scholarly journals Response of southern North Island hill pasture to nitrogen, molybdenum and lime

1993 ◽  
pp. 63-66
Author(s):  
Zhou Jiayou ◽  
I. Valentine ◽  
J. Hodgson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Soil Responses ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Hill Soils ◽  
Mass Accumulation

of molybdenum (MO), lime and nitrogen on steep (>30°) north-facing hill pasture on the Massey University Hill Farm, "Tuapaka". Treatments included application of molybdenum, lime (L), nitrogen (N) alone and together with MO and lime. MO and lime werre applied in mid May at 0.05 kg/ ha and 2000 kg/ha separately, and N fertiliser was applied as urea in August and October at 60 and 20 kg N/ha respectively. Herbage and soil responses were measured over spring and summer 1992/93. Nitrogen fertiliser increased herbage mass accumulation from 3 to 41 kg DM/kg N applied, and the response was increased by the addition of lime or MO. Ryegrass content increased in the sward and the low-fertility-tolerant grass species content decreased. MO application increased the white clover content in the sward and subsequently resulted in the increase in herbage mass accumulation by 0.4% to 32%. The effect of MO application was larger than that of liming but less than that of N alone application. Liming increased soil pH by 0.24-0.3 pH units per 2000 kg lime applied and soil moisture was increased from 2% to 26% over spring/summer, and the potential mineral nitrogen was increased by 94% in November. These resulted in the increase in herbage mass accumulation from 4.4% to 15%. These results indicate that MO and lime applications would be beneficial on these hill soils. Keywords: herbage mass accumulation, hill country, lime, molybdenum, nitrogen, Trifolium repens

scholarly journals The breeding of 'Grasslands Muster' browntop and other low-fertility grasses for moist hill country

1990 ◽  
pp. 143-146
Author(s):  
W. Rumball ◽  
R.B. Claydon
Keyword(s):  
Grazing Pressure ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Festuca Rubra ◽  
Holcus Lanatus ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Lower Fertility ◽  
Mowing Regime ◽  
Clover Content

Breeding projects have been carried out in each of five grass species already common in New Zealand moist hill country. Although the source of breeding material varied widely among the five species, the breeding goals in each were for improved amount and seasonal spread of productivity, persistence, disease resistance, palatability, uniform heading, and tolerance of white clover. The projects began around 1973 and were all completed by 1980. From 198 I-85, the selections were evaluated in small plots on sunny and shady slopes of hill country near Palmerston North. In all species except Yorkshire fog, the selections outyielded their respective commercial controls in the first l-2 years. In the two browntop species (Agrostis capillaris and A. castellana) this superiority continued through the trial, despite selective grazing pressure. In Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and red fescue (Festuca rubra) the selections were more palatable but not as persistent as their controls after 5 years. In crested dogstail (Cynosurus cristatus) neither selection nor control persisted, and the mowing regime applied did not allow natural reseeding. In a further trial on lowland, all five selections except dryland browntop were confirmed as considerably more palatable than the controls, and most had more clover content. The best strategy would probably be to market these selections as a hill country/lower fertility seed package (with suitable clovers), so as to exclude less palatable components. Keywords hill country, breeding, browntop, Yorkshire fog, crested dogstail, red fescue, low fertility grasses

Management and nitrogen fertiliser options for increased pasture productivity in dryland hill systems

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
A.G. Gillingham ◽  
G.W. Sheath ◽  
M.H. Gray ◽  
R.W. Webby
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
Active Growth ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Clover Content

