bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ROLE OF MATUA PRAIRIE GRASS IN AN ALL-GRASS SYSTEM FOR PRIME LAMB PRODUCTION
Authors: Fraser T.J.
Published: July 2020

On light soil in Canterbury, a Nui ryegrass/Matua prairie grass (area proportion 7030) irrigated farmlet stocked with 20 Coopworth ewes plus 5 ewe hoggetslha grew 15.0 t DMlha. From 190% survival-to-sale of lambs, mean lamb live-weight was 30.6 kg to give a calculated meat yield of 550 kg/ha. Ewe replacments grew to 59 kg in their second summer. On the same site in a later year and comparing NuilMatua (area proportion 50:50) with Nui only farmlets at stocking rates of 13 and 16 Coopworth ewes/ha, the pastures grew 11.2, 11.2, 10.2 and 9.9 t DMlha respectively. The highest yielding system was NuilMatua - 16 ewes/ha, where from 181% survival-to-sale of lambs, mean liveweight was 26.8 kg to give a calculated meat yield of 375 kg/ha. Nui alone - 16 ewes/ha provided for a calcu!a!ed meat yie!d of 326 kn,yfh,,r,-, with ewes in that system being 3.8 kg lighter than at their mating time. The features of Matua were its superior cool-season growth and, under dryland condition, its superior feeding quality in summer. Management was rotational grazing in a ten paddock system with short duration of grazing (about 4 days) for Matua pasture. Keywords: grazing system, lamb meat production, Lo/&m perenne, Bromus willdenowii
SHELTERBELT INCREASES DRYLAND PASTURE GROWTH IN CANTERBURY
Authors: Radcliffe J.E.
Published: July 2020

Pasture production was measured on stony soils at Hororata, Canterbury, at various distances parallel to an established tree shelterbelt. Windrun and temperatures were recorded in a sheltered zone at 3 tree heights distant from the trees and in an exposed zone, 12 tree heights distant. A 60% improvement in dryland pasture production was recorded in the sheltered areas over 3 years. The sheltered zone was half as windy as the exposed zone and soils tended to be warmer at times from October to March. More soil moisture was probably lost from areas most exposed to wind, and this most likely contributed to depressed pasture growth. Keywords: wind, shelter, dryland pasture production.
ALTERNATIVE PHOSPHATIC FERTILISERS. NORTHLAND FARMERS, WEIGH THE EVIDENCE
Authors: During C. , Malden G.E.
Published: July 2020

Fertilisers based on or enriched by reactive phosphate rock (RPR) compare favourably in price with superphosphate under certain conditions. The ultimate choice of fertiliser depends on three factors:- the agronomic effectiveness of phosphorus in RPR in different soils; the sulphur requirements of pasture and the effect of this on price; and the effect of high proportions of potassium chloride on the physical properties of fertilisers. The rate of dissolution of RPR is reduced by high pH and high P and Ca concentrations in the ambient solution. The so-called gumland soils, recognisable by their bleached subsoIls, have higher P and Ca concentrations in the soils solution than other soils in Northland, pH and P status being equal. They also tend to lose more sulphate by leaching than other soils, so maintenance of requirements of their pastures for sulphur are very high. In addition many of the gumland soils need low rates of phosphorus but relatively high rates of potash. Pending further field evidence, therefore, RPR based or :einforced fertilisers at present are recommended for hill country and for soils derived from basic or semi-basic volcanic materials, provided the latter soils do not require a very high proportion of potassium chloride for pasture maintenance. Keywords: Soil pH, calcium, phosphorus, pasture, organic matter, sulphur, potassium, superphosphate, phosphate rocks.
SURVIVAL OF OVERDRILLED RYEGRASS IN DAIRY PASTURES CONTAINING PASPALUM
Authors: Thom E.R. , Sheath G.W. , Bryant A.M.
Published: July 2020

The growth end st~rv~val of ryegrass plants Introduced 111 autumn/winter into dairy pasture contammg paspalum, were momtared in a series of field experiments from 1978 until 1982. In each expermwnt plant losses were highest (30-40X of total) in the summer iollowmg their mtroductlon resultmg in only small short term improvements (
CASE STUDY INFORMATION REFLECTING FARMER USE OF PAWERA RED CLOVER IN NORTHERN NORTHLAND
Authors: Ussher Gavin
Published: July 2020

Low summer production in Northern Northland can be largely overcome by the use of 'Grasslands Pawera' red clover. Daily dry matter production of 100+ kg/ha/day over the penod late October to early March, have been recorded over two years. Yearly production of 22,OOOkg DM/ha in the first year, and 17,500 to 21,000 in the second year, have been recorded from pure stands of Pawera. This growth is of very high quality occurring at a tlmc when growth and quality of existing Rye or Kikuyu based pastures, are low. Potential problems from the use of Pawera are discussed. Keywords: Pawera red clover, quality, Northland, problems.
A CHANGE IN ATTITUDES TO SEMI-ARID LAND USE IN THE HAKATARAMEA VALLEY
Authors: Brosnan M.
Published: July 2020

