Agriculture Commons^™

Leucaena Leucocephala - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Leucaena leucocephala. Leucaena is a tropical legume, originating from Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is a long-lived shrub or small tree (usually 5-10m, rarely to 20m) which is used for multiple purposes around the world including: firewood, timber, paper pulp, human food, green manure, shade, erosion control and forage.

Centrosema Pascuorum - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Centro (Centrosema pascuorum). Centro is a warm season, annual herbaceous legume native to drier regions of South and Central America (Clements and Williams 1980). It has a twining growth habit with relatively fine stems up to 2m long. The leaves are trifoliate and the leaflets are long (50–100mm) and narrow (5–10mm wide), which can give …

Desmodium Intortum - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum). Greenleaf desmodium is a perennial, tropical forage legume adapted to a range of soils (sands, sandy loams, loams to medium clay) with at least moderate fertility, pH 5.0 to 7.0, and a minimum of 800mm rainfall.

Ipomoea Batatas - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) is a member of the morning glory or Convolvulaceae family and is not related to the common potato. The plant has long trailing slender stems and is perennial but is treated as an annual in a cropping system. Sweet potato is a semi-tropical plant that grows …

Ficus Carica - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Figs (Ficus carica). Figs are a species of small deciduous tree in the flowering plant family Moraceae which is native to the Mediterranean and western Asia. It has been cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown throughout the world, both for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. Figs are a minor horticultural …

Urochloa Decumbens - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) Signal grass is a creeping, tropical perennial grass which can form a dense sward.

Echinochloa Esculenta - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta). Japanese millet is a tall, fast-growing annual summer crop that has been domesticated since 2000BC from Japan. It has been cultivated both for human consumption and as a fodder by tribal communities in Asia including in India, Japan, and China (Sood et al. 2015). Japanese (Shirohie) millet is a dual-purpose millet …

Digitaria Milanjiana - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Finger grass (Digitaria milanjiana). Finger grass is a subtropical to tropical perennial grass native to a wide range in Africa from South Africa to Ethiopia (Cook et al. 2020). It is now cultivated in Africa, Asia (Malaysia; Thailand; Vietnam), Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland), the Caribbean and in the Pacific (Fiji). Finger grass is a highly …

Medicago Littoralis - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Strand medic (Medicago littoralis). Strand medic is a temperate annual pasture legume native to the calcareous sandy soils along the coast of the Mediterranean. It is adapted to well drained soils with a slightly acid (pHCa >5.8), neutral and alkaline conditions (AAR 275-500mm). Used as a self-regenerating autumn-to-spring growing annual pasture. A minor pasture species …

Urochloa Mosambicensis - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). Sabi grass is a creeping, tropical, perennial grass of variable size and growth habit usually with short stolons or tufted and sometimes rooting and branching from the lower nodes. Sabi grass is native to central and southern Africa (i.e. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland). …

Allium Cepa - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Allium cepa. Onions are a root vegetable which are widely cultivated around the world. A. cepa is only known from cultivation, however onions are part of the Allium genus which contains over 300 species.

Vigna Radiata Subsp. Radiata - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Mung bean (Vigna radiata subsp. radiata) There are two subspecies of Mung bean; V. radiata subsp. radiata (var. setulose) is the exotic Mung bean native to the Indian subcontinent and Vigna radiata subsp. sublobata which is native to northern Australia and the Kimberley Region in Western Australia including IBRA Regions: Central Kimberley, Dampierland, Northern Kimberley, …

Stylosanthes Guianensis Var. Guianensis - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Common stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis var. guianensis). Common stylo is a tropical, erect to semi-erect, short-lived perennial legume adapted to acid infertile soils.

Trifolium Subterraneum - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum). Subterranean clover is a grazing tolerant annual pasture legume from the Mediterranean Basin which is sown over 8 million hectares (ha) in Western Australia (WA) and 29 million ha across southern Australia. It is used in permanent pastures and in rotation with crops. A range of cultivars are available for areas …

Vicia Faba - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Faba beans (Vicia faba). Faba beans are a winter growing pulse (legume) crop which are adapted to well-drained medium- to fine-textured soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. In Western Australia (WA), faba beans is a niche crop and production is currently around 6,000 tonnes. Vicia faba minor is grown under broadscale farming conditions in …

Megathyrsus Maximus - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus). Panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus) is a warm season (C4), perennial grass which is widely used in South America, Japan, India, and sub-tropical Queensland and more recently in the northern agricultural region of Western Australia. It is a productive forage grass for pasture, green-forage, hay and silage. The panic grasses are shade …

Bothriochloa Pertusa - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2022, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Bothriochloa pertusa. Indian bluegrass is a stoloniferous, mat-forming, tropical (C4) perennial grass.

