Available energy or plant yield from photosynthesis increases as the plants surface area of leaves increase to absorb energy from the sun.

To maximize the available energy for grazing mammals, we are increasing leaf surface area by using a combination of trees, browse shrubs and pasture. The depth and density of roots is also increased, ultimately allowing greater rainfall penetration and retention. Grasses, pasture legumes and a combination of trees and shrubs all provide for greater accumulation and recycling of nutrients within a grazing system.

The tree legume leucaena has limited application for grazing in our range of soil types. It is also limited by rainfall. Winter clovers are always abundant when conditions are favourable. Vigorous pasture legumes such as lucerne and butterfly pea will grow on rain, but are highly favoured by stock and will not survive continuous grazing in semi-arid dryland grazing systems.

Our grazing system is dominated by the deep rooted drought tolerant Old Man Saltbush.

White Cedar, Broadleaf Bottletrees and Belah have also been introduced into grazing areas as recyclers of nutrient, windbreaks and shade.

Our Permaculture Journal 
featuring 
Stories from Janahn Forest and Beyond 
provides more information

go to : Stories from our Permaculture Journal at www.permaculturedesigninstitute.com.au 

along with a collection of other 
short stories

On the edge of the original native forest where are sheep are grazing grassland that was spelled for four years.


Sheep browsing Saltbush


Key to successful planting - riplines


Solar powered energiser for electric fence