Evaluation of short-term fodder options between cropping phases in Tasmania

Irrigated forage crops sown in autumn increase land utilisation compared to the common practice in Northern Tasmania of grazing crop stubbles over winter. However, there is little information on which crops best suit this short cropping phase prior to sowing an irrigated winter/spring crop such as poppies or green peas. The aim of this study was to evaluate a diverse range of forage species and varieties that provide the most valuable grazing over autumn and winter. Thirty four varieties of cereals, grasses, legumes and other broadleaf species were selected and dry matter production and nutritive value evaluated.

There was significant variation in DM yields both between and within species. The highest cumulative total DM production for the season (5 – 5.5 t ha^-1) was from annual ryegrass and cereals with winter habit. The main production difference between varieties was the timing of maximum growth. Spring varieties of cereals, canola and grain legumes showed rapid early growth but damage to growing points with removal of dry matter reduced subsequent regrowth. In contrast, there was minimal damage to slower growing winter cereals with more prostrate early growth. This work highlights the importance of species and variety selection when determining optimal feed production.