A Situation Analysis of Ley Pasture Utilisation in the Western Downs and Maranoa Regions of S Queensland, Australia

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland\u27s grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution to the livestock component of mixed farms

A Situation Analysis of Ley Pasture Utilisation in the Western Downs and Maranoa Regions of S Queensland, Australia

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland\u27s grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution to the livestock component of mixed farms

Physiological adaptations of Hymenachne amplexicaulis to flooding

The introduced grass Hymenachne amplexicaulis has been established for use in ponded pastures in Central Queensland. However, its ability to out compete native species and invade wetlands makes it a potential weed. To determine the characteristics that make it a successful ponded pasture species, the adaptation of H. amplexicaulis to flooding has been investigated. The growth and development of H. amplexicaulis under flooded and non-flooded conditions was compared in a series of experiments carried out in three 2 m high galvanised steel tanks. Leaf, stem and root sections were taken to determine the timing and extent of aerenchyma formation. The effect of flooding on the pattern and distribution of growth was also determined. Hymenachne amplexicaulis is adapted to flooding because it has the capacity for rapid elongation of the stem and the formation of adventitious roots. Aerenchyma was present in stem, leaf and root tissues in both flooded and non-flooded plants. The aerenchyma would provide buoyancy as well as aiding the circulation of gases. When the plants were flooded, submerged leaves senesced rapidly and the previously exposed, but now submerged nodes produced adventitious roots. Under flooding, the growth of leaves increased at the expense of the roots, presumably maintaining the effective photosynthetic leaf area. The implications and limitations of these adaptations are discussed

Utilising leaf number as an indicator for defoliation to restrict stem growth in rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) cv. Callide

A plot experiment examined the yield response of a nitrogen-fertilised rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) sward to defoliation using the production of a set number of leaves after the last defoliation, as the indication, for defoliation harvesting. Two factors, defoliation frequency and nitrogen, fertiliser rate, were imposed on the rain-grown sward in south-east Queensland over 2 defoliation cycles. Defoliations occurred when an average of 2, 4, 6 and 8 leaves were produced on tillers, and the rates of nitrogen fertiliser were 150 and 300 kg/ha N. Total and leaf yields of rhodes grass were unaffected by defoliation frequency (P>0.05). Stem yield increased only once 4 leaves had been regrown; hence, leaf: stem ratio was highest at the 2- and 4-leaf defoliation intervals. This response was most pronounced when coupled with the higher rate of nitrogen fertiliser. The results suggest leaf number per tiller can be used as an indication of time to harvest rhodes grass pastures to limit the production of stem and increase the leaf: stem ratio. Further studies are required to examine this principle under grazing

Effect of growing site, moisture stress and seed size on viability and dormancy of Sporobolus pyramidalis (giant rats tail grass) seed

Sporobolus pyramidalis P. Beauv (giant rats tail grass) is a serious agricultural and environmental weed in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. Infestations of this unpalatable plant reduce the productivity of pastures and the profitability of industries dependent on grazing animals. This paper reports a series of studies undertaken to assist in the development of control strategies for this species. In particular, these studies measured the viability and dormancy status of fresh seed of S. pyramidalis and the decline of dormancy with time. Variability in these characteristics was determined in seeds collected from several sites within south-east Queensland. The effect of moisture availability during the inflorescence and seed production phases on seed viability and dormancy was also determined. The dormancy of freshly collected seed from several sites ranged from 15 to 95%, but decreased to negligible levels after 4-6 months. Seeds that matured under conditions of high moisture availability were initially more dormant than seeds matured where moisture was less readily available. The proportion of viable seeds was significantly lower in smaller than larger seeds even though viability for all seed sizes exceeded 90%. This study has shown that seed of S. pyramidalis generally has high viability with a large proportion of the seed germinable soon after maturity

Have male offenders changed? Men's perspectives and experiences at the end of the program

Surveys suggest that around one third of all adult women will at some point in their life experience abuse perpetrated by an intimate male partner. In recent years a number of 'integrated responses' to domestic violence have been developed which are coordinated, appropriate, consistent responses aimed at enhancing victim safety, reducing secondary victimisation and holding abusers accountable for their violence. An increasingly important part of integrated responses is the delivery of interventions for male perpetrators of violence. In this book contributions come from those working with victims of domestic violence, from within the criminal justice system and integrated response programs. They describe and discuss the provision of programs and services that are designed to reduce the risk of domestic violence amongst known perpetrators. Outcome data, theoretical and clinical issues relevant to program delivery are discussed in detail. Domestic Violence – Working With Men provides a timely resource in the development of programs and services to reduce the risk of known perpetrators committing further acts of violence towards women