Farmers are aware of the increasing amount of information comparing alternative cultivars in dry environments in New Zealand. Animal production data in cool moist environments was unknown. To compare relative animal performance six different grasses were sown with Grasslands Tahora white clover (Trifolium repens L.) in 0.25 ha plots in two replicates in December 1988 at the Gore Research Centre in Southland. The six grasses were Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Grasslands Roa tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L)., Grasslands Kara cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L). Grasslands Matua prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Ku&), Grasslands Hakari upland bmme (Bromus sitchensis), and Grasslands Kahu timothy (Phleum pratense L). These pastures were rotationally grazed with goats through spring and summer of the following two years; 2-weekly liveweight gain of 10 goats was recorded. Stocking rate was estimated from the addition of extra goats each week to achieve a residual pasture height of 100 mm. Spring liveweight gains (mid Sept-late Nov) were greatest on timothy and least on prairie grass. Stocking rate in spring was highest on the upland brome and tall fescue pastures and lowest for prairie grass and timothy pastures. Prairie grass pastures produced less total liveweight gain per ha than the other pastures. During summer, goat liveweight gains were ranked similarly to spring. Stocking rates were greatest on upland brome, and lowest on tall fescue. Total liveweight gain per ha in summer was greatest on the timothy pastures and least on prairie grass pastures. Keywords Bromus sitchensis, Bromus willdenowii, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, goats, Lolium perenne. liveweight gain, Phleum pratense, stocking rate, Trifolium repens
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(117 KB)Some of the problems for the New Zealand sheep industry over the next decade are outlined, as are the changes necessary to overcome them. The future for the next generation of intensive sheep farmers should be promising if they can co-operate to realise the potential of genetics for flock improvement, be adaptable, overcome the problems of drench resistance and chemical and drug residues, increase profitability. and grasp the fact that sheep farming may not mean land ownership, There will always be a sheep industry, but not necessarily as we know it now. Keywords animal health, genetic improvement, profitability, sheep industry, sheep farming
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(39 KB)The management practices in common use in the sheep industries of UK and New Zealand have few similarities, This is the inevitable result of the widely different political. climatic and financial influences the two industries experience. New Zealand products enjoy a favonrableresponse from British consumers. They are considered to be quality items and generally look well in the markets. Our markets are well established and while we would allacknowledgeimpetfections,therearenow more important issues than philosophy and structure. Returns to the producer is the paramount problem in the New Zealand sheep industry. A long term approach to that issue may demand considerable investment in the market place, delaying the flow of the entire amount of increased return back to farmers. The New Zealand farmer is a more innovative and adaptable character than his British counterpart. At least part of this is due to the volumes of regulations and restrictions that plague British farmers. Herein lies an asset that we should exploit to maintain a competitive edge. Keywords New Zealand, sheep industry,United Kingdom
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(54 KB)The effectiveness of Sechura RPR (SPR) plus sulphur (S) as a development and maintenance fertiliser was compared with superphosphate (SSP) on an irrigated grazed pasture. In 1980, SSP or SPR plus S was applied at 71 kg/ha phosphorus (P) to pastures that had not received fertiliser for 22 years, but had been recently over-drilled with ryegrass and white clover. Annual maintenance rates of 250 kg SSP/ha and 175 kg SPRjha plus S, (supplying 22 kg P/ha and 27 kg S/ha), were applied from 198 1 to 1992. In the first year the SSP treatment restored pasture production to near optimal level and this level was maintained over subsequent years with annual topdressings. In contrast, the SPR plus S treatment did not restore pasture production until the third year. In the first two years production from this treatment was only 69% and 88%. respectively, of the 250 kg/ha/year SSP treatment. From year 3, annual applications of SPR plus S maintained pasture production. In the first 3 years P concentrations of pasture topdressed with SPR were lower than those of pastures topdressed with SSP. Herbage S concentrations were adequate on both fertiliser treatments. Soil Olsen P levels rose quickly in the first year after the initial application of SSP then decreased to the same level as the SPR plus S treatment. Olsen P levels have been rising steadily since 1983, from both forms of P, indicating that 22 kg P/ha/year is above maintenance for this site. Keywords development fertiliser, irrigated pasture, maintenance fertiliser, Sechura reactive phosphate rock, superphosphate