During the recent drought in the Kurow area, shallow rooting grasses. clovers and weeds died, pastures were overgrazed and massive wind erosion problems occurred. I have overdrilled more than 100 hectares of lucerne with various drought tolerant grasses, including wheatgrass, phalaris, cocksfoot, prairie grass and tall fescue. My grazing management has changed and I am introducing earthworms into the paddocks. Last spring I started fencing and planting the sunny faces with shrubs and eventually I intend to space plant the shady faces with a multi-use, high value timber species. My revegetation plan meets the aims of the Resource Conservation Committee which is to promote a more sustainable land use system, with the capacity to produce a diversity of products, and make the beautiful Haka Valley a better place for animals and people to live, now and in the future. This form of integrated farming and "working with nature" seems to lead the way to a more sustainable farming system which not only protects the land for today but nourishes it for generations to come. Keywords: conservation, wind erosion, dryland grasses, browse shrubs.
EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVE DRYLAND PASTURE PLANTS AND BROWSE SHRUBS FOR SOIL CONSERVATION IN DROUGHT-PRONE OTAGO GRASSLANDS
Authors: Wills B.J. , Sheppard J.S. , Begg J.S.C.
Published: July 2020

Alternative dryland pasture plants drilled into Wairau lucerne may provide improved groundcover for conservation of the sol1 resource and possible productlvlty increases. The results of such trials In the Hakataramaa Valley are presented. Emphasis is on the use of low fertility demanding, frost and drought tolerant grasses, legumes and herbs which, when properly managed, will persist in semi-arid or drought-prone areas. Preliminary results show 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris and 'Luna' wheatgrass to be promising companion plants, in dryland lucerne. The use of browse shrubs on low producing sunny aspects and their integration with dryland pasture plants is briefly discussed. Benefits include conservation of the soil resource, drought insurance, mlcroclimates and shelter, plus diverslflcation of stock nutrition and forage supply.
THE EFFECT OF INCREASING WINDS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF OVERSOWN SEED AND FERTILISER
Authors: Macfarlane M.J. , Korte C.J. , Gillingham A.G.
Published: July 2020

Distribution patterns of white clover, perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot were measured when oversown with granulated superphosphate in contrasting cross wind speeds, under both airfield and hill country conditions. Increasing velocity of cross wind reduced the variability of spread of all components. Swath width increased, and maximum seed rate declined, with increasing cross wind. Some separation of seed types occurred, with the tighter fractions being moved further downwind. Measured distribution patterns from single flights were used to estimate paddock scale applications by overlapping swaths at normal flight path spacings for a Fletcher FU24-950 aircraft (12 m centres). The proportion of land receiving less than half the target application rate declined from 50%, under near calm conditions, to nil, under conditions of medium cross winds (e.g. l0-12 km/h). Wind is therefore a desirable factor during oversowing operations and significantly reduces variability of overall distribution. Keywords: hill country. superphosphate, PAPR, oversowing, topdressing
CARDRONA VALLEY: ENVIRONMENTAL HARMONY AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
Authors: Lee John A.
Published: July 2020

Cardrona Valley is 40 km long, running in a north/east, south/west direction. It is 30,000 hectares in area, with a native plant cover of silver tussock and matagouri, running into blue tussock and snow grass as you ascend the valley sides. Annual rainfall averages 600 mm on the valley floor, and altitude increases from 300 metres at the north/east end to 1100 metres at the south/west. The mountain peaks along the valley sides reach an altitude of 1900 metres. Cardrona is a valley that normally has long, hot, dry summers and in winter the snow line is down to 900 metres. Several snow falls cover the whole valley, but remains only a few days on the valley floor. Cardrona is a pleasant valley, sheltered from the prevailing winds by its aspect. It has no geographical features that are unique, and nor do the plant species lack cousins throughout Central Otago. Man's activities have impacted on the valley in many ways over the years and yet it has lost none of its appeal. It is as well clad as it ever was, and we are given the past's fascinating rich history to build on into the future.
On-farm establishment of drought-tolerant pastures on the east coast of the North Island
Authors: Smith D.R. , Slay M.W.A. , Gray M.H. , Milne G.D.
Published: July 2020

Seedling and tiller core measurements on 60 paddocks sown in autumn 1991 on the East Coast of the North Island were made to monitor the success of new pastures based on drought-tolerant grasses. Pastures sown into cultivated seedbeds were generally more successful than direct-drilled pastures, having higher content of sown species and less competition from volunteer perennial grasses. In paddocks sown with mixtures of tall fescue and Grasslands Wana cocksfoot, cocksfoot was becoming the dominant,grass, except in areas of paddocks with poor drainage. Cocksfoot establishment in oversown pastures was good, but tall fescue in these paddocks declined to low levels 19 months after sowing. White clover was well established in all classes of pasture, despite relatively low initial seedling numbers in direct drilled and oversown paddocks. In contrast, red clover content declined, particularly in directdrilled and oversown paddocks. Keywords: Dactylis glomerata, direct drilling, Festuca arundinacea, pasture establishment, Phalaris aquatica, oversowing
Demonstration of dryland species on 90 east coast North Island farms
Authors: Milne G.D. , Moloney S.C. , Smith D.R.
Published: July 2020

