Carbon Buster™ grasses and legumes

This variety is a leafy, very drought-hardy, perennial tussock warm season grass suited to fertile well drained soils. It tolerates lower nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) levels than other guinea grass cultivars. It grows best in humid environments with 1,000-2,000 mm rainfall but can persist in situations with annual rainfall of 600–900 mm, with 5–7 months dry season.

Used for permanent pasture, grazing or cut-and-carry. If cut young its makes good hay or silage because of the high leaf:stem ratio. Has application in forestry situations such as palm, coconut, macadamia and some commercial forestry plantations due to its moderate to good shade tolerance. It can also be used to provide stable ground cover in sub-humid and seasonally dry environments.

• Drought tolerant
• Low, dense, very leafy
• Very palatable and well eaten by cattle, sheep, horses
• Better ground cover and more tolerant of low pH and high Al saturation than other guinea grasses.
• Normally sown at 2 to 4 kg/ha of bare seed, or at 6 to 12 kg/ha of coated seed.

Soils: Grows best in fertile, well drained soils. Persists at lower N and P fertility than other commercial guinea grass cultivars, but responds to applications of both nutrients. It is also more tolerant of lower pH and higher aluminium (Al) saturation than these related grasses

Moisture:Very drought tolerant, originating from an area with annual rainfall of 600-900 mm and 5 to 7 months dry season. In cultivation, it is best grown in more humid environments with 1,000 to 2,000 mm rainfall.

Grazing:Well eaten by all livestock including horses. For best results, grazing height of the grass should be maintained between 15-20 cm and 50-60 cm.

Fertiliser: Responds to application of phosphorus in low P soils. Productivity is related to nitrogen availability, with good responses up to 150-300 kg/ha/yr N.

Companion species: Not usually planted with other grasses. In well managed situations, suggested companion legumes in higher rainfall areas include Centro, Greenleaf desmodium, Glycine, and Carbon Buster™ stylo. For lower rainfall environments, Verano stylo, Villosa jointvetch, Cavalcade centro, Glycine, Wynn cassia, Carbon Buster™ stylo, and Siratro.

Weed potential: No indication of weediness.

Dry matter: Capable of producing up to 50 t/ha/yr, depending on moisture and amount of fertiliser (especially N) used.

Herbicide effects: No experience at this stage, but probably similar to those for guinea grass and the panics.

Toxicity: No record of toxicity