Digit grass

Digit grass
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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	Perennial summer-growing grass. Main production late spring, summer, autumn. Grazing.
Area of adaptation	Widely adapted, North West Slopes and Plains, northern half of the Central West Slopes, Central West Plains and Northern Tablelands.
Min. average annual rainfall	400 mm
Advantages	Highly palatable. Good tolerance to cold and drought.
Disadvantages	Can be slow to establish.
Soil requirements	Widely adapted from acid sands to heavy clays.
Varieties	Premier
Sowing rates:	as only species - 1–2 kg/ha in mixtures - 1–2 kg/ha
Sowing time	Late spring to late summer, depending on district and summer rainfall pattern.
Companion species	Medics, sub clover and lucerne. Consol lovegrass, Rhodes grass and Inverell purple pigeon grass.
Inoculation	N/A
Major nutrient deficiencies	Nitrogen and phosphorus.
Main insect pests	No significant problems.
Main diseases	Under extreme wet conditions, false smut and leaf rust.
Management	Avoid grazing in the first year until seed-set. Rotational grazing is preferred to set stocking. Manage quality by not allowing a build-up of rank material.
Livestock disorders of particular note	No problems reported.
Additional tips	Seed quality is important; check germination percentages and purchase seed above 50% germination with nil parthenium weed.
Further information	Agnote DPI-430 Digit grass — a versatile warm-season grass

Acknowledgments

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

Photo: Warren McDonald, Former Technical Specialist (Pastures), NSW Agriculture, Tamworth