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(123 KB)The treading effects of high-density winter grazing of sheep associated with all-grass wintering systems in Southland were studied for evidence of resultant soil physical degradation. Typical examples of Pukemutu (YGE) and Waikiwi (YBE) soils, extensive areas of which have been intensively managed in Southland for many years, were selected for assessments of mechanical impedance, bulk density, porosity, air permeability, and hydraulic conductivity. The results showed that intensive winter grazing in this environment resulted in significant losses of large soil macropores. As a result, the transmission of water through the root-zone was significantly restricted. After rain, this can lead to waterlogging and soil oxygen deficiencies. Probably as a result of cumulative soil damage over several winters, soil had become more compacted to nearly the full depth of the A horizon. Natural ameliorative processes may therefore be too slow to overcome fully the effects of treading. Measurements of mechanical impedance and bulk density, while widely used, proved inappropriate for examination of the effects of treading. Both are insensitive to small, but important, changes in soil porosity. Air permeability and hydraulic conductivity were good indicators of relative degrees of soil compactness of the sites examined. Both are sensitive to small changes in effective macroporosity, and are useful measurements to diagnose soil structural damage. Keywords all-grass wintering, Southland, sheep, treading damage, soil physical degradation
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(109 KB)The first study examined white clover seed loss in the offal trail of a header harvester. Seed counts in offal trails were 83 800/m* compared to intermediate areas at 22 500/m*. Consequent problems in sampling for buried seed are discussed. The second trial measured buried seed two years after a white clover seed crop. In the top 25 cm of soil 66 200 seeds/m* remained following conventional cultivation but only 26 000 occurred under direct drilling. With conventional cultivation 80% of seed was buried below 10 cm depth, but 63% of the buried seed was in the O-5 cm layer with direct drilling. In a third study the rate of hard seed breakdown was examined. Breakdown was rapid on the surface but after4 years 36% of seed survived at 10 cm depth and 65% at 20 cm buried. The practical implications on cultivation practices required to permit change of cultivars without contamination problems are discussed. Keywords Trijblium repens L., buried seed, offal trail, direct drill, conventional cultivation, burial depth
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(67 KB)The Kleyngelds sharemilk a 135 hectare dairy farmm for Tasman Agricultme, converted from sheep in 1990. 350 cows are wintered with total production being 41 800 kg milkfat (90/W), 54 000 kg (91/92), and projected 92/93,57 000 kg. One third of the farm is in newer ryegrass/clover, the remaining mainly browntop. Grass grown and grazed is recorded, so paddock performance can be monitored. The major result is variation in growth, 1 l- 3 tonnes/DM. A grazing round of approximately 26 days suits all pastures for best performance. A balance is created between under- andovergrazing. Pasture is grazed to a base level of 1400 kg/ha/DM, to ensure quick regrowth but no loss of quality. Regrassing is the major emphasis -- approximately lo-20 hectares are done a season. Ryegrasses and clover are used at 23 kg/ha. Pasture is sprayed and direct drilled with care taken in grazing for first season. Fertiliser complements regrassing. Over the last two years 400 kg/ha 15% potassic super was applied, this season 600 kg/ha were applied. Nitrogen is used strategically from.late winter to autumn according to soil temperature over the whole farm. There are flow on effects through winter and early spring. Limiting factors to conversion are management, fertility and grasses. Planning is needed to utilise resources for best returns. Keywords dairy conversion, fertiliser, regrassing, sheep farm, dairy farm
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(61 KB)Beef production in New Zealand could be increased by developing farming systems that profitably utilised heifer and bull calves which would otherwise be slaughtered soon after birth. Evaluation of a once-bred heifer cattle policy over 3 years at Massey University showed that target weights to achieve acceptable calving percentages and final carcass weights can be achieved under pasture feeding. Piedmontese and Belgian Blue sires used over Friesian cows produced bull calves that did not grow significantly faster than straight Friesian animals, but had higher dressing out (57.8 ~56.7 y 54.0, P~0.05) and meat yield percentages (76.0 x.75.7 v 73.2 for Piedmontese, Belgian Blue and Fnesian, respectively). Both the once-bred heifer and the exotic x bull beef production systems earned greater returns than traditional beef cattle policies at 1992 costs and prices, and could be easily implemented by New Zealand beef producers. Keywords dairy beef, exotic sires, once-bred heifer