A drought pasture demonstration programme was established on the east coast of the North Island, between 1990 and 1992. Dryland pasture species were established on 1500 ha, on 91 farms, to encourage other farmers to use them rather than relying totally on perennial ryegrass. 97% of pastures were established successfully, proving to farmers that dryland pasture species can be established reliably. As well as establishing pastures after cultivation, it was also proven that these species can be reliably established by direct drilling, or by oversowing onto hill country, using techniques developed in this programme. Some farmers monitored the amount of grazing obtained from the new pastures, and found that on average they received 112% more grazing annually than resident pastures, the largest increases occurring in summer. Many farmers also reported better animal growth rates on the new pastures, especially in summer and autumn. Monitoring of species presence in tiller cores has shown the sown species to be persisting well to date (Nov 1992), with the exceptions of tall fescue and grazing brome when sown onto hill country. The programme reinforced factors important in the establishment and grazing management of dryland pastures. The programme has brought about a noticeable change in attitude to dryland species, and seed sales have increased markedly while ryegrass sales have decreased. Keywords: Cichorium intybus, Dactylis glomerata, drought, Festuca arundinacea, demonstration, dryland pasture establishment
Pasture legume establishment from oversowing in drought-prone hill country
Authors: Awan M.H. , Kemp P.D. , Choudhary M.A. , Barker D.J.
Published: July 2020

Plant and environmental factors that affect pasture legume establishment from oversowing were examined in a series of experiments at Poukawa Research Station near Hastings. A combination of 2 sowing seasons and 2 soil conditions gave cool/ dry, cool/wet, warm/dry and warm/wet. The rainfall in the trial year (1992) was 933 mm compared with the mean of 771 mm. Eleven species (5 annual and 6 perennial legumes) from Lotus, Medicago and Tr$olium genera were used. Establishment was poor, less than 10% of total herbage yield (6 and 8 months after oversowing for the cool and warm seasons, respectively) being contributed by any of the legume species. The major cause of poor establishment was poor germination. Eighty percent of sown seed failed to produce a seedling. Although germination was worse under cool (8°C) conditions, particularly for subterranean clover, the major cause of poor germination was not identified. The usefulness of new legume species in dryland hill pastures will depend on the species being suited to establishment from oversowing and a better definition of the factors that affect successful oversowing. Keywords: drought, herbage yield, hill country, Lotus, Medicago, moisture, oversowing, pasture establishment, plant density, temperature, Trifolium
Low cost revegetation of slips near Gisborne
Authors: Quilter S.J. , Korte C.J. , Smith D.R.
Published: July 2020

An experiment was conducted to identify plants suitable for low cost revegetation of soil slip scars after Cyclone Bola. Species of grasses (8), herbs (3) and legumes (13) were oversown onto slips without fertiliser, and evaluated for 3 years under normal hill country sheep/beef grazing. Grasslands Maku Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium pratense and Lotus corniculutus all increased total herbage cover. L. pedunculatus provided 85% of the production obtained from pasture on surrounding uneroded land, and 6 times the production of unsown plots on slips. Keywords: Cyclone Bola, Lotus pedunculatus, Lotus corniculatus, revegetation, slips, Trifolium pratense
Revegetation of erosion scars in Wairarapa hill country
Authors: Lambert M.G. , Trustrum N.A. , Costall D.A. , Foote A.G.
Published: July 2020

revegetation of erosion scars, 3 fertiliser and 3 seeding treatments were applied to plots on 8 recent scars in the Wairarapa, half each on northerly or southerly aspects. Four scars were grazed, and 4 were not grazed for the first 2% years. Fertiliser treatments were no fertiliser, superphosphate, and superphosphate plus nitrogen. Seedin.g treatments were no seed, a slowestablishing mixture, and a fast-establishing mixture. Changes in vegetative cover were monitored during years 0 to 2l/, and pasture production during years 3% to 5%. Conclusions include: rate of recovery of pastures can be greatly increased by not grazing for 2-3 years and sowing white clover and Lotus pedunculatus; spaceplanting hill slopes with suitable tree species could be accomplished at the same time; if slips are not spelled from grazing, rate of slip revegetation and subsequent productivity from oversowing white clover can be reduced. Keywords: erosion, fencing, fertiliser, hill pastures, oversowing, production, revegetation, slips
Breeding tall fescue for establishment vigour
Authors: Easton H.S. , Pennell C.G.
Published: July 2020

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has been shown to have great potential to supply quality forage through the summer in environments where the water regime limits performance of perennial ryegrass (Loliumperenne L.). The use of tall fescue seed in NZ has risen from almost none 15 years ago to about 200 tonnes today. However the further use of tall fescue is limited by the difficulty some farmers have in establishing it, particularly when performance is compared with perennial ryegrass. Experience is generally that the widely used imported cultivar AU Triumph establishes more vigorously than the NZ cultivar Grasslands Roa. Tall fescue breeding at AgResearch Grasslands has in the past 10 years concentrated on improving the vigour at establishment, while maintaining the excellent standard of forage quality achieved with Roa. Data are presented indicating substantial progress, with breeding line families outperforming all control cultivars. However, further data suggest a strong effect of conditions of seed ripening and harvest on the vigour of seed when sown. Data comparing different field multiplications and comparing breeding families harvested in the field and in the glasshouse confirm this. Field sowings and more controlled nursery box experiments are described. The paper discusses implications for plant breeding method and for seed production
Selection, management and use of cocksfoot cultivars in North Island pastoral farming
Authors: Moloney S.C.
Published: July 2020

Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) is the second most commonly sown grass species after ryegrass in New Zealand farming. In 1980, Grasslands Apanui was replaced by two new but very different cocksfoot cultivars characterised by improved digestibility and rust tolerance, cool-season growth and greater persistence. Grasslands Wana, semiprostrate and densely tillered, was developed for dryland pastures of low soil fertility heavily set stocked by sheep. Grasslands Kara, of low tiller density and open structure, was developed for lowland pastures of higher soil fertility as a companion to other tufted grass species to be rotationally grazed. Despite the different intended uses for the two cultivars, Wana was widely used in all environments. As a consequence, many farmers have been disappointed with the dominance of by Wana, particularly in lowland pastures of medium to high fertility where important companion grasses and clover have been suppressed, leading to poor pasture palatability. This paper describes key cultivar differences and discusses their implications for North Island farming systems, using the results of two on-farm trials to demonstrate cultivar and management effects. Guidelines on sowing rates, cultivar selection and management techniques for avoiding and reversing cocksfoot dominance are provided. Keywords: cool-season production, Dactylis glomerata, dominance, Grasslands Wana, Grasslands Kara, 'target cocksfoot percentage', lowland
Establishment and management of Grasslands Puna chicory used as a specialist, high quality forage herb
Authors: Moloney S.C. , Milne G.D.
Published: July 2020

Between 8000 and 10 000 ha of Grasslands Puna chicory are now sown annually in New Zealand, largely as a high quality forage herb capable of finishing a range of livestock types including deer, sheep, and cattle. This paper details the specific establishment requirements of Puna, including: weed control, renovation rotation methods, cultivation techniques and sowing methods. Management requirements are also discussed with particular emphasis on grazing management, including optimum rotation length and post-grazing residual height. Maintenance fertiliser and herbicide requirements, and stock health issues are also covered, with reference to the use of Puna in various livestock systems and its effect on profitability. Keywords: Cichorium intybus, establishment, Grasslands Puna, leaf proportion, pre-grazing height, post-grazing residual height, 'rotational block grazing', stem development, stem control
White clover plant morphology in Waikato dairy pastures
Authors: Harris S.L.
Published: July 2020

Seasonal changes in white clover plant morphology were investigated in Waikato dairy pasture. Plants were classified according to the degree of branching, 2nd-order plants comprising the bulk of the population (47%) throughout the year. There was a slightly greater proportion of lst-order plants than found in similar studies on sheep-grazed swards in Manawahr. Plant fragmentation occurred in late spring, increasing the proportion of lstorder plants. A corresponding decrease in plant size was observed, with minimum values measured for most characteristics, i.e., stolon, leaf and root dry weight (DW); stolon length, and number of leaves, roots and growing points. Overall, white clover plants in Waikato dairy pastures are considerably larger than plants in Manawatu sheep pastures. The trial highlighted that because white clover plants in spring are small, they are vulnerable to mismanagement in dairy pastures, just as has been demonstrated in pasture grazed by sheep. There were, however, some significant differences in white clover plant structure in dairy pastures compared with sheep-grazed swards. Keywords: dairy pasture, morphology, plant order, plant size, seasonal variation, Trifolium repens
Forage-pasture production in the first three years of an agroforestry experiment
Authors: Pollock K.M. , Lucas R.J. , Mead D.J. , Thomson S.E.
Published: July 2020

Forage production from a newly established pinepasture system at 1000 trees per ha and pasture alone was compared. Pastures of ryegrass/clover, cocksfoot/clover, phalaris/clover and lucerne were used. Overall, forage production varied little between the grass/clover pastures and was little affected by the pine trees except for the 14% reduction in pasture area in the trees because of herbicide-treated planting strips. Lucerne production between the trees was similar to that of the grass/clover pastures but in the open pasture, lucerne yielded a total of 29.5 t DM/ha compared with 22 t DM/ha from grass/clover treatments. Pasture growth within 1 m of the trees in the third summer was reduced by as much as 40%, indicating that competitive dominance was shifting in favour of the pines. Keywords: agroforestry, competition, pasture-tree interaction, radiata pine, temperate pasture
Crops for winter feed in an extreme high country environment
Authors: Maunsell L.A. , Scott D.
Published: July 2020

A 4-year trial on marginal Pukaki high country soil showed adequate (5 t DMIha) pre-winter yields were obtained only following several years of a development legume phase, N fertilizer, early sowing, some irrigation or favourable autumn growing conditions. The highest yields were from swedes, rape, annual lupin and some cereals. Keywords: brassicas, cereals, high country, winter feed
Herbage production 47 years after severe wind erosion in the Hurunui River gorge
Authors: Knight T.L. , Wethey D.C. , Allan B.E.
Published: July 2020

Wind erosion can have severe long-term consequences on the soils of Canterbury. Pasture production was measured, in the 1992193 year, 47 years after a severe wind erosion event in the Hurunui gorge, North Canterbury. The topsoil was removed from this Tasman/Ashwick intergrade soil, exposing the underlying gravel. Herbage yields from the severely eroded site were very low and only 29% of those from an area which had retained 480 mm of topsoil. Both areas had been under the same management both before and since the erosion event. Where fertiliser had been applied to the area with retained topsoil, herbage yield was greater than where it had not been applied. Keywords: erosion, herbage production, wind
Developing the Tara Hills farm in today's world: the risks and returns
Authors: Allan B.E. , Foran D.B.
Published: July 2020

