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Abstract

A new trial investigating wet season spelling (with and without early wet season burning) to

improve land condition commenced on Delamere station in the Victoria River District (VRD)

in 2010. The site is situated on productive “black soil” country that supports the native grass

Dichanthium fecundum (Curly Bluegrass). Curly Bluegrass is a resilient and productive

perennial grass which grows on heavier soils across northern Australia. It is valued for

pastoral production but declines under constant heavy grazing. The previous manager of

Delamere had noticed that the vigour and seed production of this and other valuable pasture

grasses was enhanced by burning early in the wet season followed by rest from grazing. The

trial is thus comparing spelling (with or without burning) at two- and three-year intervals to

determine which regime will be the most practical and effective way to improve land

condition, pasture productivity and seed production.