LOTUS PEDUNCULATUS ESTABLISHMENT IN INTENSIVE FARMING

Abstract

Higher levels of lotus establishment were obtained in mixed pastures by broadcast sowing compared with drilling in early spring, using high seed rates (3 to 5 kg/ha) and no fertilizer, followed by lenient management (long spells and lax grazing) which may include conservation. The establishment phase of lotus extends until adequate N fixation and taproot and rhizome development have occurred to increase persistency, which takes one or even two years from sowing. While lotus has valuable properties for intensive farming, the agronomic characters of the present varieties fall far short of those required for its success in this situation. Farmers wishing to use lotus in mixed pastures must be prepared to adopt special management procedures to establish and maintain this legume.