Lack of options for growers wishing to replace annual crops with deep-rooted perennial species has long been a source of frustration. But a solution is now in sight.

According to Grains Research and Development Corporation-supported Western Australia Department of Agriculture researcher Geoff Moore, efforts to develop new herbaceous perennial pastures are well advanced. Despite lucerne struggling on acidic and waterlogged Western Australia soils, 150,000 hectares was now planted.

“Several promising perennial legume species have emerged in Western Australia trials, including canary clover, hairy canary clover, sulla and perennial Lotus species,” he said.

Hydrologists predict up to one third of arable land in Western Australia will become saline if annual crops are not substantially replaced by deep-rooted perennial species which more effectively dry the soil profile.