Rob Harper of Dandaragan planted a mix of perennials on some very poor sand in September 2003. Gatton Panic has been the standout species. Photo 17 May 2007

The comparison looking across the fence - annuals vs perennials. Photo 17 May 2007.

One of Rob Harper's perennial paddocks has some evening primrose in it. Under his cell grazing system it appears to be increasing. Evening primrose is a perennial herb commonly seen growing along raodsides. It likes well drained soils. Livestock like it. Photo 17 May 2007.

Gordon Dodd of Jurien Bay sowed sub-tropical perennial grasses in early September 2006 using a combine fitted with steep backed scalping points. The germination was excellent given the fairly dry finish and the highly non-wetting sand. A number of people had success last spring furrow sowing using points. The shape of the point is critical however. Photo 14 Dec 06.

These are the points that Gordon Dodd used. They are reasonably vertical so that the non-wetting sand is pushed sideways rather up and over the point, which will happen with flatter points. A bit of white PVC pipe is added to the seed tube to deliver the seed just in front of the press wheel. The snake chain is there to break up clods but Gordon says it would need to be a lot heavier chain to do any good.

This photo from Gordon Dodd's farm at Jurien Bay shows what perennials can do in a dry year. The neighbouring annual pasture paddock has limited grazing value left while the perennial in the foreground is booming. And this was without much summer rain. Add some of that and the difference just gets bigger! Photo 14 Dec 06.

Gordon Dodd of Jurien Bay sowed this paddock to a mix of perennials about 6 years ago. On this salt scald, only the Tall Wheat Grass has grown, albiet at a low density. It is exciting to see new Tall Wheat Grass seedlings emerging between the older plants. These have germinated from seed set by the existing plants. I believe careful grazing management has helped this process. Photo 14 Dec 06.

Lighter soil on Tom and Sue Alston's farm at Badgingarra showing an excellent germination. Furrow sowing has scalped the non wetting soil away with the seed being sown into moist sand at a depth of approx 2" or 50 mm. High back scalping points (7") were used to minimize soil disturbance and associated wind erosion. This configuration has worked well to date considering some extreme easterly winds in early November.

Tom Alston from Badgingarra shown with Evergreen mix sown 1st week of Sept 06. Sown with 18" rows at 1kg/ha seed and 25kg/ha fertilizer after a single knockdown spray (Glyphoshate @ 1.5l/ha) with total establishment costs below $100/ha. Rainfall was 28.5 mm post sowing till when photo taken on 13 Nov 06. Of special interest in this shot is the excellent establishment on gravel country.

Tom & Sue Alston's seeding rig configuration. A 7" high backed opening point followed by a super seeders then press wheels on 18" row spacing. Speed was increased to approx 9km/hr in light sand to achieve the furrow effect but reduced in heavier or gravels to approx 7km/hr. Future modifications may raise the point trailing edge to increase furrow effect. A 2" or 50mm sowing depth has kept paddocks drivable for stock work.