Research that works for developing countries and Australia

 

Potential constraints to the sustainability of legume based pasture systems in northern Australia and Thailand

Project ID:
LWR1/1996/196: Potential constraints to the sustainability of legume based pasture systems in northern Australia and Thailand
Collaborating Countries:
Thailand
Commissioned Organisation:
CSIRO Division of Land and Water, Australia
Project Leader
Dr Andrew Noble
Phone: Tel: +66-2561-4433
Fax: Fax: +66-2561-1230
Email: a.noble@cgiar.org
Collaborating Institutions:
  • Khon Kaen University, Thailand
  • CSIRO Tropical Agriculture, Australia
Project Budget:
$83,801
Project Duration:
01/07/1997 - 30/06/1998
ACIAR Research Program Manager
Dr Ian Willett
Project Background and Objectives

A major constraint to animal production in northern Australia and Northeast Thailand is an inadequate supply of high quality feed throughout the year. The shrubby stylo legume, Stylosanthes scabra, was introduced to improve the diet quality of pastures but this has led to problems with land degradation. This project will assess the extent and rates of soil acidification under Stylosanthes pasture production systems in Northeast Thailand. It will also evaluate the ash alkalinity of selected tropical legumes to assess whether they may lead to soil acidification or may help remedy the problem. The scientists will also assess soil acidification under Stylosanthes production systems in India and China.

Project Outcomes
Outcomes for this project are currently being prepared