Trialling soil amendments leading to improvement in pasture establishment and persistence
La Trobe University, Melbourne Victoria
Overview
This activity is investigating how soil amendments and diverse pasture species can improve pasture productivity, soil organic matter, and soil carbon in medium-rainfall mixed farming systems in Victoria.
Field demonstrations have been established at Auchmore and Charlton to evaluate the combined benefits of gypsum and chicken manure with deep- and shallow-rooted pasture species. By integrating soil amelioration with pasture diversification, the project aims to improve root growth, water use, soil health, and the long-term resilience of grazing systems while increasing opportunities for soil carbon sequestration and contribute to project outcome 1 & 2
Key Activities
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Established two replicated field demonstration trials at Auchmore and Charlton, Victoria to evaluate soil amendments and diversified pasture systems.
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Compared farmer practice, gypsum, and chicken manure with single-species and multi-species pasture mixes, including legumes, brassicas, and forage barley.
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Investigated the role of deep- and shallow-rooted pasture species in improving root penetration, soil water use, pasture persistence, and soil carbon accumulation.
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Monitored pasture establishment, biomass production, plant physiological performance, root distribution, soil moisture, and comprehensive soil chemical and physical properties.
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Demonstrated that chicken manure significantly improved pasture growth and biomass production, highlighting the potential of soil amendments to enhance pasture productivity and soil health.
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Shared project progress and early findings through field communications and digital platforms, with results contributing to a Farmer Results Compendium to support practical adoption of resilient pasture management across Victorian farming communities.
Contact for queries
Dr Jin Jian
Dr Marisa Collins
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