have potential to fit in the farming systems in southern Australia. Further research is needed to improve the adaptation of those species to Australian environments.