The economics of the development transition from an average high country enterprise dependent to various extents on hay, to an all-grass wintering enterprise (involving further development of hill country) such as that at Tara Hills, was investigated with the assistance of the dynamic economic model RANGEPACK HerdEcon. Transitional options ranged from 'do nothing' through 18 development scenarios that included factorial combinations of the following variables: three different levels of hay-making costs ($30 000, $60 000 and $90 000 per year) for the average enterprise; failures in oversowing establishment (0, 1 or 2 years out of 5); and either maintaining or increasing by 13% stock numbers subsequent to development. Each transitional option was evaluated over a 20-year period involving real climate effects. Shifting from the $90 000 hay enterprise, and incurring zero establishment failures, allowed an economic position better than 'do nothing' to be achieved in 8-9 years. Where the average high country enterprise was less dependent on hay ($60 000 and $30 000 hay operations) the period required to achieve a cash posltlon htterthan-'do-nothing'- took longer (12 to 20 years respectively). The economic leverage gained from the original enterprise with high hay costs compared to those with lower hay costs was far more influential than the other variables tested establishment failures, climate and stocking rate). Keywords: climate variability, dynamic modelling, economics, high country, pasture systems, transition
Long-term experiments in the South Island high country: an example from Mt. Possession, Canterbury
Authors: Svavarsdottir Kristin , White J.G.H. , Palmer J.G.
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the successional changes that have occurred during 13 years of a designed experiment in short tussock grassland. The 'experiment site is at Mt. Possession Station, Canterbury and was established in 1979. Nine species of legume were overdrilled and 9 phosphate rates (O-800 kg P/ha) broadcast at sowing. A vegetation survey of all plots was carried out in November 199 1 and soil sampled in the following year. Legumes were dominant during the early years of the experiment but the responses to P rates differed. Some of the differences in the present vegetation could be explained by earlier treatment effects. Exotic grasses invaded the plots which received higher levels of fertiliser with the exception of plots sown with Lupinus species where grass growth was independent of the applied P rate. The initial treatments have strongly affected present vegetation. Had an attempt been made at the beginning to predict the current composition, or even half way through the experiment, the conclusions are unlikely to have been realistic. It is suggested that the dynamics and composition of the responses are inter-related and complex and as such, they require long-term monitoring before any predictions can be made. Kewords: long-term experiment, phosphate gradient, sown legumes, species composition, tussock grasslands
Monitoring cobalt status - experiences in the central North Island
Authors: Hawke M.F. , O'Connor M.B. , Johnston T.J.M. , Waller J.E. , Addison B.
Published: July 2020

The requirement for 'cobalt (Co) of ruminants grazing pastures on the pumice soils of the Central Plateau was established in the late 1930s and Co topdressing to increase the Co intake of animals became commonplace from the mid-1950s. An on-farm survey in 1978-79 indicated that Co inputs could be halved because of adequate reserves of soil Co accumulated since the 1950s. However, the economic downturn in agriculture of the 1980s led to marked reductions in Co use. Follow-up surveys between 1991-93 indicated a general decline in soil and pasture Co levels. This decline was much more pronounced in areas with a poor history of Co topdressing. The 1991-93 survey results indicated a relationship between soil Co and pasture Co, Using probability analysis it was possible to indicate the soil Co level required to maintain a particular pasture Co concentration. Keywords: EDTA soil cobalt, fertiliser practice, pasture cobalt, stock health
Ryegrass endophyte, cow health and milksolids production for the 1993/94 season
Authors: Thom E.R. , Clark D.A. , Prestidge R.A. , Clarkson F.H. , Waugh C.D.
Published: July 2020

Four 2.5 ha farmlets based on endophyte-infected (H) and endophyte-free (L) ryegrass were established with or without white clover (kc) in March 1993. Fifteen cows were allocated to each farmlet before 3-week test periods in spring, summer and autumn. Milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose), cow rectal temperature, liveweight, condition score and incidence of ryegrass staggers were measured. Pasture sampling included assessments of yield, botanical composition, alkaloid, and endophyte content. H and L endophyte ryegrass treatments contained 94 and 26% endophyte, respectively, in March 1994. Herbage accumulation on all treatments was similar over the season (20 May 1993 - 19 April 1994). Treatments did not affect milk production in the October test period. Interaction between endophyte and clover in the January/February period showed cows on the L + C treatment produced more milk than all others (10.3 vs 9.0 l/cow/day). However, in the March test period a different interaction was apparent as cows on the H+C treatment produced produced less milk than all others (4.7 vs 6.3 l/cow/day), and all cows on H endophyte showed clinical ryegrass staggers. Milk production responses were not directly related to the endophyte status of the pastures in any test period. Treatment trends for green herbage consumed in March were similar to those for milk production. Keywords: Acremonium lolii, dairy cows, grazing, lolitrem B, Lolium perenne, milk production, ryegrass staggers
Screening white clover cultivars- for improved nutritive value - development of a method
Authors: Waghorn G.C. , Caradus J.R.
Published: July 2020

