Pasture management

Renovating existing pasture and resowing with desirable species is useful for controlling serrated tussock. Seek advice from an agronomist on the best approach. Sow crops for at least two years before sowing pasture to reduce serrated tussock seed density, apply fertiliser as required, sow pasture (cultivated or direct drilled) into warm moist soil for rapid germination and establishment. Suitable pasture species include phalaris, cocksfoot and clover. Competitive native species include kangaroo grass, poa and silver tussock. Don’t graze for 12 months after sowing pasture to ensure they establish. Aerial or broadcasting of seed can be effective in steep or rocky areas but takes longer to establish. Increase soil fertility for better pasture growth. Consideration should be given to soil fertility, acidity, terrain and pasture composition.

Control Method Rating

Cost	Low Medium High
Efficacy	• • •

Return to map

When

Revegetation works can be undertaken on degraded pastures or areas requiring complete renovation and resowing, along with mixed native and improved pastures requiring more desirable species after treating serrated tussock, and on steep or rocky land needing plants to compete with serrated tussock. Revegetation works should generally be undertaken in Autumn.

Pros and cons

Dense pasture provides groundcover and competes with serrated tussock, reducing its potential to re-establish. Pasture management can improve the productivity of land. Grazing is limited in the first 12 months and possibly longer in areas where pastures have been aerially sown. Aerially‑sown pastures can be very slow to establish. Poor weather conditions can also hinder the establishment of pasture.

Follow up

Control any serrated tussock with chipping or spot spraying. Manage grazing to maintain vigorous pasture.

Return to VEO

Cultural Heritage AwarenessLandholders must be careful to avoid further damage to the environment (including waterways) and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites when using machinery. Be aware of your legal obligations and obtain the necessary permits. Aboriginal Cultural Heritage may be found during works at any time, at any place. If suspected heritage is discovered, work is to cease and a Preliminary Report Form must be completed and sent to vahr@dpc.vic.gov.au. If you are unsure, seek advice from Agriculture Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, First Peoples – State Relations (formerly Aboriginal Victoria) or your local council.

The information provided by this website is intended for general information only and should not be relied on or used as a substitute for professional advice for your particular situation.

Before undertaking any weed or rabbit management, always obtain advice from a qualified expert, with respect to your own situation. Always read and follow the label before using any of the products mentioned and ensure that you are undertaking weed and rabbit management in the appropriate conditions and in the appropriate manner.

We do not guarantee this website is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes, and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information contained on the website for any purpose.