Using second generation hard-seeded legumes in pasture crop rotations

Abstract

Key findings •Sowing header-harvested (minimally processed) seed of second generation annual legumes in summer can provide benefits for biomass and seed production in the establishment year by opening the sowing window for pastures. •When grown under severe drought conditions, second generation legumes were able to support grain yields in following wheat crops of 4–5 t/ha without additional nitrogen (N) fertiliser, whereas wheat grown following traditional legumes required the same N-fertiliser input as continuous cropping treatments to achieve a similar grain yield. •When grown under extreme drought conditions, second generation legumes established via summer sowing significantly increased potential livestock production compared with conventional pasture legumes sowing in late autumn. •In the higher than average rainfall over 2020, summer sowing increased herbage availability compared with conventional sowing to the extent that excess herbage for silage or hay could be cut without adversely affecting seed production and future regeneration capacity of most legumes.