Catchment:
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East Gippsland
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Collaborating Producer:
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Rick Robertson
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Location:
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Bengworden |
Producer Group:
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Bairnsdale BESTWOOL/BESTLAMB group |
Site Co-ordinator:
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Prue Bergmeier
P: (03) 5152 0648
E: Prue.Bergmeier@dpi.vic.gov.au
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Production and Environmental Challenges
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The slight south east aspect of the paddock is affected by the winds due to the sandy soil type which is causing extensive erosion issues. The paddock is low in production and quality pasture.
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Innovation being tested:
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Salt bush seedlings will be sown rows over the 10ha paddock to create a salt bush alley system. The plants will be spaced 1m apart in rows, with 10m between each row. Once the salt bush is established a permanent pasture of fescue will be sown. The salt bush alley will provide shelter and extra forage selection.
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Base pasture:
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The paddock supports an unimproved native and non-native pasture base. The main species consist of barley grass and capeweed which caused bare patches in summer contributing to the erosion.
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Animal systems:
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Wool production; Merino ewes.
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Latest Results:
Due to the extremely dry conditions in the establishment phase of the saltbush, all of the plants failed to survive. The producer is hopeful that the dry weather won’t last forever and endeavours to re-sow the saltbush once decent rain has been received that will produce enough soil moisture to enable a successful establishment of saltbush.
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