Mixed Farming Systems Long-term Field Trials – CWFS Drought Resilient Farming Practices Long-term Lucerne Project
Project overview
Project Funder: Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Future Drought Fund
Project Lead Organisation/Researcher: Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, Charles Sturt University
Project Durations: 2023-2028
Project Location: CWFS Fettell Centre
Aims/Research Questions
This project aims to enhance producers’ understanding of lucerne (Medicago sativa) responses to variable seasonal conditions, particularly drought, in low rainfall zones. Through a community of practice design and a scientifically replicated trial site at the Central West Farming Systems (CWFS). The project will compare the performance of different lucerne cultivars under diverse environmental conditions. This approach will foster knowledge sharing and peer-to-peer learning, building confidence and empowering producers to manage their systems more efficiently.
The project’s objectives include identifying management opportunities to improve drought resilience and optimise lucerne productivity. By integrating data, the project will investigate:
the relationship between plant growth, soil moisture utilisation, and rainfall response;
the role of biomass monitoring and persistence assessments in understanding lucerne productivity; and
whether ag tech data from a range of sources can enhance decision support for managing mixed farming systems.
This information will enable producers to make informed, evidence-based decisions, improving drought preparedness and overall resilience in integrated livestock and cropping systems.
Summary – project objectives
To enhance producers’ understanding of lucerne responses to variable seasonal conditions, including drought, by evaluating different cultivars and identifying management opportunities for improved drought resilience and productivity.
To assess the role of ag data from a range of sources in supporting decision-making for mixed farming systems, with the goal of improving pasture management and drought preparedness in low rainfall zones.
Research questions
What is the relationship between lucerne plant growth, soil moisture utilisation, and rainfall response across different seasonal conditions?
How do different lucerne cultivars respond to local variable seasonal conditions, particularly drought, in low rainfall zones?
Can ag tech data from a range of sources relevant to monitoring lucerne growth and productivity under different rainfall conditions serve as an effective decision support tool for producers to manage climate variables and seasonal moisture deficits.
Background
CWFS trials will be undertaken at CWFS Fettell Centre at Condobolin where a benchmark can be ensured using supplementary irrigation if required. Within a replicated trial a range of varietal and management options will be compared side by side and provide visual comparison as well as measured data based on soil moisture, biomass yield and management requirements. Trial activities will commence in 2024.
An initial demonstration of lucerne pasture varieties allowing different management options to be compared side by side will provide both effective extension of the variations in management as well as a base for more in-depth investigation of lucerne pasture management. CWFS will work with local growers in formulating and planning activities for the project. Growers will be encouraged to replicate these treatments in their own farming systems for both comparative analysis and extension of practice.
CWFS will provide extensive monitoring of trials including soil moisture monitoring, soil tests, biomass measurements and comparative analysis to define best management practice in and beyond drought situations.
Partnership
The project is led by Charles Sturt University researchers and involves staff and farmer members from 6 southern NSW farming systems groups – Irrigation Farmers Network, FarmLink, Southern Growers, Central West Farming Systems, Riverine Plains and Holbrook Landcare Network.
Project Social Media
Project updates
CWFS Newsletter Summer 25
CWFS Newsletter Spring 25
CWFS Newsletter Autumn 25
CWFS Newsletter Spring/Summer 24
CWFS Newsletter Autumn 2024
Peer to Peer WhatsApp local producer group
Join our Lucerne Project Community of Practice – a local CWFS members WhatsApp group for producers in mixed farming systems.
By joining, you’ll gain access to:
Latest project updates and research
Expert guest speaker sessions, discussions and comments
Q and A style discussions open for all to share thoughts, ideas, concepts
A space to discuss key lucerne issues with peers and advisors in low rainfall areas