Sediment Budgets For Small Salinized Agricultural Catchments In Southwest Australia And Implications For Phosphorus Transport, Robert J. Wasson, David Weaver

Natural Resources Research Articles

Examples of sediment budgets are needed to document the range of budget types and their controls. Sediment budgets for three small agricultural catchments (7.6 to 15.6 km2) in southwestern Australia are dominated by channel and gully erosion, with sheet and rill erosion playing a subordinate role. Erosion was increased by clearing naturally swampy valley floors and hillslopes for agriculture and grazing, and episodic intense rainstorms. The proportion of sediment from channel and gully erosion in the sediment budget appears to be determined by the depth of alluvial fills. Dryland salinization caused by clearing native vegetation has connected hillslopes to channels …

The Potential Of Remotely Sensed Vegetation Indices For Monitoring Pasture Condition, Pouria Ramzi, Karen Holmes

Resource management technical reports

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is developing an integrated monitoring system using remote sensing and on-ground measurements to track pasture condition across Western Australia’s pastoral region. We extended and adapted the methods developed in the Pastoral Lease Assessment Using Geospatial Analysis (PLAGA) project (Robinson et al. 2012), which combined remotely sensed vegetation indices (VIs) with on-ground pasture condition observations to assess the potential of using different vegetation indices in a statewide condition monitoring system.

There were 6 regions in WA’s pastoral rangelands with DPIRD on-ground condition traverse points: Kimberley and Broome, Pilbara, Yalgoo and Sandstone, Goldfields, …

Western Australian Broadacre Agriculture Regional Snapshots Goldfields-Esperance (Esperance Port Zone), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Agriculture reports

The Goldfields-Esperance region spans over 95 million hectares, with agriculture, mining, and fisheries as key industries. The Esperance Port Zone produces mainly wheat, barley, and pulses, generating $800 million annually and exporting 2.25 million tonnes of grain. Rainfall declines threaten yields; livestock and aquaculture industries face challenges but show growth potential.

Western Australian Broadacre Agriculture Regional Snapshots Great Southern, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Agriculture reports

The Great Southern region spans over 3.9 million hectares, with agriculture, forestry, fishing, tourism, and viticulture vital to its economy. Key industries include broadacre crops, livestock, horticulture, viticulture, and aquaculture. Rainfall varies, impacting crop production, which has shifted from wheat to barley. The region demonstrates growth in free-range poultry, pork, and wine, with significant export opportunities and ongoing diversification.

Western Australian Broadacre Agriculture Regional Snapshots Mid West, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Agriculture reports

No abstract provided.

Western Australian Broadacre Agriculture Regional Snapshots Wheatbelt, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Agriculture reports

The Wheatbelt region in Western Australia covers 15.7 million hectares, mainly dedicated to broadacre farming generating 68% of $3.3 billion in agriculture, led by wheat, barley, canola, oats, and lupins. The economy also involves livestock, horticulture, tourism, fishing, mining, and emerging aquaculture. Rainfall varies, with recent declines affecting crop yields; land value is around $2,500 per hectare.

Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia Annual Report 2020/2021, Biosecurity Council Of Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

Understanding the needs and challenges of industry, community and government is key to ensuring relevant and constructive advice to government. During 2020/21, the Council continued to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State levels and proactively engaged with industry, community and government on biosecurity matters. The key areas of advice that were progressed during the year were:

• mechanisms for funding biosecurity in WA
• the effectiveness of WA’s border biosecurity system
• how Western Australians perceive ‘biosecurity’ and their role in pest, weed and disease prevention, surveillance and response; and
• the quadruple bottom line of biosecurity.

Kikuyu (Cenchrus Clandestinus) For Dryland Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a subtropical, perennial C4 grass that is widely used as a pasture and turf.

It has some salinity tolerance, and moderate waterlogging tolerance. Kikuyu is commonly established from seed and can also be grown from vegetative plantings, unlike marine couch, saltwater couch and Distichlis (vegetative only).

We recommend that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Samphires (Tecticornia Species) For Dryland Salinity Management In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Samphire is the common name for native plants from the genus Tecticornia (synonym Halosarcia). Although slower growing than saltbush and bluebush species, samphires have higher tolerance to saline conditions and waterlogging, and are common in waterlogged saline areas of south-west Western Australia.

Samphire is not a desirable grazing species.

Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana) For Dryland Salinity Management In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) is a subtropical/summer active perennial C4 grass. It is a tufted grass that sends out strong, above ground runners (stolons), allowing it to spread rapidly. This can be a great advantage on saltland where soil salinity often inhibits recruitment from seed. However, it has low salt tolerance, and low-moderate waterlogging tolerance.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Pasture Legumes And Grasses For Saline Land In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

The productivity of saline and waterlogged land can be markedly increased by using salt tolerant legumes and grasses, in mixtures. The mix is particularly important for increasing the productivity and profitability of saltbush-based pastures. The information is relevant to the south-west agricultural region of Western Australia.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides this information on the tolerance and establishment of salt tolerant legumes and grasses to improve the productivity and profitability of saline land.

Saltbushes For Dryland Salinity Management In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Saltland pastures always have a range of plant species, even in dense saltbush plantations. Saltbush will often change the watertable and surface soil characteristics enough for other plants to colonise. The understorey plants are often the most productive component of saltbush pastures.

This page provides information about each of the saltbushes that can be used in these mixed salt-tolerant pastures.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that saltland management is part of a whole farm – or preferable whole catchment – plan.

Tall Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum Ponticum) For Dryland Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum) has been widely planted in Western Australia on saline land in the southern agricultural areas, on land that shows signs of salt and is not permanently waterlogged.

The information provided here assumes that tall wheatgrass is being grazed effectively by livestock.