Establishing and managing smothergrass on macadamia orchard floors 2008

Summary

Mature macadamia orchards become highly shaded, causing grass to die out. The resulting bare soil and high intensity of rainfall can cause significant erosion. This makes the use of covercrops in macadamias an integral part of erosion control. Covercrops provide a vegetative cover that binds the soil, slows water movement within orchards and provides increased traction for machinery during wet periods.

After considerable research by NSW DPI, it has been found that the most suitable species for use is smothergrass (Dactyloctenium australe).

The contents of publication include:

• Introduction
• Establishment
• Management
• Harvesting
• Economics of planting smothergrass
• Grower suggestions / key comments
• Contact list
• Further reading
• Smothergrass establishment checklist

Released: Sep 2008