The evaluation of temperate perennial pasture legume species for a low to medium rainfall environment in Tasmania

In response to the need to find better adapted and more persistent perennial legumes for dryland pastures in cool temperate low to medium rainfall (500-750 mm) regions, 24 species of perennial legume were evaluated for production and persistence under sheep grazing at two replicated sites in Tasmania. The sites: Cressy, annual average rainfall 628 mm and Jericho, annual average rainfall 570 mm are representative of the target region. The work identified three alternative species in Talish clover (Trifolium tumens Steve. ex M.Bieb.), Trifolium ambiguum M.Bieb.) and lucerne x yellow lucerne hybrid (Medicago sativa L.subsp. sativa x Medicago sativa L. subsp. falcata (L.) Arcang.) as well adapted to the environmental conditions. White clover (Trifolium repens L.), a species commonly sown in the low to medium rainfall region failed to survive at both sites. Other alternative species identified as worthy of further consideration include Trifolium physodes Steve. ex M.Bieb. sulphur clover (Trifolium ochroleucum Huds.), alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum), narrowleaf trefoil (Lotus tenuis Waldst et Kit) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.).