The most recent paddock-measured pasture growth rates from the Struan-based Pastures from Space project are presented in the attached table. You, like us, might be amazed at these very high growth rates for the last month, particularly in light of the very low figures for September and the relatively low rainfall that was generally experienced until mid-October when these measurements were made. Our analysis of these data is that the September pasture measurements were taken at the end of a period of relatively low temperatures and very low rainfall (only 30.4 mm at Naracoorte between measurements on August 10th and September 13th).  In the week of, and immediately following, these September measurements there was 25.8mm of rain, followed a week later by 30mm over 6 days. Combined with a period of warmer weather in early October this appears to have resulted in a significant burst of pasture growth, albeit from a very low base, but a burst that may have resulted in the plants running to head and becoming ‘woody’. In short it appears that these very high October pasture growth figures might be an artefact of the timing of our sampling relative to recent rainfall and the fact that the lack of surplus soil moisture has resulted in the plants running up to head and becoming ‘woody’ earlier than expected. These high pasture growth rates have therefore resulted in short but relatively dry pasture rather than our normal bulk of spring feed. It will be interesting to see what the most recent rains have done to pasture growth rates around the region!
For more information on this project, that is investigating the accuracy and effective use of satellite-derived pasture growth rate data in near real-time across 33 paddocks from Strathdownie to Karoonda, contact research officer Liz Abraham, SARDI, Struan Agricultural Centre on (08) 8762 9100. Alternatively you can look at regional scale growth rate images and data at www.pasturesfromspace.csiro.au.

AUTHOR: Nick Edwards, SARDI, Struan.

CONTACT: Nick Edwards or Liz Abraham, Struan Research Centre, Telephone 8762 9100