Legume productivity in dryland pastures is often less than 10% of the total annual growth and dominated by annual species. White clover content of these pastures is often less than 5% because the period of potentially most active growth coincides with that of low soil moisture levels. Therefore variations in summer rainfall have a dominant effect on the white clover content of the pasture in the following spring. Predictive relationships for white clover content are presented. Attempts to introduce alternative legumes into dryland hill pastures have generally been unsuccessful because of the harsh climate during late spring-summer and competition from resident species. It is unlikely that further research will change this situation. This paper compares improved legume productivity from dryland pastures with the use of N fertiliser as options to increase winter and spring pasture growth for increased economic gain. To optimise productivity and summer persistence of resident legumes, grazing management, especially in spring, must aim to avoid accumulation of surplus grass that will shade associated legumes. During winter and early spring, when soil moisture is adequate, pasture growth in dryland hill pastures is limited by inadequate soil nitrogen (N), due to low legume content and N fixation, even where soil phosphorus (P) is at moderate to high levels. Consequently, pasture responds well to applied N fertiliser. At Waipawa in Hawke's Bay, the magnitude of response to N fertiliser was inversely related to the legume content of the pasture and so was greatest (e.g. up to 47 kg DM/kg N) on steep north aspects with little clover, and much less (8-17 kg DM/kg N) on easy slopes. In winter, N fertiliser offers reliable and significant increases in pasture growth. To optimise economic returns from the additional pasture dry matter, winter stocking rates could be increased. However, a simulation study showed that the maximum economic benefit would be obtained by maintaining ewe numbers and increasing fecundity to produce more lambs. Key words: hill country, legumes, nitrogen fertiliser, pastoral dryland

scholarly journals Evaluation of the effects of grass species, irrigation, nitrogen fertiliser application and soil compaction on the response of modern dairy pastures to phosphorus fertiliset

2010 ◽  
pp. 153-158
Author(s):  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
A. Gillingham ◽  
C. Smith ◽  
P. Budding ◽  
P. Phillips ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Fertiliser Application ◽  
Low Nitrogen

This paper summarises progress in a field-based study exploring the phosphorus (P) requirements of high producing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)-based pastures, where the constraints to pasture growth and associated P uptake imposed by low nitrogen (N) availability and soil moisture over summer-autumn and poor physical condition of the soil have been removed.

scholarly journals Hill country pastures in the southern North Island of New Zealand: an overview

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 289-297
Author(s):  
P.D. Kemp ◽  
I.F. López
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Pastoral System ◽  
Hill Country

The 4 million ha of hill country pastures in New Zealand grow mostly on steep slopes and soils of naturally low soil fertility. Pastures are based on approximately 25 exotic species introduced within the last 130 years after the forest was cleared and burnt. Despite the environmental constraints and naturalised species, hill country is a major contributor to agricultural exports. The landscape and the pastures are spatially diverse, with slope and aspect strongly influencing the abundance and production of pasture species. The number of pasture species present is relatively stable, but the relative abundance of high fertility grass species (e.g. perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne), low fertility grass species (e.g. browntop, Agrostis capillaris) and legumes (e.g. white clover, Trifolium repens) can be shifted towards high fertility grass species and legumes through the interaction of phosphate fertiliser application and grazing decisions (that is, sheep versus cattle, stocking rate, grazing management). Increased proportions of desirable species and improved soil fertility and structure can support sustainable farming systems. There are challenges such as soil erosion and nutrient loss into waterways, but these are more readily managed when the pastoral system is productive and profitable. Keywords: slope, pasture condition, browntop, perennial ryegrass, soil characteristics

Quantifying the value proposition for white clover persistence on a New Zealand summer-dry hill-country farm

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
Mike B. Dodd ◽  
Katherine N. Tozer ◽  
Iris Vogeler ◽  
Rose Greenfield ◽  
David R. Stevens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
The North ◽  
Farm System

The improvement in forage quality and quantity of summer-dry hill country pasture resulting from the introduction of clover is well recognised. However, ensuring the persistence of the commonly availablecultivars is challenging, in the face of seasonal moisture stress, intensive grazing, competition from established well-adapted pasture species, low soil fertility and low soil pH – conditions typical of the East Coast of the North Island. Here we quantify the value proposition associated with the introduction of white clover into a case study on a Gisborne sheep and beef farm, using a six-step process. A topographically explicit approach is taken, using an understanding of the underlying spatial variability, based on a combination of soil and pasture measurements, APSIM simulation modelling of pasture growth and farm system modelling of enterprise performance. We show that from a baseline of a typical low-fertility, diverse species hill country pasture, white clover introduction can increase spring and summer forage consumption by 17%, enabling inclusion of an additional 6-month bull finishing enterprise generating a 32% greater carcass weight production and leading to a 49% improvement in farm system EBIT. This represents a positive net present value of over $360,000 for the original investment in white clover establishment into existing pastures.

