Livestock Production:
Arrotas provides high quality green feed for stock late in the season. This gives it the ability to maintain high lamb growth rates into summer.
In experiments conducted by DPI Victoria at Hamilton, in 2004-06, lambs grazing pure Arrotas maintained higher growth rates from November to late December than lambs grazing either pure subterranean clover, or a mixture of perennial ryegrass and subterranean clover.
Lambs grazing pure Arrotas continued to gain approximately 100 g/day from January until early February. In comparison, lambs on a pure subterranean clover and a perennial rye grasss ubterranean clover mixture ceased gaining weight in late December because their forage quality was insufficient.
Lambs grazing Arrotas (18 Iambs/ha) gained an extra 8-10 kg between mid December and early February, relative to lambs grazing Leura subterranean clover. DPI Hamilton, Victoria.
Establishment recommendations:
Paddock Preparation:
The soil should first be tested for available phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and pH to identify fertiliser and lime requirements. Lime should be applied and incorporated prior to sowing if the topsoil pH is below 5.0 in calcium chloride.
One common establishment problem is competition from winter active weeds. Aim to reduce weed populations and seed-set in the year prior to sowing, particularly broadleaf weeds. Make sure the paddock has minimal trash and if direct drilling into an existing pasture, the herbage residual is minimal.
Preparing Seed:
Purchase high quality certified Arrotas seeds. which has already been softened. Inoculation of seed with Group C fil/SM 409) inoculum is vital be-fore sowing. Seed can also be treated for protection from red-legged earth mite.
Sowing:
Sowing is generally between the autumn break and mid winter. Early sowing will give faster establishment and help produce more dry matter through winter. Arrotas can be successfully established by direct drilling. I he reduced soil disturbance of direct drilling limits the germination of competing winter weeds.
The recommended sowing depth is S mm. Seeds planted at a depth greater than 10 mm are unlikely to establish. Light harrowing with chains or rolling may improve soil seed contact. Drilling seed with 10-15 kg P/ha as single or triple superphosphate can be beneficial in soils with a low to moderate available P level.
When sowing a pure sward or into an existing pasture, a rate of 8-10 kg/ha is recommended. When sowing as part of a pasture mix, use 2-6 kg/ha of Arrotas, and consider a lower rate of winter-active species to reduce competition with Arrotas.
High plant densities of Arrotas at establishment help increase winter production and persistence. Fertiliser rates will depend on soil nutrient levels indicated by a soil test. Aim for an Olsen P of at least 15 mg/kg. Available K should be at least 130 mg/kg for a sand, and 160 mg/kg for a clay loam. Trace elements such as molybdenum should be included in the fertiliser mix if there are known deficiencies.
Maintenance:
During the early growth stages, Arrotas is very susceptible to pests and weed infestations. A preemergent herbicide should be considered, mixed with an insecticide to provide a residual control against insects.
Regularly inspect the pasture for weeds, pests and root diseases so action can be taken if required. A maintenance application of fertiliser is recommended each year, based on recent soil tests, stocking rates and herbage production.
Grazing:
Grazing should be deferred until the plant is well anchored. The paddock can be set stocked lightly through the winter, to assist in controlling competition from winter active species if grown in a mix.
For areas intended as long term pasture, gra7ing should be deferred from the beginning of flowering in the first year to ensure maximum seed set. Gra7ing can be reintroduced about six weeks after flowering when the seed heads are dry. Sheep can carry the seed through their gut and deposit it to other paddocks.
Silage and Hay:
The sward should not be cut for hay in the establishment year if the stand is intended for long term pasture. This is to ensure that it flowers and large amounts of seed are set.
The erect growth habit, good regrowth and high digestibilty of Arrotas make it an ideal species for silage and hay, however the thick stems can make drying difficult. A mower-conditioner can speed up curing time and shorten the time to baling.
Subsequent Management:
Continue to control weeds by grazing or applying appropriate herbicides or a combination of both. Remember that without a means of seed softening Arrotas will not regenerate until year three (second autumn) after establishment.
Consider the option of either growing an annual crop, or direct drilling phalaris or a winter-active tall fescue. This provides excellent establishment of the grass component in year two, allowing Arrotas to germinate in year three as a companion legume.
Arrotas will regenerate from hard seed reserves and should be allowed to set seed every few years to replenish the seed bank. Pastures that consist of pure or near-pure legume fix large amounts of nitrogen.
This carries the risks of nitrate leaching into groundwater, soil acidification, and a build-up of nitrogen-loving weeds such as thistles, capeweed, and annual grasses.
The first two years of a pure legume pasture do not carry these risks, because the quantity of new nitrogen is relatively low, and most of it is safely contained within the legume plant in late winter when leaching is most likely to occur.
However, for the third and subsequent years, the paddock should either be sown to a crop or oversown with a vigorous non-legume such as perennial ryegrass to use the extra nitrogen.
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