Perennial herbs fill a niche market in our region. They bring a blend of persistence, palatability, digestibility and the ability to collect nutrients from the soil which leads to increased animal production. When included in pasture mixes, perennial herbs have been linked to a reduction in scouring calves and almost alleviating the symptoms of red gut in lamb production. In the local area perennial herbs have been used with just a splash in pasture mixes, however the more we learn about them the more we see that they are most effective when their rates are increased to around 1-2kg/ha in blends and up to 5kg/ha on their own. Herbs sown as a sole species are becoming more and more popular as they are prime finishing tucker for lambs and beef.
Variety | Sowing Rate | Growth | Attributes |
---|---|---|---|
CHICORY | |||
Puna | 5 – 20 | Prostrate | Persistent original variety. Suited to light sandy soils as well as heavier soil types. Will re-seed well if allowed to set seed over the summer months. |
6-Point | 5 – 20 | Semi–Erect | US variety, very similar to Puna. Breaks winter dormancy earlier giving it a longer growing season. Excellent regeneration properties which aids in long term persistence. |
Chico | 8 – 25 | Erect | Excellent summer crop companion, very fast establishment and regrowth, improved winter activity. |
PLANTAIN | |||
Tonic | 8 – 25 | Semi-Erect | Fibrous root system, excellent year round production. Extracts selenium and other trace elements from the soil. |
Ecotain | 5 – 20 | Semi-Erect | Fast establishing and tolerant to a wide range of soils. 600mm rainfall or better. Shown to reduce the amount of N lost from farm systems. |
Oracle | 8 – 25 | Erect | Deep, fibrous root system for better heat tolerance, later maturing than Tonic, high forage quality and mineral content, highly suitable for all livestock classes. |