Effects of Pasture Species Mixture and Management on Pasture Productivity on 2 Dairy Farms in South West Victoria

Two grazing trials were conducted to identify the effects of pasture species mixture, management and environment on dairy pasture productivity. Five pasture mixtures, combined with 3 management treatments, were established at DemoDAIRY, Terang and at Naringal in south west Victoria in April 1998. There were significant (P<0.01) differences in total pasture yield between pasture types during April 1998 - April 1999. Management treatments with full nutrient supply and full pest and weed control produced an average of 9572 kg DM/ha pasture, 15% higher than the control treatment. There was a significant interaction between management and site. The total yield at the heavy-textured soil site was over 20% higher than at the light-textured soil site during the experimental period with below average winter rainfall. The growth of white clover (Trifolium repens) was promoted in a triple mix pasture type, consisting of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and white clover. Plant population density of sown species varied considerably among pasture types and between sites, but was not affected by management treatments