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(108 KB)The development of a Appellation Marketing Strategy by the New Zealand Game Industry Board will change the requirements of the venison industry. High deer liveweight gains throughout the year will be required to ensure a consistent supply of high quality venison. The improvement of spring and summer pasture availability and quality are being investigated at the Invermay Agricultural Centre. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and tall fescuelchicory/(Cichoorium intybusL.) red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) pastures were compared with high and low endophyte ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) pastures. Liveweight gain and carrying capacity were measured in spring and summer one year after establishment. Pasture parameters were measured to explain differences in animal perFormance. Liveweight gain was similar on all treatments, though was 21-35% lower in summer than in spring. The tall fescue-based pastures had significantly higher carrying capacities because of a better clover balance throughout the trial. This led to significantly higher per ha production on fust year tall fescue-based pastures. Though ryegrass endophyte had no effect on pasture or animal production, animal behaviour might have been affected. Keywords Acremonium lolii, carrying capacity, Cichorium intybus, deer, Festuca arundinacea, liveweight gain, Loliumperenne, pasture parameters, Trifolium pratense, Trijolium repens
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(229 KB)Two field trials showed up to 60% greater establishment from surface-sown coated ryegrass seed compared with bare seed. Coating had a minimal effect on drilled seed. Multiple sowings over two seasons showed that the increase in establishment from coated seed relative to bare seed was only weakly related to temperature and soil moisture. The trend was for greater establishment from coated seed at lower mean establishment rates and higher soil temperature. Keywords Dactylis glomerata, grass seed coating, environmental interactions, L&urn perenne
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(73 KB)In a series of 12 field uials located throughout New Zealand annual application of phosphate(P) fertiliser was compared with ttiennial application using rates which applied the same total amount of P over 6 years. Test materials were triple supetphosphate (TSP) and Sechura phosphate rock (SPR), both of which were applied annually at rates which provided 0.75 times the calculated maintenance P requirement (0.75 M) and triennially at 2.25 M.For the 12 sites combined there was a significant response to P fertiliser each year. Application frequency had no significant effect on total DM yield over the 6 year period with either TSP or SPR. A cyclic effect with triennial applications was appsrent for both fertllisers, with approximately 2-4% higher yields in the first year and 2-4% lower yields in the third year of both 3 year cycles. These results indicate that on well developed pastures a change from annual to triennial application frequency of phosphate fertillser, with either TSP or slow release SPR, will have little effect on DM production providing the same total amount of P is applied. This gives farmers the opportunity to make some adjustment to P fertiliser application frequency according to fluctuations in availability of finance. However, these conclusions do not apply to other nutrients such as sulphur, potassium and trace elements for which annual applications may he necessary. Keywords triple superphosphate, Sechura phosphate rock, phosphate fertilisers, annual application, triennial application, application frequency, reactive phosphate reck
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(91 KB)Various pre-sowing management systems were applied from spring to early autumn, before drilling a new ‘lolitrem-free’ perennial ryegrass. These treatments aimed to evaluate the level of contamination over a range of ryegrass natural reseeding levels. Strips in the plots were left unsown or sown in prairie grass in order to assess the levels of natural reseeding. A late hay crop resulted in the largest contamination (27%) of the establishing pasture. Lax grazing and spring barley (pasture direct drilled in autumn) resulted in approximately 3.5% contamination. Silage and early hay crops harvested before mid-December controlled most ryegrass seedheads, but further seedheads developed during summer. Control of seedheads in these treatments and the hard grazing treatment was difficult to achieve by grazing. A summer fallow, using a double spray with glyphosate (spray/fallow), successfully killed all existing vegetative plants and prevented natural reseeding, but seed present in the soil germinated to produce seedlings in autumn. Contamination levels in hay, silage, hard grazing, and spray/fallow treatments were 0.9%. Although the reseeding levels in this trial were generally very low, when comparisons are made with other data, every effort should be made to minimise seedhead development and ripening of seed during spring/summer. Keywords Acremonium lolii, grazing,Lolium perenne, natural reseeding, pasture establishment
