Gibberellic Acid application on pastures to increase winter growth. Meat and Livestock Australia have supported the Mandurama Young Farmer group in investigating options to boost winter feed supply.
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Ten key considerations when considering Gibberellic Acid application
In June 2017, we applied Gibberellic acid to phalaris dominant pastures near Byng and saw a 16.5kgs/Ha growth rate compared to a 3.5kgs/Ha growth rate of the untreated pasture.
During this 30 day period there was less than 5mm recorded rainfall on the trial site.
This year we are treating five of the same paddocks that were funded through the MLA Producer demonstration sites in 2017.
We have added an extra site east of Blayney and one other site east of Millthorpe.
We are very fortunate to be involved in one of the more innovative initiatives in the application of Gibberellic acid (GA) in some time, with the demonstration site set up near Millthorpe comparing aerial and ground application of Gibberellic acid.
Ninety pasture cuts were taken over the eight different treatments on this demonstration site on the corner of Pretty Plains road and Vittoria road, east of Millthorpe.
The response to different water rates of GA application on phalaris is being measured over month.
We encourage you to come and see for yourself the different treatments on Tuesday, July 24 at 2pm till 3pm during a paddock walk. Ten Key Considerations when considering Gibberellic Acid application to promote pasture growth
- Adequate soil moisture
- Adequate soil fertility
- Not recommended for application on pastures less than three years old
- Good perennial grass density or at least enough growing points exposed to ensure an economic response
- Can be applied with selective broadleaf herbicides
- Compatible with liquid nitrogen products
- Phalaris is most responsive
- The paddock must be rested for a minimum of 20 days
- No further benefit in resting the paddock more than 30 days
- Do the numbers, assess what the minimum growth rate response needed to pay for the application
