Lucerne and its imporatance in Australia

Lucerne is one of the world's most important forage crops. It is regaining popularity as a nitrogen source and as a perennial crop in sustainable low input agriculture. Lucerne is deep-rooted and one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world today. It is grown from tropical to temperate climates across Australia. Lucerne is grown widely under dryland farming conditions or irrigation for grazing, green feed, hay and silage. It also plays an important part …

…au/cropupdates/2001/Farm_systems/Walmsley.htm Department of Primary Industries (2004) (online) Available: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/ Grow help Australia (2004) (online) Available: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/horticulture/3031.html Lloyd, D. et al (2003) Lucerne in dryland farming systems: 2003 (online) Available: http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/pastures/4295.html Lucerne hay for Horses (2004) (online) Available: http://www.fodderking.com.au/horses.html Types of Hay (2002) (online) Available: http://www.haybiz.com/hay_types.htm