Purple pigeon grass

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	Perennial spring/summer/autumn growing grass. Grazing, silage. Irrigated or dryland use.
Area of adaptation	North West Slopes and Plains, Central West Slopes (northern sector).
Min. average annual rainfall	450 mm (northern NSW).
Advantages	Relatively good seedling vigour. Rapid growth rate. Can thicken up from seed.
Disadvantages	Persistence moderate, especially where soil nitrogen is low. Competitive with other seedlings. Unsuitable for horses/donkeys. Difficult to maintain annual legumes in pasture.
Soil requirements	Medium to high soil fertility. Medium to heavy-textured soils.
Varieties	Inverell
Sowing rates:	as only species - 2–3 kg/ha in mixtures - 1–2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Spring or late summer / early autumn, depending on district and on likely weed competition.
Companion species	Bambatsi panic, lucerne, barrel medic, snail medic, Katambora Rhodes grass, sub clover, as appropriate for the area.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur.
Main insect pests	No significant problems.
Main diseases	No significant problems.
Management	Avoid rank growth to maintain livestock growth rates. Allowing to seed may enhance pasture by thickening it up. Increase grazing pressure where possible in late summer to promote establishment of annual legumes.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Frequently hyperparathyroidism (‘big head’) in horses, occasionally nephrosis or hypocalcaemia in ruminants, due to oxalates.
Additional tips	Do not sow freshly harvested seed. Ensure seed is weed-free (especially free of parthenium weed).
Further information

Acknowledgments

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