Lecture 4: Introduction to pastures

Question 1

What is a pasture

Answer 1

population of herbaceous (non-woody/green) plants with short growth habits and continuous ground cover

Question 2

annual vs perennial

Answer 2

annual - live for one year/die within a year
perennial - live for mutliple years and seasons

Question 3

what is a false break

Answer 3

rains cause seeds to germinate, then followed by drought/dry weather causing all seed to die and loss of all possible food -> mostly occur in Autumn

Question 4

what is a biennial

Answer 4

a plant that lives for 2-4 years (depends on def)

Question 5

what is dry matter

Answer 5

entire weight of plant with no water content (nutritional matter)

Question 6

first Australian agricutural phase

Answer 6

• intensification phase
• massive replacement if natural veg with own crops/sown pastures
• ‘boom and bust’ = clearing of natural veg, introduction of sheep, cattle, fencing, new species of grasses, legumes added (ley farming)
• increased salinity due to no native salt-resistant plants

Question 7

second Australian agricutural phase

Answer 7

• restoration phase
• conservative stocking rates, tackled soil erosion and other issues, alternative crops to cereals used, focus on perennial pastures, locally adapted legumes