Pastures from 35 sites in the Wairarapa have been analysed by rapid techniques for Ca, K, P, S, Cl, Na, Mg, Si, Mn, MO, CU, Fe, Ti, and Zn, in white clover leaves and in mixed pasture species. Four main factors influenced the mean amounts of these elements: they were wind-blown salt (Na, Cl), soil contamination (Ti, Fe, Si), additive effects of applied fertilizer (Ca, K, P, S, MO), and induced effects of applied fertilizers (Mg). Besides setting the basic requirements for fertilizers, soil factors influenced the uptake of elements as follows: pH of sail (MO, Mn), oxidation-reduction state of soil (MO, Mn), and depth of soil profile (Cu, S).
Download
(89 KB)A study of a suite of stcepland soils in both the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts showed that the major nutrients limit,ing the growth of clovers were phosphorus and sulphur. To remedy the phosphate deficiency, 4 cwt of superphosphate per acre was required initially and by applying this amount of superphosphate the sulphur deficiency would also be rectified. Owing to the very low sulphur retention capacities of the soils, the superphosphate should be apphed in the spring. The phosphate retegtion.values indicate that the maiatenance superphosphate dressingi are likely to be 11/z to 2 cwt per acre annually. The initial responses to lime were small and would not be economic. Molybdenum was not required in the development of these soils.
Download
(102 KB)The role of clovers in grass/clover pastures is discussed. Their nitrogen-fixing capacity and direct contribution to yield are greatly modified by climate, nutrient supplies and soil nitrogen availability. A ceiling to production from grass/clover pastures is envisaged where the application of fertilizer nitrogen will be required for further increases in productivity using present species. Satisfactory short-term pasture responses to nitrogen have been measured. Modification of these by climatic, pastoral and managerial factors is discussed. The long-term implications of nitrogen usage on pastures are not clear. More research is required before the place of fertilizer nitrogen for forage production in New Zealand pastoral farming can be properly assessed.
Download
(171 KB)THIS PAPER will give a brief description of the property “Sunnyside”, its development and management, and outline the climatic limitations, which are an erratic and poorly distributed rainfall and strong drying winds from the north-west.
Download
(64 KB)The effects of time of sowing, lime and fertilizer, ground cover, grazing and use of paraquat on the establishment of oversown grasses and clovers were investigated in a series of trials located throughout Otago. Competition from existing herbage had a marked effect on grass establishment, and hence on dense swards those treatments which reduced competition, namely, close grazing and use of paraquat, aided survival. Lime increased grass survival but high phosphate and nitrogen failed to improve establishment in most cases; clover establishment was generally aided by high phosphate but not by lime or nitrogen.
Download
(85 KB)An outline is given of trials in the Wairarapa of the currently available pasture species, and also of prospective new varieties. Attempts to bleed new varieties specially suited to the dry east coast hill pastures are described. ln spaced-plant trials of ryegrass and cocksfoot, the overseas material was rarely as good as thalt collected or bred in New Zealand, In Phduris, however, the best lines were usually from Portugal and Australia. Most Mediterranean lines could also provide genes for winter growth. Future stages of the project are discussed.
Download
(121 KB)To ASSESS the “Present Position of Pasture Establishment Research in New Zealand” objectively, time should be spent thinking about ihe seed, the germination process and the external conditions necessary for successful germination. However, because there are so many other aspects to consider in this assessment, it will be assumed that readers know exactly what a seed is, that they understand the physiology of germination, and that they are aware of the external conditions required for germination.
Download
(122 KB)THIS PAPER deals in particular with the “Pukunui” property. Prior to its purchase I was involved, under the management of my brother, in the development of “Ditton”, a 2,500 acre steep hill country farm 12 miles north of Masterton. Development there was relatively straightforward, the soils responding well to fertilizer, and pastures becoming reasonably good.‘Carrying capacity has been raised to over 5 ewe equivalents per acre throughout the year, and further improvement can be achieved by the correction of a small amount of acidity and the application of heavier rates of phosphate.