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(225 KB)Farmers’ objectives, their circumstances and the constraints they face are central to any consideration of ways and means of improving farming systems. The management, research and extension, and policy needs of the farmers attending this workshop were diverse. This appeared to be linked with the (unexpected) degree of diversity in the business objectives and management structures on these farms. More formal research on these issues across the spectrum of farmers is required to ensure that research and technology transfer meet the industry’s needs. Keywords farming systems, research, technology transfer, objectives
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(58 KB)Three field trials were laid down, on established luceme (Medicago sativa L.) stands and continued for 2,3 or 4 years. On two sites fertilisers applied were potassium chloride (0 and 200 kg/ha) and single superphosphate (0,200.400 and 800 kg/ha), while on the third site potassium chloride (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha), sulphur (0,25,50 and 100 kg S/ha as gypsum) and phosphorus (0,18,36 and 72 kg P/ ha as monocalcium phosphate) were applied. Lucerne was harvested at the hay stage with 2 or 3 cuts per year. Consistent annual yield responses to 200 kg/ ha of potassium chloride application occurred at all sites. At the site where 100 kg/ha was applied it produced about 95% of maximum yield but nil K gave 8594% of maximum yield. Responses to superphosphate treatments were recorded at two sites with the major response considered to be due to phosphorus. 200 - 400 kg/ha of superphosphate was sufficient for near maximum response. Response to both phosphorus and sulphur occurred at site 3 with 18 kg/ha phosphorus and 25 kg/ha sulphur being sufficient for near maximum response. Results indicate that a soil P test of 13 and K test of 6 should support approximately 95% of maximum yield. Herbage P and S concentrations associated with near maximum yields were slightly higher than indicated in current standards for plant analysis interpretations, but K concentrations agreed with current standards. Maintenance fertiliser requirements derived from this trial series are similar to those predicted from AgResearch’s fertiliser recommendation models. Keywords Medicago sativa, potassium, phosphorus, soil test, plant analyses, sulphur, fertiliser
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(150 KB)A ryegrass breeding programme to improve the cool season activity and summer quality of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L,) in southern regions was initiated in 1986. One of the strategies assessed wild ryegrass populations from 50 dairy and sheep farms in Southland, West Otago and Westland. The plants were collected and evaluated as spaced plants in a high and low fertility site at DSIR Grasslands Gore in comparison with current ryegrass cultivars. Principal Component Analysis was used to order the performance of the ryegrass populations in relation to the observed characters of seasonal growth, tillering, crown rust infection, recurrent ear emergence and endophyte presence. Ihe collection consisted of many short-leaved densely tillered prostrate plants with high levels of crown rust infection and recurrent flowering. In comparison the cultivars had fewer, but larger tillers, rapid leaf extension and good rust tolerance. There were no strong distinguishing features between plants from dairy and sheep farms and 30% of plants had no endophyte. Selected ecotypes hybridised with New Zealand and European cultivars produced plants with better cool season growth and summer quality than standard cultivars. The ecotype germplasm is an important source in the development of new cultivars suited to the southern region. Keywords plant evaluation, Lolium perenne, ryegrass hybrids, southern New Zealand ecotypes
