Barrel medic

Series: Edition: Last updated:

Barrel medic
(High-resolution image available)

NOTE: The information in this Agnote must be read in conjunction with Introduction to selecting and using pastures in NSW, which covers information on areas of adaptation, sources of variability, species mixtures, and important issues related to animal health and the conservation of native vegetation.

Pasture type and use	Winter/spring growing annual legume. Dryland grazing and crop rotation.
Area of adaptation	Mainly in the North West, Central West and South West Plains, and on neutral to alkaline pH soils on the slopes.
Min. average annual rainfall	275 mm (southern NSW) to 400 mm (northern NSW).
Advantages	Persists in areas considered too arid for sub clover. High levels of hard seed contribute to persistence. High quality grazing. Helps maintain nitrogen fertility in cropping rotations.
Disadvantages	Generally inferior to other temperate legumes in higher-rainfall areas. Lush and/or pure stands can cause animal health problems.
Soil requirements	Range of soil types, from sandy loams to heavy clays. Prefer neutral to alkaline soils. Will not tolerate soils with pH(Ca) < 5.0 or exchangeable soil aluminium >5%.
Varieties	Select varieties on the basis of maturity, adaptation to soil type, hard-seed level, aphid resistance, yield and persistence (where data available). Mid–late season, moderate hard-seed level, bluegreen aphid tolerant: Paraggio Mid–late season, high hard-seed level, bluegreen aphid tolerant: Sephi Jester* Mid–late season, high hard-seed level, aphid susceptible: Jemalong Mid season, high hard-seed level, bluegreen aphid tolerant: Mogul* Short season, high hard-seed level, bluegreen aphid tolerant: Caliph* * Denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder’s Rights.
Sowing rates	as only species: 3-6 kg/ha in mixtures: 2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Autumn for all districts.
Companion species	Sub clover, lucerne (in appropriate soil types).
Inoculation	Medic (or group AM).
Major nutrient deficiencies	Usually phosphorus, sulfur in some areas, occasionally zinc and molybdenum.
Main insect pests	Redlegged earth mite, blue oat mite, lucerne flea, spotted alfalfa aphid, bluegreen aphid, pea aphid.
Main diseases	Root rot, alfalfa mosaic virus, phoma.
Management	Once established can be continuously grazed. Avoid overgrazing at seed-set in initial year to build seed reserves.
Livestock disorders of particular note	Photosensitisation in horses; occasionally red gut in sheep; frequently bloat in cattle.
Additional tips	Sowing without a cover crop greatly improves establishment. Good medic establishment has been achieved in south-west NSW using a seed spreader mounted on a prickle chain unit.
Further information	Agfact P2.1.12 Pasture legumes for low rainfall environments. Agfact P2.5.11 Medic pastures. Agfact P2.5.26 Murex medic. Weed control in lucerne and pastures 2004

Acknowledgment

Advice on livestock health disorders was provided by Dr Chris Bourke, Principal Research Scientist, NSW Agriculture, Orange. His contribution is gratefully acknowledged.