Legume options for summer-active pastures in a temperate rainfall environment of south-eastern Australia

Context High-quality, summer-active pastures could improve meat production in south-eastern Australia by facilitating livestock finishing over summer, with legumes critical for enhancing the nutritive value of pasture mixes. Available vary their ability to withstand moisture stress and grazing. Aims We aimed identify suitable a summer–autumn system. Methods tested pure swards 12 cultivars across eight legume species replicated small-plot experiments at Goulburn Bombala, New South Wales, assessing productivity, persistence warm-season characteristics 2–3 years. Key results Lucerne (Medicago sativa) was clearly most productive during summer outperformed clovers (Trifolium spp.) terms productivity throughout experimental period both sites, except autumn 2021 after high rainfall March. Caucasian clover (T. ambiguum) also highly persistent sites. Talish tumens) strawberry fragiferum) were more than white repens) red pratense). White recovered strongly under drought, whereas established rapidly but showed less capacity post-drought recovery. Hybrid × least legume. Alternative sometimes had slightly lower values clover; distinctly values. Conclusions performed best several productive, period. Implications Talish, warrant further investigation inclusion Australia.