What perennial grass will handle waterlogged, acidic soils in the higher rainfall South West and still give decent winter feed?
We recommend Amplify Phalaris for this situation. It is a deep-rooted perennial that tolerates waterlogging and acidic soils, and phalaris is the most winter productive of the temperate perennial grasses. It suits loam to heavy soils in areas getting 500mm or more of rainfall, and it will also handle heavy grazing once established.
I want a long-term perennial pasture for sheep and cattle in the Great Southern that won't die out after a hot, dry summer. What should I sow?
Our Amplify Phalaris is built for long-term persistence. Under adverse summer conditions it can go summer dormant, which protects the plants so they come back when conditions improve. It suits sheep, beef and dairy, grows best on loams to heavy soils with 500mm+ rainfall, and gives high winter yields plus some summer growth when conditions allow.
How much perennial grass seed per hectare should I use on a wet paddock that stays waterlogged for weeks each winter?
For phalaris on wet ground, we suggest the top end of the range. Amplify Phalaris is sown at 2 to 8 kg/ha as a monoculture, or 2 to 4 kg/ha in a mix, and we recommend the higher rate where waterlogging is severe. Sow into a firm, weed-free seedbed on loam to heavy soils for the best start.
Just sowed a new perennial grass pasture this autumn. When can I put stock back on it without ruining it?
With a phalaris pasture such as Amplify, patience pays. Phalaris is slow to establish, so we recommend only very light grazing in the first year to encourage tillering, and otherwise keeping stock off. Avoid grazing during flowering in year one in particular, because that is when dormant buds form that drive long-term persistence.
Is there a phalaris that's less risky for staggers and toxicity problems in sheep?
Amplify Phalaris has been selected for lower toxicity along with increased seedling vigour, which makes it a sensible choice for sheep, beef and dairy country. As with any phalaris, we still recommend sensible management, such as not introducing hungry stock onto lush new growth, and talking to your vet or agronomist about cobalt and local phalaris staggers risk.
What grass can I put in a mix with sub clover on a loamy paddock in 550mm country for winter feed?
We recommend Amplify Phalaris at 2 to 4 kg/ha in a mix with a sub clover suited to your soil and rainfall, such as our Dalkeith or Seaton Park. The phalaris supplies high winter forage and persistence, while the clover adds nitrogen and feed quality. Amplify suits loam to heavy soils with 500mm+ rainfall and tolerates acidity.
My paddock has a bit of salt coming up in the low spots and gets wet in winter. Any perennial grass that copes with both in higher rainfall areas?
For mildly saline, wet ground in 500mm+ country, we recommend Amplify Phalaris. It tolerates waterlogging and mild salinity and is also acid tolerant. For more severely salt-affected areas, we suggest Puccinellia or Tall Wheat Grass instead, as they handle much higher salt levels than phalaris.
Is Amplify Phalaris suitable for dairy cows?
Yes, Amplify Phalaris is suitable for dairy as well as sheep and beef. It delivers high winter forage yields, which is when many dairy systems are short of feed, and some summer production in favourable conditions. We recommend it on loam to heavy soils with 500mm+ rainfall, sown at 2 to 4 kg/ha when mixed with other species.
Amplify Phalaris vs Yarck II Cocksfoot, which is better for my farm?
Both are persistent perennials, and the choice comes down to your soil and rainfall. Amplify Phalaris is the stronger pick for waterlogged, acidic loam to heavy soils with 500mm+ rainfall, and it offers high winter yields. Our Yarck II Cocksfoot suits 450mm+ zones on soils of pH 5.5 to 7.5 and responds well to summer rain.
How long will an Amplify Phalaris pasture last?
Amplify Phalaris is a long-term perennial pasture, and with good establishment it should persist for many years. Its deep roots and its ability to go summer dormant under adverse conditions both help persistence. The key is the first year: we recommend very light grazing only, and avoiding grazing at flowering, to let the plants build the buds that carry them long term.