Download
(124 KB)Spraying pasture with paraquat in spring or summer at rates of 1 to 4 oz/acre increased the clover content during the first summer and was followed by strong recovery of ryegrass during the autumn/ winter period. Trials have indicated increased dry matter production from treated pasture imn late winter/early spring. Lamb growth rates were significantly higher on sprayed pasture, especially during the summer to autumn period. The implications of these effects are discussed in relation to farm management.
Download
(175 KB)A progress report on ‘Grasslands 4700’ white clover shows differences in its relative performance at the Northland, Canterbury and Southland stations of Grasslands Division, DSIR, Indications are that it has a higher potential growth than ‘Grasslands Huia’ white clover at Kaikohe. At Lincoln its herbage production has not been signilicantly different from that of Huia. At Gore clover herbage production from 4700 was poorer in the ftrst year, but better in winter and equal in the other seasons of the second year compared with Huia. While associated ryegrass production tended to be better with 4700 than with Huia at Kaikohe. it was variable at L,incoln and poorer at Gore.
Download
(121 KB)THIS REPORT summarizes the results of comparisons of 4700 and Huia white clovers carried out by the Department of Agriculture in the past two to three years. Contributions come from the Field Research Section which conducts experiments on a New Zealandwide basis, and from the Invermay and Ruakura Research Centres, representing coastal Otago and the Waikato, respectively.
Download
(136 KB)SINCE EARLY DAYS, the potential of the Wairarapa as a farming area was realized and New Zealand’s first two sheep stations were established here in 1844. Over two-thirds of the Wairarapa is hill country. The remainder is made up of flats in the main valley, in some coastal areas and other smaller ,river valleys. There are four counties, Eketahuna, Masterton, Wairarapa South and Featherston.
Download
(118 KB)A brief outline is given of the breed’ing of the new clover ‘Grasslands 4700’. Reports are made on the performance of 4700 as single plants at Kaikohe, Palmerston North: Lincoln and Gore, and -as motin swards with associated grasses at Palmerston North. ln all trials, 4700 was superior to Hum in wmter, and equal to or better than Huia in the summer, except at Lincoln where it was inferior. Based on these results seed was released for widespread trials in order to assess its regional adaptation and its performance in mixed swards under different systems of management.
Download
(269 KB)Although the classes of stock may be varied, livestock and timber will remain the basic utilization for the Wairarapa hill oountry. Erosion and a dissected topography have placed restrictions on stock, and thus pasture control, limiting production attainment and accelerating erosion. The, application of soil conservation methods designed initially to facilitate erosion control and enable catchment and aspect subdivision have overcome many of the past difficulties. With intensive pasture control now possible, much more effective use can be made of steep, broken hill country and towards this end further study is urged with pasture species to meet the special needs of this area.
Download
(68 KB)CULTIVATION and the placement of seed in a suitable environment in which to germinate and establish is as much an art as it is a science. While the components of such a seedbed can be modified scientifically, their identification and the selection of the most suitable sowing technique in a field situation are seldom aided by objective measurements. The choice of which technique to implement in any one situation requires judgement acquired mainly from experience.
Download
(116 KB)THE PURPOSE of this paper is to outline briefly the problems involving trace elements and to locate broadly the areas concerned within the district. Several major elements will also be discussed.
Download
(71 KB)Copper deficiency in cattle is reflected by unthriftiness, reproductive problems, anaemia, poor growth and scours, while in sheep osteoporosis and ataxia conditions are observed in lambs. Copper deficiency can be induced in animals grazing copper-adequate pastures by an increase in dietary molybdenum The excess molybdenum interferes with the copper metabolism and reduces the blood and liver levels of copper. Increasing the dietary copper imake overcomes the toxic effect of molybdenum. The possibility of inducing a copper deficiency in grazing livestock must be kept in mind when improving pasture production by the addition of molybdenum and changing pasture species.
Download
(69 KB)
NZ Grassland Association Inc.
11 Montrose Street, Mosgiel, Dunedin 9024 New Zealand | P: +64 3 477 0712 | F: +64 3 473 6495 | E: nzgrassland@gmail.com
© Copyright NZ Grassland Association Inc. 2011. All rights reserved
Refund Policy | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
