Trialling and demonstrating innovative pasture species diversification for climate resilience in medium and low rainfall areas
Adelaide University, South Australia
Overview
This activity is evaluating innovative pasture species diversification to improve climate resilience, pasture productivity, and groundcover across low- and medium-rainfall farming systems in South Australia.
Field trials have been established in the Murray and Mallee (low rainfall) and Barossa (medium rainfall) regions to compare a range of annual pasture legumes with contrasting flowering times, growth habits, and drought adaptation.
The research aims to identify pasture species combinations that are better suited to variable seasonal conditions while supporting sustainable livestock production and contribute to outcomes 1 & 2
Key Activities
Low Rainfall Region – Murray and Mallee
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Established a replicated field trial evaluating novel annual pasture legumes grown as monocultures and mixed-species combinations.
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Assessed drought-resilient pasture options under extremely dry seasonal conditions (<100 mm annual rainfall).
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Measured pasture establishment, biomass production, soil properties, and pasture performance to identify species adapted to low-rainfall environments.
Medium Rainfall Region – Barossa
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Established a replicated split-plot field trial comparing pasture legume cultivars under grazing management.
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Evaluated species with contrasting flowering times and growth patterns to maximise productivity under variable seasonal rainfall.
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Completed pasture establishment, biomass, soil, microbiome, and weed and pest assessments to support resilient pasture management.
Knowledge Exchange
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Delivered workshops and field walks to demonstrate pasture diversification strategies and share research findings with farmers, agronomists, and industry stakeholders.
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Processed soil and biomass samples from both rainfall regions, with data analysis supporting recommendations for climate-resilient pasture systems.
Contact for queries
Dr Tshewang Dorji
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