Pasture dieback: A management guide for producers and agronomists

‘Dieback’ is a broad term referring to areas of plants dying without an obvious cause. Dieback is not unique to pasture grasses but occurs in plants ranging from giant Eucalypts to salt marshes and turf.

Pasture dieback is different from pasture rundown, although this condition can also affect pastures in northern Australia. Sown pastures are initially very productive when planted after clearing or in fertile cropping soils. However, productivity typically declines over time. This is not due to loss of nutrients from the soil, but the ‘tying-up’ of available nitrogen in the crowns, roots and organic matter of old grasses.

This guide, produced by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), will assist with recognising and managing pasture dieback. Click HERE to access the guide. Click HERE to access the MLA website.