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Chapter Four Lucerne management
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grazing. |
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alternative strategies. |
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hay production. |
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silage. |
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seed production. |
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irrigation. |
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All you need to know to succeed with lucerne management.
The number of time lucerne is cut or grazed is the most critical
factor in its management.
Too frequent cutting or grazing reduces overall yields, reduces vigour
and ultimately results in death of plants.
Lucerne plants begin their shoot growth from buds which form in the
crowns of the plant. The growing point stays at the top of the shoots
as they grow. When the shoots flower, growth slows down, and new buds
become active in the crown.
Root and crown reserves of lucerne are important for new shoots following
cutting or grazing. If mature shoots are not removed growth of new
shoots is slow. Once lucerne begins flowering, its nutritional value
begins to decline.
It is generally accepted that the optimum management strategy for maximum
productivity and persistence of lucerne is to let grow until 10 per cent
flowering stage.
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Getting help in Australia
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Information on Flairdale
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