Effect of grazing strategy, ryegrass overdrilling and herbicide application on vulpia content, tiller density and seed production in perennial pastures

Abstract

Vulpia species C.C. Gmel. are annual grass weeds that can reduce the productivity of perennial pastures throughout southern Australia. To develop more effective strategies to manage vulpia, a 3-year experiment was established in western Victoria (average annual rainfall: 625 mm) comparing different methods currently used to control this weed. Overdrilling perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) seed and simazine application treatments were applied to phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) pastures that were set-stocked or rotationally grazed (either as a four-paddock or strategic rotation) with Merino ewes. The content of vulpia, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and other annual grass..