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(143 KB)Mediterranean saltbush (Atriplex halimus L.) seedlings were transplanted into a low-nutrient potting mixture amended with nine treatments of salt and/ or lime, and magnesium sulphate. Plant growth parameters were measured at regular intervals and the experiment was terminated at week 20, after which the rootshoot ratio was determined. A low rate of salt/lime (0.25% w/w) produced significantly greater stem elongation than other treatments, most of this occurring during the first 13 weeks of the trial. On termination of the trial, shoot/plant dry weight from this treatment was also greater. Field trials have recently been established on Omarama YGE soils in the Mackenzie Basin and Blackstone YGE soils near the Upper Manorburn Dam, Central Otago to investigate the effectiveness and longevity of this response, and the likely level of maintenance applications necessary to retain good survival and productivity in soils previously considered poorly suited to saltbush. Investigation of environmental limitations for saltbush over a wider geographic range and integration of this data with a GIS database is planned. An ability to plant saltbush as a forage shrub into soil types not previously thought suitable using readily available, economical soil amendments may provide sustainable agricultural benefits for a wider dryland farming market than originally anticipated. Keywords Atriplex halimus L., Mediterranean saltbush, soil fertility amendments, lime/salt, forage shrubs, sustainable dryland farming
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(227 KB)Field testing compared the agronomic performance of Grasslands Kara cocksfoot (Dactylis glomera& a L.) with other commercially available cocksfoot cultivars and perennial ryegrass (Ldium perenne L.) in Southland and Canterbury. Animal performance was also assessed in southland. Kara cocksfoot had the highest establishment score of the cocksfoot cultivars in Canterbury but was slower to establish than ryegrass. Annual yields of Kara cocksfoot were 7% lower than Wana in Southland. The yield of Kara in Canterbury was 131 and 74% greater than ryegrass in a dry summer and autumn respectively. In Southland the pasture production from Kara under goat grazing was never significantly different from that of Nui ryegrass. The liveweight gains of both sheep and goats on Kara pastures were similar to those on ryegrass. Pasture digestibility was lower for Kara than Nui ryegrass pastures in spring but similar in summer and autumn. Pasture protein content was higher for Kara than Nui pastures in spring and similar in summer and autumn. The leaf-stem ratio of Kara was higher than Nui in spring but similar in summer and autumn. Rust tolerance of Kara was high and similar to Wana and Porto. The results from animal performance and pasture parameters show that Kara has a high feeding value. The effects of winter frost damage were greater on Kara and Wana than on Apanui due to their winter activity. Keywords animal performance, Dactylis glomerata L., cocksfoot, establishment, frost damage, pasture production, pasture quality
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(334 KB)High quality pasture feed is a direct consequence of species/cultivar choice and subsequent management. The pasture mixture must be selected according to the environment in which they are to grow, end use and speed of establishment. Important establishment factors are seedingrate, seedbed preparation, sowing time and soil nutrient status. Once established, correct grazing management and maintenance will ensure longevity of pasture life and continued availability of high quality animal feed. Keywords cultivars, establishment, grazing, growth environment, pasture quality, seedbed, seed rate, soil nutrients, sowing time
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(68 KB)I have been farming full-time on my own account for eight years, after seven and a half years in Advisory Services Division with the Ministry of Agriculture in Gore. While I was employed by the MAF, I was leasing 60 hectares and working it part-time. My first five years of full-time farming were sharefarming the property I am currently leasing. At the conclusion of the sharefarming agreement a company wasformedinwhichmy wifeandIboughtat25% share. We lease the farm from the company.
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(92 KB)A trial was carried out near Greymouth on the west coast of the South Island in 1987 and 1988 to determine production responses of thin and fat ewes to two feeding treatments from weaning to mating. At weaning in early January, 192 three-year-old Perendale ewes were individually condition scored and allocated into two equal-sized groups of thin (mean condition score = 2.7, mean liveweight = 4 1.4 kg) and fat (mean condition score = 3.3, mean liveweight = 46.8 kg) ewes. From weaning to the start of mating in mid-April, each thin and fat ewe group were split evenly and grazed in a leader and follower system. The leader group was preferentially fed by having fust choice while the follower group had the second choice of pasture. The pasture was of low nutritive value because of a low content of ryegrass and white clover and a high content of unimproved grasses, dead material and weeds. Preferential feeding resulted in significant increases in liveweight (+4.5 kg for thin ewes, +5.1 kg for fat ewes) and condition (+0.26 condition score units for thin and fat ewes) compared with follow-up feeding. Increases in ovulation rate at the start of mating from preferential compared with follow-up feeding were higher for thin (1.35 vs 1.01) compared with fat (1.44 vs 