NyPa Distichlis Cultivars: Rehabilitation of Highly Saline Areas for Forage Turf and Grain
Collaboration between NyPa Australia, Department of Agriculture of Western Australia, South Australian Agricultural Research and Development Institude & the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Victoria
A report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
By: John Leake Ed Barrett-Lennard Mark Sargeant Nicholas Yensen & Johnny Prefumo
December 2002
RIRDC Publication No 02/154 RIRDC Project No NYP-1A
© 2002 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. All rights reserved.
ISBN 0642 58553 9 ISSN 1440-6845
NyPa Distichlis Cultivars: Rehabilitation of highly saline areas for Forage Turf and Grain Publication No. 02/154 Project No. NYP-1A
The views expressed and the conclusions reached in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of persons consulted. RIRDC shall not be responsible in any way whatsoever to any person who relies in whole or in part on the contents of this report.
This publication is copyright. However, RIRDC encourages wide dissemination of its research, providing the Corporation is clearly acknowledged. For any other enquiries concerning reproduction, contact the Publications Manager on phone 02 6272 3186.
Researcher Contact Details John Leake 14d Birdwood St Netherby SA 5062
Phone: 08 82728088 Fax: 08 82728588 Email: [email protected]
In submitting this report, the researcher has agreed to RIRDC publishing this material in its edited form.
RIRDC Contact Details Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Level 1, AMA House 42 Macquarie Street BARTON ACT 2600 PO Box 4776 KINGSTON ACT 2604
Phone: 02 6272 4539 Fax: 02 6272 5877 Email: [email protected]. Website: http://www.rirdc.gov.au
Published in December 2002 Printed on environmentally friendly paper by Canprint
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Foreword
Australia is facing significant problems with dryland salinity. There have been plant collection activities in Australia seeking plant based solutions to this problem but they have met with little success. NyPa Australia formed a partnership with the Department of Agriculture of Western Australia and South Australia Agricultural Research and Development Institute to investigate the suitability of four patented cultivars of Distichlis imported from the United States. Elders Limited became a commercialisation partner.
Trials of the cultivars were completed in Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. Environmental benefits, nutritive value for grazing, amenity value for turf and milling characteristics of the grain were assessed. Recommendations on the ecological range of the cultivars and the requirements for establishment are made.
The project was funded from RIRDC Core Funds provided by the Federal Government.
This report is an addition to RIRDC’s diverse range of over 800 research publications. It forms part of our Resilient Agricultural Systems R&D program that supports the development of agricultural systems with diversity, flexibility, robustness and resilience that can respond to both challenge and opportunity.
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