This study was undertaken to assess whether the nutritional quality of spinifex pasture lands is improved by buming to promote the growth of grasses other than spinifex. We selected two comparable sites in the Exmouth Gulf region of Western Australia; one had been bumt in late 1979 and the other had not been burnt for many years. On these sites we sampled the five grass species present, as well as Triodia pungens (soft spinifex) and Plectrachne >chinzii (Oat eared spinifex) on 10 occasions from March 1980 to April 1982. Plant parts were analysed for nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur content, and in vitro digestibility. None of the common grass species tested was more nutritious or more palatable than soft spinifex. It seems that little is gained from manipulating spinifex pastures through burning if the aim is to encourage alternative grass species. There is a need however for further studies into the importance of woody herbs and forbs in the nutrition of grazing animals on spinifex country and the effect of fire on these species.

No abstract

The Mallen Niche Seeder, is designed for establishinz salt tolerant forage shrubs on saline soils. In one operation the Seeder makes a furrow and bank, presses a V-shaped niche on the bank and deposits seeds covered with mulch and/or sprayed with latex or bitumen emulsion at intervals in the niche. Field trials indicate that the Seeder has application for saline soils in the agricultural and pastoral areas.