Tagasaste / Tree Lucerne
- (Chamaecytisus palmensis, formerly known as Cytisus proliferus)
Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis) is a fast growing, perennial, leguminous shrub or small tree, adapted to temperate regions with winter rains and extended dry summers. Tagasaste thrives on deep, infertile sandy soils (such as the on the Swan Coastal Plain of Western Australia) and if heavily pruned will become a multi-stemmed bushy shrub. The black seeds have an oily feel and are in pods similar to pea pods. Also, its dense fibrous root system does not appear to wilt even in the worst of droughts.
Native to the Canary Islands (off the west coast of Africa), farmers traditionally depended on Tagasaste for fodder during long dry seasons. Similar to clovers, Tagasaste utilises soil bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which results in the leaves containing 20 to 40% protein, with no reported toxicity. Presently, Australian farmers are using the tree in cut and carry systems, since grazing animals, pigs and poultry readily consume its leaves.
Tagasaste - 12 months after seeding
Tagasaste Fact sheet –
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/lwe/vegt/trees/fs03700.pdf
http://fadr.msu.ru/rodale/agsieve/txt/vol2/9/art7.html
The feed value of tagasaste –
In winter and spring the feed value is of high quality with crude protein of 20 – 28%, and dry matter digestibility of 70 – 80%….
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f05000.pdf
The environmental benefits of tagasaste –
Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) has a wider contribution to make to farming systems than simply as an additional feed source. It can help to improve ecological stability by addressing water recharge and salinity, nutrient leaching and wind erosion…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/cp/f04901.pdf
Designing paddock layout for tagasaste –
When establishing a paddock of tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) care must be taken in deciding how the paddock is designed. Tagasaste is forage that can grow taller than the animals that graze it…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f05300.pdf
Establishment of tagasaste –
Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) can be economically established either from seed or bare rooted seedlings. Both techniques will be successful if enough care is taken…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/cp/f05100.pdf
Fertiliser requirements for tagasaste –
Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) is a deep-rooted perennial shrub. Early fertiliser trials at Newdale, New Norcia showed no apparent response in tagasaste growth rate to superphosphate fertiliser application. These plantations were growing on land previously established for annual pastures with a good fertiliser history. It is now assumed that the tagasaste was able to salvage minerals from previous applications from a depth beyond the root zone of annual pastures…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/nut/f05200.pdf
Using tagasaste for sheep production -
Tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) will grow on deep sands, some of the conventionally least productive areas of the farm, and provide suitable feed to maintain sheep's condition and wool staple strength through autumn without supplementary feeding…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f04900.pdf
Case Study: Chris’s property is north of Eneabba with an annual rainfall of 500 mm…
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/FOLDER/IKMP/AAP/SL/GM/F05201.PDF
Running breeding cows on tagasaste –
Case Study: David’s farm at Mingenew has an average annual rainfall of 475 mm…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f05401.pdf
Case Study: Ivan and Simon run a mixed farming enterprise at Tammin. The average annual rainfall for the farm is 325 mm and the tagasaste does not have access to a watertable…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/aap/bc/nut/f05101.pdf
Case Study: Paul’s farm is south of Bolgart and has an average annual rainfall of 425 mm…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f05301.pdf
Case Study: Ron’s farm is between Dandaragan and Badgingarra and has an annual rainfall of 550 mm…
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/gm/f05001.pdf
Insects pests of tagasaste –
The importance of insect control in young stands of tagasaste (Chamaecytisus proliferus) cannot be over emphasised. Most establishment failures with tagasaste are a result of insect attack in the first 12 months.
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/folder/ikmp/past/op/pw/f04800.pdf
Tagasaste (fodder shrub) for sheep (pg. 36) –
http://agspsrv38.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/FOLDER/IKMP/AAP/SL/NUT/BULLETIN4473.PDF