Most of the state experienced an extremely dry autumn, but with recent rains for the East Gippsland region, it’s the soil temperature that may become the main factor that limits pasture growth.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, in the week prior to 9am Tuesday, June 11, Combienbar recorded 47mm, Ensay 24mm, Omeo 14mm, Gelantipy 29mm, Waterford 17mm and Glenaladale 12mm.
The Gippsland Soil Moisture Probe Producer Demonstration Site project shows the soil temperature in Benambra on May 1 was 11.8 degrees; at the Gippsland Research Farm it was 13 degrees and at Buchan South it was 12.5 degrees.
Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer, Nick Linden, said soil temperature, like moisture and fertility, plays a major role in controlling plant growth.
“Covers will stop fixing much nitrogen below about nine degrees which can provide some opportunities for response to urea,” Mr Linden said.
“Research in Tasmania shows that perennial ryegrass continues to grow down to about five degrees, while annual ryegrass as low as two degrees.
“Australian phalaris has been shown to also grow down to about five degrees and a ‘guesstimate’ for more winter active cultivars is between 1.5-2 degrees lower,’ he said.
Mr Linden said urea and gibberellic acid (GA) provide options to increase pasture growth when nitrogen and/or soil temperature is limiting, on the proviso that good soil fertility, perennial pasture species and soil moisture are present.
“GA is made naturally in plant roots during spring and stimulates shoot and cell elongation, promoting plant growth.
“The application of manufactured GA in winter stimulates plant growth and increases winter feed availability.
gibberellic acid (GA) provide options to increase pasture growth when nitrogen and/or soil temperature is limiting, on the proviso that good soil fertility, perennial pasture species and soil moisture are present.
“GA is made naturally in plant roots during spring and stimulates shoot and cell elongation, promoting plant growth.
“The application of manufactured GA in winter stimulates plant growth and increases winter feed availability.
