Consol lovegrass

Consol lovegrass
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NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Pasture type and use	A long-lasting perennial spring/summer/autumn growing grass. Useful for grazing, hay and silage for mainly dryland use on acidic light sandy to sandy loam, and loam soils. Useful for control of spiny burr grass and some other summer-growing weeds (e.g. blue heliotrope).
Area of adaptation	North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes and Plains. Not for local government areas where African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) is a declared noxious weed.
Min. average annual rainfall	350 mm (southern NSW) to 400 mm (northern NSW).
Advantages	Drought hardy. Tolerant of extremely acid soils and soils with high aluminium. Suits sandy soil as well as loam soil. Grows late into the autumn, and growth begins again in early spring. Palatability and quality is good if soils are fertilised, legumes are present, and plants are grazed in the early to mid tillering stage. Can be sown in autumn/winter (seed doesn’t germinate until suitable temperature and moisture occur over the following spring, summer, early autumn period). Stands often thicken up over time. Rapid growth rate in response to moisture, suitable temperatures, and good soil fertility. Seed is small and only low sowing rates are required. Compatible with a range of native grasses and annual legumes. Readily removed by cultivation. Competitive against spiny burr grass, blue heliotrope, catheads, bathurst burr and other summer weeds. Has an important role in using deep soil nitrogen and water, in preventing soil erosion and rising water tables, and in building soil organic matter levels.
Disadvantages	Can be difficult to establish, especially in dry spring/summer conditions. Time to establishment can be erratic, and there is a significant risk of periodic failure. Can lose feed value quickly if grass growth is not controlled by grazing. Not suited to shallow waterlogged prone soils, nor heavy clays.
Soil requirements	Acid sandy soils to medium loams. Will grow in pH(Ca) 4.0–6.0. Suits well-drained soils and those with reasonable depth (but can grow successfully on soils only 40 cm deep). Can tolerate exchangeable soil aluminium greater than or equal to 30%.
Varieties	Consol
Sowing rates:	as only species - 0.3–1.0 kg/ha in mixtures - 0.3–0.5 kg/ha
Sowing time	Spring / early summer is a common time to sow (spring is preferred for southern NSW). Dry sowing may be necessary depending on follow-up rain for establishment. In northern areas, good success has been achieved from autumn/winter sowings. However, once conditions become cool, germination won’t occur until soils warm in the following spring/summer.
Companion species	Premier digit grass; Rhodes grass (in less extreme acid lighter soils). Where paddock soil type is variable, it is often sown with lucerne. It is essential to grow with legumes (e.g. serradella) on very acid soils. Annual legumes are generally easier to establish and can be added at a later stage when consol is sown in spring.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and occasionally potassium.
Main insect pests	Generally no major pest problems.
Main diseases	Generally no major disease problems.
Management	Do not graze new stands until plants are adequately anchored. For best livestock performance, avoid rank growth. The most nutritious stage is young to medium regrowth. It is important to allow plants to periodically seed down if initial stands are thin. Periodically rest to replenish root reserves. Consol can tolerate set stocking over short periods; however, continuous grazing (depending on stocking rate) can increase erosion risk and reduce potential livestock production.
Livestock disorders of particular note	No problems reported.
Additional tips	Freshly harvested seed (e.g. green) can sometimes have a long dormancy and result in poor germination. Use seed free of African lovegrass and other undesirable weeds. Sow shallow, 1–1.5 cm. Sow into seed beds where some moisture is conserved, and where weeds are a minimal problem. It is often desirable to mix seed with a carrier to ensure satisfactory seed rates and distribution (e.g. bran, fine sawdust, fertiliser). Sowing direct drill (zero till) is possible provided weeds are controlled. Seed is sown with loose soil below, and preferably soil is firmed over the seed, i.e. use a press wheel.

Acknowledgments

The contribution of Bill Johnston, from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Wagga Wagga, is gratefully acknowledged.

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.

Photo: Bill Johnston, DIPNR, Wagga Wagga.