1.21) ewes. There was little difference in the response in wool production to preferential feeding for thin (1 .O 1 vs 0.82 kg/ewe) compared with fat (1.11 vs 0.91 kg/ ewe). Preferential feeding of thin ewes and the use of fat ewes to follow-up and clean out pastures from weaning to mating reduced the range of ewe liveweight at mating (42-54 kg) compared with grazing thin and fat ewes in a follow-up role (36-60 kg). This would help standardise individual ewe feed requirements and allow ewes to be grazed in one mob during autumn and winter. Preferential feeding of thin ewes from weaning to mating was tested on twocommercial sheep farms and resulted in similar changes in ewe liveweight and condition as found in this reported trial. Keywords preferential, follow-up, feeding, ewes, liveweight, condition, ovulation rate, wool production
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(108 KB)Acid and moderately acid soils (pH 5-6) are widespread in the farmed areas of New Zealand. Application of limestone to raise soil pH has been a common practice and re-acidification of soils requires that this be done regularly. The impact of liming and re-acidification cycles on soil chemistry is discussed and examples presented using a Southland soil: Waimumu silt loam. Wide ratios of Ca:Mg develop in the soil and further lime application is shown to damage growth of white clover but not Grasslands Tama ryegrass. Differences in surface chemistry of roots of legumes and grasses are discussed and the implications of the interactions between changes in soil chemistry and plant roots considered. Keywords acidification, calcium, magnesium, cation ratio, root CEC
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(88 KB)The major plant nutrients in soils were measured from 53 Southland sites arranged along 4 transects which extended inland from the southern coast and one which extended westwards from Papatowai on the east coast to Manapouri in the west. Soil samples were taken from 8 depths: O-75.75-150, 150-225, 225-300, 300-450, 450-600, 600-750, and 750-900 mm, at each site. In zonal soils, sulphate accumulated deeper in the soil profile and declined logarithmically with distance from the southern coast. In recent soils there was little accumulation in the profile. Rainfall sulphur is the most likely source of the reserves. Magnesium accumulated deep in the profile of inland soils in western transects, suggesting that serpentine rock parent material was its source. Generally, available phosphorus, calcium, potassium, total nitrogen and organic carbon concentrations were greatest in the surface layer of soil and declined with soil depth. However, very high phosphate reserves were present deep in the profile at a few specific inland sites. Short-term sustainable agricultural systems could involve the utilisation of at least some of these reserves. This would require the encouragement of deeper-rooting of plants than currently occurs under pastoral systems. Keywords magnesium, nutrient reserves, phosphorus, Southland, sulphate, sustainable agriculture, transects
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(136 KB)One hundred and twenty one cultivars and accessions of conventional and alternative legume, grass and forb species have been assessed over a widely variable lower sunny face landscape mosaic within the semi-arid tussock grasslands. Results are presented for assessments carried out 7-8 years after planting. Caucasian clover, hairy canary clover, birdsfoot trefoil, crown vetch and luceme were the best adapted legume species. By contrast, conventional clover species performed poorly; red and alsike clovers all died and only a few plants of white and subterranean clovers have survived, all within the more favourable areas of the landscape. Cocksfoot, wheatgrass, smooth brome and tall fescue survived well across the landscape mosaic and showed good vigour and survival. Cocksfoot cultivars and accessions had the best combination of agronomic attributes. In contrast, the survival of all perennial ryegrasses, declined markedly since the 3rd year. These results have important implications for the future development of sustainable pastoral systems in drought-prone landscapes. Keywords dryland pasture species, legumes, grasses
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(173 KB)Previously published results show that herbage grasses vary in the severity with which they compete with white clover (Trifolium repens) for soil phosphorus. It is argued that grasses such as ‘Grasslands Matua’ prairie grass (Bromus willdenowio with lower herbage phosphorus concentrations than ryegrass, will maintain better productivity and clover contents in the sward as phosphate fertiliser rates are reduced, than a comparable ryegrass sward. Apart from prairie grass, there seems to be little variation in herbage phosphorus levels in current ‘Grasslands’ forage grasses and screening for reduced levels is advocated. Keywords Bromus willdenowii, competition, cultivars, grasses, herbage, Lolium perenne phosphate, phosphorus, superphosphate.
