A group of local producers gathered last week to inspect different paddock management strategies under the Top Soils Project, focusing on controlling couch grass and boosting pasture performance.
The in-paddock session yielded several key insights into soil structure, weed management and seed bank limitations.
Demonstrations showed that soil structure differed significantly between methods, with The Box’s method resulting in tighter, more compact soil that was visibly lighter in colour compared to cultivation and no-cultivation treatments.
The trial also highlighted the limits of relying on the natural seed bank. Because there was an insufficient amount of desirable seed in the soil, The Box’s method did not achieve the level of pasture establishment originally anticipated.
Producers discussed the critical role of early weed control, noting that managing couch grass and other weeds prior to sowing perennial pasture gives new plants the best chance to establish, compete and persist — particularly as couch grass is already returning in some trial plots.
Feed utilisation was emphasised as a vital economic driver for farmers, with attendees agreeing that growing extra pasture only delivers a financial return if it is effectively utilised.
The standout approach among the trialled methods was the burn, cultivate, and sow treatment, which produced greener plants, taller growth, and a noticeably lower weed burden.
Although it carries a higher upfront establishment cost, discussions
highlighted that generating more usable feed ultimately delivers a stronger return on investment.
Landholders seeking further information on the Top Soils Project trials can contact Nat Jenkins via email at njenkins@sfs.org.au.
