Table 2.

Role of pastures in current and future cropping systems in southern Australia. (Adapted from Bellotti (2001).)

potential role	associated traits
reduce recharge	perennial
	deep roots
	summer growth
	plant root adaptation to potential subsoil constraints
reduce weed populations prior to crop phase	competitive
	herbicide tolerant
	component of integrated weed management
break life cycle of crop diseases	resistance to important crop diseases
	tolerance of crop diseases
biological nitrogen fixation	symbiotic competence
	N fixation in the presence of inorganic N
	ability to recover deep inorganic N
maintain soil organic carbon	root: shoot ratio
	C : N ratio of roots
compatible with current and new farming systems	ease of seed harvesting
	relatively soft seeded
	ease of removal prior to crop phase