French Serradella is a deep rooted, high water use plant. They are suited to a range of soil textures from sandy loams and gravels through to poor sands, provided the pH is below 7 and the soil is well drained. They grow best in deep soils, particularly where there is sub soil moisture in spring. It is an indeterminate plant and will continue to grow as long as it has access to moisture.
Persistence through hard seed (Erica & Margurita) will enable production benefits to be maintained across seasons and after a single crop.
It is a high protein, palatable feed for stock in both the green and dry state and contains no phytoestrogenic substances. Serradella™s are non bloating and contain condensed tannins which protect protein in the rumen therefore increasing protein absorption and digestive efficiency in ruminants. There have been no known animal health problems associated with French Serradella.
Uses
Yellow and hard-seeded French serradellas are suitable for use in cereal crop 1:1 rotation and longer term pasture phases in areas receiving annual rainfall greater than 300mm. It is important to rotate pasture:crop:pasture in the first 3 years to establish a large seed bank to give flexibility for longer crop phases if required.
Cadiz is totally soft seeded and is suited to a phase pasture system of 1 or 2 years.
MANAGEMENT TIPS
Sowing Rates:
5-10kg/ha French Serradella (pod)
2-5kg/ha French Serradella (bare seed)
Sowing depth should be 10mm
Inoculation:
Use Group S Inoculant to maximise production
Fertiliser
Soil test should be taken on the paddock prior to planting and adjustment made accordingly.
Grazing
Light rotational grazing should commence 6 weeks after emergence to reduce competition from weeds. Increase stocking rate as food on offer (FOO) increases.
De-stock at flowering in first year to maximise seed set.
Advice on harvesting serradella can be obtained from our office.
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