WESTERN MURRAY LAND IMPROVEMENT GROUP INC.
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Dryland Pastures Project 

Background

Economically Viable Options for Retired Irrigation Land (EVORIL) was a five-year (2013-2018) research project initiated as a result of declining availability of irrigation water in the south-west Riverina region of NSW. The aim of the project was to investigate the economic feasibility and productivity of various pasture species sown on previously irrigated land that has reverted to dryland.
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EVORIL provided farmers with hands on appreciation and capacity to measure critical factors in establishing, growing and managing alternative pasture species varieties through replicated trials and demonstrations on farms. These trials assessed the suitability of grasses (including native species), legumes, saltbush and other native shrubs as part of a diverse landscape mosaic. 
EVORIL found that there is no single formula applicable across the region due to variations in soil type and land use history. Therefore, the project aims to provide information to landholders to allow them to make informed choices on their pasture management systems.
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Trial Site Locations
Key Points (2013-2018)
  • 9 trial sites across the Western Murray catchment​
  • Assessment of  >40 grasses, legumes and herbs
  • Providing a buffer again​st seasonal variability 
  • Implications for low-rainfall zones throughout Australia
Over 40 types of grasses, legumes, herbs and shrubs are being trialled in nine locations for their ability to grow on a rainfall of 300mm, tolerance to a range of soil types, frost, waterlogging and persistence.

Four different strategies were examined in the trials:
1. Annuals that will grow, flower, seed and regenerate next season.
2. Annuals that will maximise growth from rainfall but require re-sowing each season.
3. Perennials, both shrubs, grasses and legumes that will survive the summer
4. Experimental species (natives and exotics) that are currently undergoing evaluation.

Research to date has indicated productivity gains compared with standard district practice. When sown as a pasture mix, EVORIL species provide a buffer against variable seasonal conditions and pest or disease incursions. However, grazing management is crucial. Pasture species should be left to set seed in the first year, with care taken not to overgraze in summer as pods may be consumed. Managed correctly these systems improve persistence, productivity, extend grazing periods and conserve ground cover, while minimising nutrient loss.

The EVORIL project has tailored strategies for weed control and grazing management in these pastures, including:
  • Control weeds the season before (absolute minimum)
  • Re-establish grasses into the legume base once the seedbank is non-competitive. Grasses drive productivity and use nitrogen fixed by the legumes.
  • Prioritise seed set in the first year and ensure stock exclusion during flowering and seed set
  • Select species and appropriate management strategies to suit your system.
  • Sow a diverse species mix to provide a buffer against seasonal conditions and provide an integrated approach to nutrient, pest and weed management

The addition of forage shrubs to the pasture system has increased diversity, providing both NRM and livestock benefits, as well as providing a tool to manage climate variability. This has implications for both primary production and NRM in low-rainfall zones throughout mid-southern Australia. 
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For more information about  EVORIL contact Project Coordinator, Rick Ellis on 0428 372 357


Expression of Interests for personalised assessments

​Do you have grazing paddocks that you wish were more productive? 

Are you looking for a more resilient pasture system that persists across a range of seasons?

We're  looking for landholders to participate in personalised assessments for dryland pasture establishment on-farm. 
GET AN ASSESSMENT

Resources:

Project Overview
Grazing Management
Small Plot Trials
Establishing Dryland Fodder
Producer Demonstration Sites
grazing considerations
Operina Producer Demonstration Site
Pasture Seed Samples
Barrell Medic
Planting Saltbush in 2015
Planting Saltbush & Shrubs amongst pasture seed trials in 2015
Saltbush Rows at Murrayview in 2017
Inspecting demonstration plots at Murrayview in 2017
Inspecting L56 lucerne pasture trials in 2017
Project Coordinator, Rick Ellis inspecting lucerne pasture trials in 2017
Seeding at Belvedere in 2015
Seeding at Operina in 2015
Exceptional pasture growth at Willowbank in 2016
This project is a joint initiative between WMLIG and Central Murray Bestwool Bestlamb, funded by the Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
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Contact us

27 Thule Street Barham NSW 2732 
​03 5453 1577

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land that we work and operate on which includes Barapa Barapa, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, and Wadi Wadi. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.​
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  • Home
  • About
    • About us >
      • From the Landcare Desk
    • Our Team
    • Our Board
    • Membership
    • In the News
    • Partner with us
    • Work For Us
  • Our Projects & Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Murray Connect
    • Current projects
    • Past projects >
      • 2022 Projects
      • 2021 Projects
      • 2020 Projects
      • 2019 Projects
      • 2018 Projects
      • 2017 Projects
  • Contact us
  • Search our website