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December 24, 2002
When Ken Bullen and David Lloyd
argue there is more interest in the environmental benefits of
lucerne around Australia than any other plant, you canıt argue.
The record prices for lucerne hay wonıt last much longer than
the current drought but farmers everywhere are increasingly
accepting that the "king of fodders" has unequalled values as a
disease break in grain rotations, in restoring soil fertility
and in the battle against salinity.
Through the
Grains Research & Development
Corporation, Australiaıs graingrowers and the Federal
Government have invested heavily in research into into the
various roles and potential of lucerne.
Now Queenslandıs Department of Primary Industries has joined the
GRDC in the production of the fourth edition of the "Lucerne
Management Handbook", primarily focused on Queensland conditions
but applicable in most areas to northern New South Wales and
"useful" for lucerne growers right around
Australia.
Mr Bullen edited the new edition on gloss paper and with
numerous colour photographs drawing on work carried out under
GRDC supported research into the breeding and evaluation of
lucerne and lucerne rotations for sustainable cropping systems
for the northern region.
In the now familiar GRDC investment pattern, those projects
linked QDPI, NSW Agriculture and the University of Queensland,
with Mr Lloyd leading the Queensland component of the research.
Mr Bullen says the new edition of the "Lucerne Management
Handbook" complements the TOPCROP Ute Guide "Lucerne Pests and
Disorders", providing more information on some problems covered
in the guide.
"The handbook starts with the very basics, with a chapter on
understanding the lucerne plant itself and then leads readers
through the processes of selecting the right variety, managing
nutrition and fertiliser, irrigation and weed control," Mr
Bullen said.
"While much of the information it contains is applicable to
dryland lucerne production, there are chapters on haymaking and
a very helpful, spreadsheet style guide to the costs and returns
involved in growing irrigated lucerne for hay.
"Thereıs also a comprehensive chapter on the grazing management
of lucerne pastures, including advice about the very real
challenges of avoiding problems like bloat and pulpy kidney."
The 74 page "Lucerne Management Handbook" is available from QDPI
Publications, GPO Box 46, Brisbane, 4001, Australia (1 800 816
541, email:
books@dpi.qld.gov.au) for $27.50 including GST and plus
postage ($6.15 single copy).
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