Across
- 4. This native grass is able to tolerate drought and fire quite extensively but suffers under frosty weather. It does not last under heavy grazing as the buds become depleted and the stands thin out. The quality of the feed is quite low when compared to introduced pastures and its digestibility is about 54-75%, meaning it is not highly demanded for feed but is used for re vegetation of eroded land.
- 5. This introduced grass is used as an all-year-round pasture due to its consistent production under heavy grazing and has a moderate resistance to drought and fire. It has a high feeding value which is limited to a couple of weeks before decreasing. It is also not the most suitable feed for lactating cows due to its low sodium levels.
- 7. This legume is able to tolerate dry conditions, strongly suiting Australia's climate. It is very beneficial to the environment and therefore land conservation due to its ability to lower the water table and add more organic matter to the soil. Its hight protein levels and even higher feeding value means it is commonly used as hay, silage or as a pasture on farms.
- 8. This legume is adapted to alkaline soils and is very hard seeded. It significantly increases nitrogen levels in soil which consequently boosts soil fertility and is therefore ideal for promoting pasture growth to reach its full potential. Additionally, this legume makes for a high quality forage which satisfies the nutritional needs of cattle.
Down
- 1. This weed produces seeds at a very large and rapid amount. It negatively impacts pasture productivity and therefore causes the depreciation of crops as well as being poisonous to cattle. It can also out compete native vegetation and therefore have detrimental impacts on the environment. Despite this, it is sometimes the only plant available for grazing in dry areas of South Australia and is beneficial to the honey industry.
- 2. This native grass has a high tolerance to both frost and drought, however its growth rate is low and it may be easily out competed by weeds. Despite this, it is able to grow in poorly fertile soil and is highly nutritious as a winter feed for cattle. Its perseverance under heavy grazing also makes it desirable in the harsher seasons as it compensates for some of the pasture loss due to a decrease in growth rates during these times.
- 3. This weed has sharp burrs which get caught in the hooves of livestock and may cause lameness. It is a rapid growing species which also causes skin ailment in cattle and affects working dogs on the farm. It has a deep tap root which increases its drought tolerance and it is found in tropical and subtropical regions.
- 6. This introduced grass is not tolerant of drought but has built up a resistant to rust. It is normally grown in winter due to its need for high rainfall and it is used as a high quality feed for cattle especially in the colder seasons when additional nutrition is required. Despite this, it does require a high input system to grow to its full potential, specifically during the drier months.