| Rainfall (estimated minimum) | >375mm (>350mm south coast) |
|---|---|
| Drought tolerance | High to very high |
| Frost tolerance | Moderate |
| Soil type | Suited to a range of soil types, including coarse-textured soils and deep sands |
| Soil fertility requirements | Will grow on infertile soils, but requires fertiliser for high production |
| Soil pHCa | >4.0 (est.) |
| Aluminium tolerance | High |
| Waterlogging tolerance | Low to moderate |
| Salt tolerance | Slight |
| Ability to spread naturally | Low, much less competitive than naturalised type |
| Dry matter digestibility | 55-60% |
|---|---|
| Metabolisable energy | 7.7-8.4MJ/kg DM |
| Crude protein | 10-12.5% |
| Groundwater recharge control | Good |
|---|---|
| Soil erosion control | Very good |
| Ability to reduce rate of soil acidification | Good |
Establishment
Consol lovegrass has very small seeds – 5 million per kilogram (kg) – and needs to be sown at a very shallow depth (1-5mm). A carrier (e.g. fine sawdust, fertiliser) may assist with uniform seed distribution during sowing, or use coated seed. Seeding rates of 1kg per hectare (ha) (uncoated) will give seedling densities of 100 plants per square metre (m2) under favourable conditions, which subsequently decline to a stable sward with about 20 plants/m2 in a medium rainfall environment.
Consol can be sown earlier in spring than other sub-tropical grasses or even dry sown, as it induces seed dormancy until soil moisture and temperature conditions are favourable for germination. It has the ability to germinate at slightly lower soil temperatures than most sub-tropical grasses. There is some germination at 10°C, increasing germination at 15°C with the highest germination at 20°C.
If initial establishment is poor, the plant density can be increased by periodically allowing the stand to set seed.
Livestock disorders
None reported.