Digit grass
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Pasture type and use | Perennial summer-growing grass. Main production late spring, summer, autumn. Grazing. |
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Area of adaptation | Widely adapted, North West Slopes and Plains, northern half of the Central West Slopes, Central West Plains and Northern Tablelands. |
Min. average annual rainfall | 400 mm |
Advantages |
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Disadvantages |
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Soil requirements | Widely adapted from acid sands to heavy clays. |
Varieties | Premier |
Sowing rates: |
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Sowing time | Late spring to late summer, depending on district and summer rainfall pattern. |
Companion species | Medics, sub clover and lucerne. Consol lovegrass, Rhodes grass and Inverell purple pigeon grass. |
Inoculation | N/A |
Major nutrient deficiencies | Nitrogen and phosphorus. |
Main insect pests | No significant problems. |
Main diseases | Under extreme wet conditions, false smut and leaf rust. |
Management | Avoid grazing in the first year until seed-set. Rotational grazing is preferred to set stocking. Manage quality by not allowing a build-up of rank material. |
Livestock disorders of particular note | No problems reported. |
Additional tips | Seed quality is important; check germination percentages and purchase seed above 50% germination with nil parthenium weed. |
Further information | Agnote DPI-430 Digit grass — a versatile warm-season grass
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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.
Photo: Warren McDonald, Former Technical Specialist (Pastures), NSW Agriculture, Tamworth