Effect of lucerne phases in cropping rotations in the Corangamite, Glenelg- Hopkins region

The Corangamite/Glenelg-Hopkins regional project is exploring a number of strategies to improve productivity and NRM outcomes in mixed farming systems. One of these strategies is the introduction of lucerne into rotations on raised bed systems. Since the introduction of raised bed technology into south-western Victoria, the beds have mainly been used for continuous cropping. Lucerne phases are now being proposed as part of raised-bed farming systems, primarily to act as a disease break.

A set of related questions arise once lucerne is introduced into the farming system, relating to its impacts on the rest of the cropping system and also to the way that it will shift the forage resources on which the livestock enterprises are based. In this report we address two specific questions:

• What effect will soil drying by lucerne have on subsequent grain yields?


• Does this effect impact the optimum length of the lucerne phase?

Type: Case study
Product ID: GG0026
Added: 17/06/2008

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