Demonstration of dryland species on 90 east coast North Island farms

Abstract

<jats:p>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</jats:p>

Laboratory screening of the juvenile responses of grassland species to warm temperature pulses and water deficits to predict invasiveness

“…All are C 3 species which germinate readily with the onset of the cool season (Hume & Barker 1991; Porter, Lucas & Andrews 1993). There is also close agreement with differences in desiccation tolerance between categories B and C. Category C species are common in grasslands of dry environments (Stewart 1992; Milne, Moloney & Smith 1993) whereas category B species prefer moist habitats (Langer 1973; Chapman et al . 1986).…”

Effects of soil fertility on the persistence of dryland cocksfoot and tall fescue pastures

“…The 106 paddocks measured in this survey were sown as part of the 1988/89 South Island Drought Recovery Programme (Milne & Fraser 1990) or the 1990/91 North Island Recovery Programme (Milne et al 1993). A total of 73 properties (47 South Island, 26 North Island) were represented with 1-3 paddocks per property.…”

Selection, management and use of cocksfoot cultivars in North Island pastoral farming

“…Experience has shown that in most North Island regions, Wana cocksfoot does not offer this opportunity. Milne et al (1993). Smith et al (1993) both reported Kara to be less aggressive relative to Wana in pasture mixtures sown in the North Island East Coast Pasture Demonstration Programme.…”

“…In a large number of these mixtures, farmers, researchers and advisors have observed that Wana has become the dominant grass species after the second and third year (Korte et al 1992;Smith et al 1993;Milne et al 1993). The results from trial 1 (Table 2) are typical of how Wana's aggressive nature can restrict important contributions from higher quality companion species such as tall fescue and white clover.…”