What we have been saying for some time but have been a bit slow to react to is to include species that are not just long-term persistent and productive but that can also cope with periodic waterlogged soil conditions.
Yaninnicum sub clover group is particularly tolerant of temporary waterlogging and far superior to other sub clover groups for this feature.
Unfortunately variety choice is limited with only a few having moderate but not high levels of hard seed (important for long term persistence).
Varieties with moderate levels of hard seed include mid season Gosse, Hatrik, Narrikup and Riverina. If growing these be very mindful of the need for regular seed set for persistence.
Prima gland clover is rated as having moderate tolerance to waterlogging and we have added it to our pastures this year.
Prima is early maturity (similar to Dalkeith sub clover) and also with the ability to keep flowering as long as spring conditions are moist and not excessively hot.
Hard seed content is high, hence its potential for long term persistence if well managed.
Prima has good resistance to red legged earth mites and most aphid species (but not all) and suits soils pH 4.5 to 8.
Slender serradella has excellent waterlogged tolerance but unfortunately is a species that has gone by the way with seed almost impossible to acquire. Westport or Jebala are early to mid-season varieties with high levels of hard seed.
They suit acidic to moderately neutral sandy over clay base soils that are commonly prone to periodic waterlogging.
Pink serradella has more waterlogging tolerance than yellow serradella (which is not very tolerant).
Hard seeded varieties like Margurita and Erica are proving excellent in their own right and tolerate acid soils as well as loams with neutral pH.
Strawberry clover, a perennial, suits salty, waterlogged areas.
It is capable of gradually reclaiming salt scalded seepage areas, especially when well managed. White clover, another perennial also has useful tolerance to waterlogging.
Balansa clover, with a good range of varieties suited to high and low rainfall areas, is a hard seeded species also tolerant to waterlogging.
Persian clovers, especially hard seeded types, have good tolerance. They are palatable and nutritious, suit a wide range of soil types with also some tolerance to salinity.
When next sowing tropical grasses in areas prone to waterlogging, paspalum is worth adding to mixtures in many moderate to good rainfall environments.
I note it grows well across our property in areas prone to periodic waterlogging and has spread naturally.
Kikuyu has useful tolerance and is hardier than generally appreciated. Floren bluegrass and bambatsi panic have proven tolerance to periodic flooding.
They suit a wide range of soils and environments including the black and grey clay north west soils. Setaria (warmer higher rainfall environments) also has good tolerance.
Temperate perennial phalaris when well established also has good tolerance to short-term flooding and waterlogging. Tall wheat grass and puccinella have excellent tolerance.
Next week. More new improved wheat variety releases
- Bob Freebairn is an agricultural consultant based at Coonabarabran. Email robert.freebairn@bigpond.com or contact (0428) 752 149.
