Malilangwe Establishment Trial

Brett and Suzanne Gill commenced site preparations on ‘Malilangwe’ in March 2019 with the applications of broad leaf weed herbicides across the entire paddock. Banded application of a broad-based herbicide across the planned row spacings was undertaken in late January in anticipation of significant rainfall which was not as forthcoming as expected.  Planting of the 10ha each of Cunningham, Wondergraze and Redlands was undertaken on the 31st January and 2nd February 2020 in anticipation of predicted follow up rain. 

Unfortunately due to the very dry ‘wet season’, this follow up rain was not forthcoming resulting in variable seed germination within the trial area. It was hoped that sporadic, later rain would assist with establishment however this was not to be, and the decision was made in May 2020 to utilise the paddock for grazing.

A successful re-plant was undertaken in January 2021with twin rows with 75cm centres with a row spacings of 7m or 14m. Improved pasture of Jarrah grass was planted the following day in 5m strips between the 7m leucaena rows and 10m strips between the 14 metre rows. The plant was successful with 80% germination however heavy predation in rows closest to retained bushland was experienced, resulting in 70% establishment. 

A light graze was undertaken 11 months after establishment with full integration of the leucaena into Malilangwe's grazing rotation by the end of 2022.