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(114 KB)Three legumes, zigzag clover (TrijXium medium), Caucasian clover (T. ambiguum) and crown vetch (Coronilla varia) are notable for their extensive vegetative spread by underground rhizomes but slow initial establishment and low seed set. The possibility of vegetative propagation was considered. A 9-year trial showed the success of transplanting rhizome fragments of different sizes under different fertiliser regimes into hieracium-dominated fescue tussock grasslands. Initial survival and establishment was influenced by fragment size and fertiliser. Subsequent growth was similar for the three species and mainly influenced by fertiliser. Keywords high country, legumes, pasture improvement, rhizome fragments
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(74 KB)The prevention of cobalt, copper, selenium and iodine deficiencies is an important feature of stock health programmes on many New Zealand farms. Various methods of prevention involving direct supplementation to animals and topdressing pastures have been evaluated. F%otocols for the amounts administered and frequency of supplementation for Co, Cu, Se and I have been outlined. Keywords: cattle, cobalt, copper, deficiencies, iodine, deficiencies, prevention protocols, selenium, sheep
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(98 KB)An experiment was conducted on a fertile Wakanui silt loam in 1991/1992 examining yield and water use of five perennial pasture grass species, Grasslands Hakari mountain brome (Bromus sirchensis), Grasslands Wana cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Grasslands Roa tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Grasslands Marsden perennial ryegrass (L&m perenne x L&urn hybridum), Grasslands Maru phalaris (Phalaris aquatica). From 8 November, 1991 until 31 March, 1992 the highest yields were from Hakari and Maru at 11370 and 10870 kg/ha. Marsden, Wana and Roa yielded 8960,875O and 8190 kg/ha respectively. From late January until the end of March growth conditions were not limited by water stress or nutrients. Pre-irrigation yields, when minfall limited growth were 3840,3570, 2720, 2520 and 2290 kg/ha for Hakari, Maru, Marsden, Wana and Roa respectively. Total water use was not significantly different between species and averaged 400 mm. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher for Hakari and Maru at 30.1 and 27.9 kg DM/ha/mm respectively. The other three species had WUE’s less than 23 kg DM/ ha/mm of water. Neutron probe measurements showed all species extracted soil water from a depth of at least 110 cm. Keywords Bromus sitchensis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne x L&urn hybridum, Phalaris aquatica, root depth, water use, water use efficiency, yield
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(139 KB)The purpose of the Resource Management Act (RMA) is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources and is primarily concerned with the effects of activities. Regional Councils may impose their will upon the management of natural and physical resources. Farmers adjacent to coastlines, rivers and streams may see many impacts as public access is enhanced. Landscape values must be protected and these can impinge upon rural working, productive environments. The degree to which the rural sector is affected will be determined by its input and the strictures in Regional policy statements and District plans. Keywords sustainable management, activities, effects, public participation
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(60 KB)Results from oversowing experiments on a range of sites representative of undeveloped tussock gmssland environments have shown that nodulation failures can limit establishment of Lotus corniculutus (birdsfoot trefoil). The problem appears to be primarily associated with poor survival and multiplication of rhizobia on/in the soil after sowing. Increasing the inoculation level above that stipulated by the manufacturer improved seedling nodulation. The magnitude of this improvement in nodulation varied over the sites used. Establishment from commercially pelleted seed was consistently low, with ~20% of seedlings nodulated on most sites. Inoculation of L. corniculatus with commercial peat inoculant at a rate of at least 30 g peat per kg seed, compared with the rates specified by manufacturers of 6.4 - 19 g, is recommended. Gum arabic at 10% (w:v) shouldbeincorporatedin the slurry and the seed should be sown within one day of inoculation. Further research is required to identify more adapted strains of rhizobia to improve nodulation of oversown L. corniculatus. Keywords birdsfoot trefoil, establishment, Lotus corniculatm, nodulation, oversowing, rhizobia
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(167 KB)Results from a recent survey suggest that Southland farmers perceive their farm businesses as being risky, and that this risk has increased significantly over the past decade. More importantly, they perceive that their ability to control these risk factors is limited. It may be argued that a number of potential risk amelioration strategies will not be considered by the majority of farmers as these strategies conflict with some important non-economic farming goals. As a result, any policy initiative which is designed to reduce or limit the risks faced by farmers should be based on a sound understanding of the likely reactions of those farmers. Keywords agricultural risk, risk, risk perceptions, Southland farmers, agricultural policy
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(57 KB)Four alternative legume species, Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum), zigzag clover (T. medium), crown vetch (Coronilla varia), and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), were compared with white clover (T. repens) on four tussock grassland sites. Seed was inoculated and pelleted, and then oversown at a rate equivalent to 5 kg/ha viable seed. Germination, nodulation and survival of white clover, Monaro Caucasian clover, and zigzag clover were similar on the two lowest sites (600 and 830 m). However, low rates of zigzag clover germination occurred on the two higher sites (1090 and 1100 m). Germination of crown vetch appeared to be prevented or delayed by the low temperatures, and no plants established on any site. Low nodulation occurred in Treeline Caucasian clover and birdsfoot trefoil. Further research is required to select more suitable strains of rhizobia for both these legumes. The results provide information for estimating likely plant densities of these new cultivars when oversown in tussock grassland environments. Keywords Coronifla varia, establishment, germination, inoculation, Lotus corniculatus, nodulation, Trifoliumambiguum, Trifolium medium, Trifolium repens
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(169 KB)Longlife’ phosphatic fertiliser is manufactured in
New Zealand by mixing reactive phosphate rock
(RPR) with single superphosphate (SSP) when the
SSP is at an ex-den stage. Commercially produced
Longlife (70:30 SSP:RPR) was evaluated in 6 field
mowing trials in the North Island over 3 or4 years.