A method has been developed which enabled 100 white clover cultivars to be screened and ranked for improved nutritive value. Our objective was to identify cultivars having protein which was relatively insoluble and resistant to rumen degradation. The methods were developed for fresh forages, so that the results were applicable to the grazing animal. The clover was harvested and minced to give a particle size distribution similar to material chewed by ruminants during eating. Crude protein solubility was estimated by measuring nitrogen (N) loss from minced clover incubated in nylon bags in the rumen of a cow. This required the optimal amount of dry matter (DM) and incubation times to be determined, variation between animals to be defined and repeatability of measurements established. Crude protein degradation was measured by incubating minced clover with buffered rumen bacteria in vitro and determining net conversion of plant N to ammonia N. Nitrogen loss to degradation and cultivars w&e identified as having low solubility _ ability-for-the-1.OO-cultivar-were-positively and slow degradation and five cultivars having high solubility and rapid degradation. Mean values correlated (r=+O.29; P
Improving brassica crop yields in areas cultivated out of hawkweed
Authors: Mcgimpsey P.D. , Duffy R.G. , Mccutcheon B.S.
Published: July 2020

Hawkweeds (Hierucium species) presently dominate 500 000 ha of the South Island high country. Their spread threatens the ecology of the tussock grasslands and the livelihood of runholders. Management practices have been partially 'i successful at controlling hawkweed spread, but increasingly runholders are cultivating suitable areas. Crops planted into this environment are usually poor with negligible yield. Over 2 seasons 5 trials investigated the role of nitrogen, lime and molybdenum, boron superphosphate in the growth of soft turnips (Brassica campestris ssp. rapifera Green Globe) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). The results showed the importance of nitrogen. The nitrogen response of total yield was curvilinear or linear in every trial. Up to 48 kg DIWkg N was grown when 80 kg N/ha was applied, There was no significant reponse to molybdenum, boron, superphosphate or lime. Vegetation and soils dominated by hawkweeds are low in nitrogen, therefore little nitrogen is released after cultivation. Keywords: crop-yields, dryland, Hieracium pilosella, nitrogen, toe slopes, Brassica campestris ssp. rapifera, tussock grasslands, Lolium multiflorum
Relative sheep liveweight gain on perennial lupin, red clover and alsike
Authors: Scott D. , Maunsell L.A. , Hunt L.M.
Published: July 2020

Young Merino wethers set stocked from November to April, over 5 years, on developed high country legume pastures, at Lake Tekapo at 50 kglhafyr superphosphate, showed daily liveweight gain on perennial lupin and alsike clover that were 53% and 70%; respectively, of that on Pawera red clover (110 g/day). Keywords: high country, Lupinus polyphyllus, Trifolium hybridum, T. pratense, sheep weight gains
Direct control of Hieracium using fertiliser and trace element products
Authors: Miller N.W.
Published: July 2020

Various fertiliser and trace element products were applied to small plots (10 m2) dominated by Hieracium species (predominantly Hieracium pilosella) in Central Otago. The object of this study was to assess whether any fertiliser product had any "direct control" effect on Hieracium. Originally, 30 treatments were applied to a series of replicated small plots. At the sites studied, the boron compound Fertiliser Borate FB48 was the only treatment to display directly control on Hieracium. Further research has since concentrated on using boron as a control method. Twenty-three sites in total have developed along this theme covering a large range of climate zones (mainly Otago) and soil types, Boron-containing compounds can selectively control Hieracium (especially H. pilosella) without adversely affecting other plant species present. The timing of treatments and evenness of application is critical. New pasture species can be introduced successfully by traditional methods such as direct drilling and oversowing. Keywords: boron, direct control, fertilisers, Hieracium, seasonal variation, selective control
Nutrient storage in roots and rhizomes of hexaploid Caucasian clover
Authors: Strachan D.E. , Nordmeyer A.H. , White J.G.H.
Published: July 2020

Hexaploid Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb. (Caucasian clover cv. Prairie) persisted and dominated in high country plots which received more than 100 kg P/ha at establishment. After 13 years the biomass of coarse roots (rhizomes and tap-roots) amounted to 20 t/ha. The contents of nutrients in the root fractions were approximately five times that in the herbage. This ability to retain nutrients in coarse roots may be a strategy that contributes to the dominance of Caucasian clover on this acid soil. Keywords: nutrients, phosphorus, roots, Trifolium ambiguum
Productivity and water use of an irrigated high country pasture
Authors: Paton R.J. , Greenwood P.B.
Published: July 2020

Pasture production and irrigation water-use efficiencies were measured for 3 irrigation regimes on a Mackenzie shallow, stony soil in the Mackenzie Basin near Omarama. Irrigating at 25% was the most efficient of three irrigation frequencies maintained over the 198 1-1986 period (irrigated at O%, 25%, and 50% plant-available water capacity). Less frequent irrigation resulted in lower pasture yields due to increased water stress, while more frequent watering resulted in a 55% drainage loss of irrigation water below the root zone. At 1.16 t DIvUha per irrigation, the increase in pasture yield with irrigation at 25% was higher than most increases achieved in existing irrigation schemes in Central Otago and mid Canterbury. Over 6 years, this treatment required 4-7 irrigations annually and, on average, produced 6.0 t DM/ha more than did dryland pasture. The water-use efficiencies achieved in the border-strip irrigation system used were generally greater than expected for highly permeable stony soils where large drainage losses of irrigation water below the root zone are common. This was the result of reduced soil water transmission rates after compaction by heavy machinery during border strip* preparation. That effect of compaction was persistent, and had not diminished 9 years after initial pasture and irrigation development, as structural improvement of this soil is slow, even under irrigation. Keywords: high country pasture, irrigation, Mackenzie Basin
Pasture yield responses to irrigation in Canterbury
Authors: Mcbride S.D.
Published: July 2020

