Grazing management for the long term utilisation and control of Chilean needle grass ( Nassella neesiana)
Project description
This PhD project aims to increase the feed utilisation of Chilean needle grass (CNG) and the welfare of animals grazing infested pastures - whilst minimising the production of viable seed and dominance of CNG in pasture populations. The CNG grazing management project consists of a network of demonstration trial sites throughout the Australian range of CNG. These trial sites incorporate regional best practice management as well as intensive studies into various aspects of grazing managament; such as grazing method, stock class & feed quality. Collaborating organisations included the DPI Victoria ( Frankston, Bacchus Marsh, Attwood, Geelong) and NSW Agriculture (Glen Innes, Goulburn) . Supervisors are Assoc Prof Brian Sindel, Dr David McLaren (DPI Victoria) and Dr David Chapman (Univerisity of Melbourne). Funding is provided by the Natural Heritage Trust and Weed CRC.
Further information: National CNG Webpage , or go to the DPI Vic website, then go to "Agriculture and Food", then "A-Z index", find "Chilean needle grass".
These are the seeds of CNG. |
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These are our sheep grazing plots |
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Here is the fencing used for the grazing plots |
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Contact
Charles Grech
Research Officer and PhD student
Department of Primary Industries
Primary Industries Research Victoria - Weeds of Agricultural Ecosystems
475 Mickleham Rd, Attwood, VIC 3049
Ph: (03) 9217 4200
Fax: (03) 9217 4299
Mob: (0412) 709 407
Email. Charles.Grech@dpi.vic.gov.au