COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF STYLOSANTHES PASTURES IN NORTHERN AUSTRALIA- II - STYLOSANTHES IN THE NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN BEEF INDUSTRY

Varieties of Stylosanthes have been keenly adopted in the pastoral are as of northern Australia ever since the value of Stylosanthes humilis was recognised early in the 1900s. There are now at least 600 000 ha c ontributing some $20 million annually to beef production through highe r turnoff weights, improved weaner and heifer nutrition and reduced dr ought risk. Adaptation is best to lighter-textured soils with annual a verage rainfall above 500 mm. Stylo establishes easily, spreads natura lly, resists drought, fire and overgrazing and increases beef producti on. Technologies of seed production, sowing and management are well-de veloped and an extra 50 000 ha are sown to stylo annually.