Major findings from 13 pasture irrigation experiments conducted in Canterbury are discussed. Yields and response curves on 8 of the experimental sites were very similar to those of the long-term trial (34 years) site at the Winchmore Research Station. Irrigating when soil moisture dried to 50% asm (available soil moisture), increased annual pasture DM yields by an average of 5.2 t/ha DM (80% increase over the non-irrigated yield). Response per irrigation and yield variation between years decreased as the number of irrigations increased. During water restrictions, irrigators often choose to either keep watering their whole farm with a longer irrigation return period, or drop out paddocks and fully irrigate the remainder. The irrigation response data are used to discuss these and other possible strategies. Keywords: irrigation, pasture yields, response curves, water restrictions
Building a solid foundation - sulphur, phosphorus and potassium requirements for the sedimentary soiIs of North Canterbury
Authors: Roberts A.H.C. , Webb T.H. , Morton J.D. , O'Connor M.B. , Edmeades D.C.
Published: July 2020

The soils of North Canterbury occur mainly on steep land (31%), hilly land (28%), rolling downs and downlands (11%) and terraces and floodplains (30%). Most soils are predominantly formed from greywacke and tertiary sediments and some 85% comprise yellow-grey earth, yellow-grey earth to yellow-brown earth intergrade, yellow-brown earth and recent soil groups. In terms of the relationship between pasture production and fertiliser nutrient use these major soil groups are considered as a single entity, namely "sedimentary" soils (a reference to their derivation from sedimentary rocks). The relationships (production functions) between pasture production and soil test level for sulphur (S), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are shown to be of the "diminishing returns" type for the sedimentary soils and the point at which near-maximum production (97%) occurs is defined as the "biological optimum" soil test level. Biological optimum sulphate-S and organic-S levels-are-l.0 and 15 respectively, for O-l.s-en- P. -is _ 20 and quick-test K is 6. Once the biologrcal optimum soil test levels have been attained then maintenance fertiliser nutrient rates are appropriate. In order to correct S deficiency sedimentary soils require an average of 35 kg S/ha. To move up the pasture production curve an average of 5 kg P/ha above maintenance will increase Olsen P by 1 unit. Potassium requirements depend on soil group within the sedimentary soils. -Keywords:~biological~optimum, North Canterbury, nutrient requirements, phosphorus, potassium, sedimentary soils, Sulphur
Fertiliser sulphur for North Canterbury pastures
Authors: Boswell C.C.
Published: July 2020

Natural inputs of sulphur in North Canterbury are restricted to l-2 kg of sulphur(S)/ha/year in rainfall. On the limited area of irrigated land a further 7 kg of S may be added in irrigation water. These inputs are inadequate to replace losses which occur through leaching, removal in animal products, and excretal transfer, so fertiliser S is essential to maintain farming systems. The choice of form of fertiliser varies from sulphate, to mixtures of sulphate and elemental S, to elemental S forms. Focus in this paper is on the forms which will be effective in North Canterbury, other factors which influence choice of fertilisers, and recommended fertilisers for different farming situations. Keywords: elemental sulphur, fertiliser recommendations, rate constant, sulphur oxidation, sulphur superphosphate
A review of recent research on the microbial control of Californian thistle and other pasture weeds using the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as a biological herbicide
Authors: Bourdot G.W. , Harvey I.C.
Published: July 2020

In this paper we review the research findings research to date indicate that S. sclerotiorum has published to date on the development of a plant pathogenic fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, as a mycoherbicide for Californian thistle, Cirsium arvense, and other weeds of pastures. A strain of the fungus isolated from Californian thistle was virulent also on Scotch thistle (Cirsium vu&are), nodding thistle (Cur&us nutans) and ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) when applied as a myceliumon- wheat formulation to the foliage of these weeds under glasshouse conditions. In field trials in which this formulation of the mycoherbicide was applied to the new spring foliage of Californian thistle in Canterbury sheep pastures, the thistle was controlled, to a high level both in the season of application and during the following growing season. Debilitation of root systems of the thistle occurs through reductions in photosynthetic capacity through death of treated shoots, and by invasion and rotting of roots by the pathogen. The strain of the fungus used in the field trials did note infect either grasses or clovers. The results of research to date indicate that S, sclerotiorum has considerable potential as a mycoherbicide for use in pastures against Californian thistle and some other species of weeds. Keywords: biological weed control, Carduus nutans, Cirsium arvense, Cirsium vulgare, mycoherbicide, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Senecio jacobaea
Establishing drought-tolerant pasture species on east coast downlands by direct drilling
Authors: Fraser T.J. , Hewson D.C.
Published: July 2020

Successful establishment of drought-tolerant pastures through direct drilling on erosion prone dry East Coast downlands can be guaranteed if some simple management practices are put in place. Pasture mixtures containing mainly Grasslands Wana cocksfoot, Grasslands Maru phalaris Grasslands Roa tall fescue and Grassland Tahora white clover were direct drilled into 450 ha on 60 paddocks in North Otago. Establishment of new pastures on paddocks that had been double herbicide treated prior to sowing (spray-fallow technique), were significantly superior to those treatments that only had a single spray prior to drilling. Correct sowing depth was made possible with the use of the Massey University bioblade direct drill. Its inverted 'T' coulter creates an underground cavort with sufficient tilth to provide an ideal microclimate for seedling establishment. The success of the programme is reflected in the fact that 50% of farmers involved have established new pasture by direct drilling since the programme was implemented, 93% intend establishing pastures by direct drilling in the future and 98% hive sown, or intend to sow, pastures using alternative species to perennial ryegrass. Keywords: direct drilling, drought-tolerant species, erosion, pasture establishment, spray-fallow technique, summer fallow
Persistence of dryland pasture species in mixed swards in Canterbury
Authors: Fraser T.J.
Published: July 2020