Also, a 5050 (SSP:RPR) Longlife-type product
was examined in 5 field trials throughout New
Zealand over 5 or 6 years. Longlife was compared
against SSP and/or triple superphosphate (TSP) in
all trials, and RPR treatments were included in 7
trials. In all trials with commercially produced
Longlife, the pasture response to Longlife tended
to be less than that to SSP or TSP in the first 2 years
and was significantly different (P
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(153 KB)The 29 different species of pasture plants, now commercially available to farmers in New Zealand, may make the choice of pasture seeds and seeds mixtures much more complicated, but their particular features can add significant value to farming. The suitability of these species is presented for the main categories of New Zealand’s pastoral land: summer-moist lowland, cast coast dryland, hill country, and the South Island’s high country. Important features of each species are summa&d. Invested returns from animal production on modem pastures can be more than 200%. However, farmers are advised to seek specialist advice before they invest Keywords species, environment, suitability, compatibility
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(186 KB)A field grazing experiment studying the impact of the ryegrass endophyte (Acremonium lolii) in a cool moist environment, was carried out at AgResearch regional station in Gore Southland. Four types of pasture were established, high (+E) and low (-E) endophyte ryegrass were sown with (+C) or without (-C) clover. The endophyte had no significant effect on the establishment of the pastures, neither did it affect total pasture production nor pasture composition. The presence of clover in pastures had a greater impact (30%) on animal production than did the presence of endophyte (6%). Mean daily weight gains over 3 years for lambs were 187,183,145 and 132 g/day for -E+C,+E+C, -E and +E respectively. Lambs grazing endophytic pasw genemlly had higher levels of dags. However, ryegrass staggers occurred only in the year with below average summer rainfall. Not all the conditions necessary to induce ryegrass staggers are therefore required to expose livestock to other deleterious effects of endophyte. A detailed study into the environmental requirements for the production of endophyte related toxins is required. The findings reported here significantly differ from findings in summer dry areas. Keywords Acremonium, animal production, Argentine stem weevil, endophyte, Lolium perenne, Southland, Trifolium repens
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(124 KB)Changes in phosphorus (P) fractions of unfertilised and fertilised (superphosphate) soil were investigated over five years at a hill country site near Te Kuiti. Only soil inorganic P (Pi) reserves were utilised for plant uptake when superphosphate was withheld at the site. Immobilisation of P as soil organic P (PO) contributed to depletion of the soil Pi reserves during the first two years of this trial. Where superphosphate was applied, immobilisation of P as PO amounted to about 25% of applied P during the five years measurements were made. Changes in soil P fractions indicated that all forms of soil Pi were utilised when superphosphate was withheld. These included readily available Pi, Al- Pi, Fe-Pi, and residual phosphate rock from previous fertiliser applications. Depletion of the phosphate rock residues in the soil also occurred where superphosphate was applied and appears to have been completed within about two years. The phosphate rock residues had probably accumulated because of the relatively high amounts of unacidulated phosphate rock in superphosphate manufactured before 1983. Accumulation of Po associated with humic acid, or adsorbed on surfaces of hy drous oxides of Al and Fe, occurred in both fertilised and unfertilised soils. The more labile forms of PO also increased in the fertilised soil. Keywords inorganic phosphorus, organic phosphorus, phosphorus immobilisation, soil phosphorus, soil phosphorus fractions, soil phosphorus utilisation.
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