Changes in dryland pasture composition were monitored over 5 years in pastures that were managed under a normal sheep farm management system. Grass grub population built up with time and appeared to be the main reason for plant loss and the resultant changes in pasture composition. Grass grub densities in ryegrass mixtures increased to a high level (220/m* ) by year three, with subsequent ioss of ryegrass plants. Grub densities increased more slowly in cocksfoot-, tall fescueand phalaris-based pastures, with no apparent loss of plants. Cocksfoot dominated pasture composition by year three, even when sown at only 25% of total seed mix. Phalaris did not increase its contribution and at no stage made a significant contribution to production when sown in mixtures with other grasses. As grass grub numbers declined there appeared to be some regeneration of the ryegrass component. The more persistent cocksfoot and tall fescue pastures increased their herbage yield advantage over ryegrass pastures with time. Autumn animal performance was directly related to the amount of green herbage on offer. Keywords: Costelytra zealandica, Dactylis glomerata,dryland pastures, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne, Phalaris aquatica, pasture composition
Nitrogen use on Canterbury dryland pastures
Authors: Morton J.D. , Mcbride S.D.
Published: July 2020

Results from the first two years of a farmlet trial carried out on a dryland Lismore soil near Ashburton, Mid Canterbury are reported. Farmlet treatments were 0, 25 (25 N) and 50 (50 N) kg N/ha applied as urea in mid-April of 1992 and 1993. Stocking rates for each farmlet were 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5 (Year l), and 11, 12 and 13/ha Borderdale ewes/ha (Year 2). For both years of the trial, there were small increases in mean pasture cover from N use despite the higher stocking rates on the N farmlets. Both mean clover content (14%) and N fixation rates (36 kg N/ha/year) were low but only declined slightly with N use. Average lamb carcass weight was lower on the 25 N and 50 N farmlet than the nil N farmlet (16.9 cf 18.3 kg). Despite this decrease, lamb carcass production per ha was significantly higher on the 50 N farmlet (216 kg/ha) compared with the nil N farmlet (199 kg/ha), Similar wool weights per ewe between farmlets resulted in an increase in wool production per ha from both N farmlets (25 N - 34.9 kg/ha, 50 N - 38 kg/ha) compared to nil N (30.8 kg/ha). Keywords: clover content, lamb production, nitrogen fertiliser, nitrogen fixation, stocking rate, wool production
Improving hogget performance through efficient management of the spring surplus
Authors: Stevens D.R. , Turner J.D. , Gowers S. , Baxter G. , Armstrong S.D.
Published: July 2020

This paper examines how the spring management options of making silage or planting brassicas can change hogget performance. Research by Gore Research Station staff compared winter hogget growth on various winter forages including brassicas, Italian ryegrass, perennial pasture and silage from several pasture types over 5 years. Liveweight gains varied from 0 to 160 g/day for silage made from various pasture options. Specific brassicas or brassica plus Italian ryegrass combinations provided average gains of up to 146 g/day. The yields of forage turnips for summer and autumn use were also compared. An initial harvest of 90 days with two subsequent cuts of 30- day intervals maximised yields from the treatments examined. The combining of these spring forage management options is discussed and used to outline options which will help farmers to maximise hogget performance. Keywords: Brussica, Cichorium intybus, hoggets, liveweight gain, L&urn multiflorum, perennial pasture, sheep, silage, summer, winter
Dryland pasture and animal evaluation of Grasslands Gala grazing brome
Authors: Sutherland B.L.
Published: July 2020

Grasslands Gala grazing brome, the first cultivar bred from Bromus stamineus (B. stamineus Desv.), was selected from plant material collected in central Chile. Small-plot evaluations have indicated Gala has agronomic characteristics appropriate to dryland grazing systems. This trial was designed primarily to evaluate the seasonal production, persistence and animal performance obtainable from Gala under dryland conditions. Gala was compared with cultivars from three different Bromus species, Grasslands Matua (B. willdenowii Ku&r.), Grasslands Hakari (B. sitchensis Trin.) and Grasslands Tiki (B. inermis Leyss.) and an endophyte ryegrass Grasslands Pacific (Lolium perenne L.). Gala established rapidly, and under a long rotation lax grazing management, had seasonal yields similar to Grasslands Pacific, Matua and Hakari. Hogget liveweight trials indicated Gala produced quality forage in all seasons with weight gains similar to those on Matua and surpassing those on Pacific during summer and autumn. Under a short rotation hard grazed management Gala was more competitive and yielded at a similar level to Pacific and Matua, and showed the least sign of tiller depletion. Hakari became severely depleted under this management and along with Tiki was eliminated from this evaluation at the end of the first year. These initial results (3 years' data) indicate that Gala compares favourably with existing cultivars, and its broad range of tolerances should make it a desirable option as a perennial in South Island dryland pastoral systems.