ON-FARM FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR NORTHLAND

1986 ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
J.S. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Financial Returns ◽  
Farm Forestry ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Financial Position ◽  
On Farm

Agroforests and woodlots offer Northland hill country farmers investment and diversification opportunities. Agroforests have less effect on the "whole farm" financial position than woodlots, especially where a progressive planting regime is adopted and where no further borrowing is required. Establishment and tending costs for agro-forests are lower, and returns come much sooner. The proven opportunity for continued grazing under trees established in this manner, apart from a short post-planting period, further enhances the agroforesty option. Even where there is reluctance on a farmer's part to plant trees on high fertility land, the expected financial returns from agroforests on low and medium fertility land will increase the overall long-term profitability and flexibility of the whole farming operation. Woodlots may be more appropriate on low fertility areas where weed reversion is likely. Joint ventures may be worth considering where farm finances are a limited factor. Keywords: On-farm forestry development, Northland hill country, agroforestry, woodlots, diversification, joint ventures, progressive planting regimes, grazing availability.

LIME AND DAIRY PRODUCTION

1982 ◽  
pp. 93-103
Author(s):  
N.A. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Dairy Production ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
The Third ◽  
One Year ◽  
Plasma Magnesium

In a four year grazing trial with dairy cows the application of 5000 kg lime/ ha (applied in two applications of 2500 kg/ha in winter of the first two years) significantly increased annual pasture production in two of the four years and dairy production in one year. In three of the four years lime significantly increased pasture growth over summer/autumn with concurrent increases in milk production. In the last year of the trial lime had little effect on pasture growth but a relatively large increase in milkfat production resulted. A higher incidence of grass staggers was recorded on the limed farmlets in spring for each of the four years. In the second spring immediately following the second application of lime significant depressions in both pasture and plasma magnesium levels were recorded. By the third spring differences in plasma magnesium levels were negligible but small depressions in herbage magnesium resulting from lime continued to the end of the trial. Lime significantly raised soil pH, Ca and Mg levels but had no effect on either soil K or P. As pH levels of the unlimed paddocks were low (5.2-5.4) in each autumn and soil moisture levels were increased by liming, these factors may suggest possible causes for the seasonality of the pasture response to lime

Agroforestry in Eastern Otago: results from two long-term experiments

2000 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
G.G. Cossens ◽  
M.F. Hawke
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Pasture Yield

During the first 20 years of a Pinus radiata tree rotation, tree growth and pasture yield were assessed under a range of tree spacings at Invermay and Akatore, two coastal sites in Eastern Otago. Pasture yield in association with trees thinned to 100 stems per hectare (sph) was comparable to that from open pasture up to a tree age of 12 years. By the 19th year, however, pasture production declined to 63% of open pasture yield at Invermay and to 42% at Akatore. At 200 and 400 sph at Akatore, pasture yield was similar to that from open pasture at tree age 12 years but declined to 27% and 0% of open pasture yield respectively by year 20. At both Invermay and Akatore, the ryegrass and clover content of open pasture was relatively constant throughout the term of the trial. However, both the ryegrass and clover content of pasture beneath trees began to decline by tree age 12 years with a very rapid decline at Akatore in the number of pasture species at 200 sph by the 19th year. No pasture remained at 400 sph, after 19 years. Livestock carrying capacity with sheep on tree treatments at Invermay decreased from 100% of open pasture at year 6 to 60% by year 10. At Akatore, livestock carrying capacity averaged over the 20-year life of the trial was 4.1 stock units per hectare with a maximum of 8.1 stock units at a tree age of 8 years. Tree growth at both sites was similar, averaging between 1 and 1.1 m/year in height over 20 years, with trees at Invermay at 100 sph averaging 9% greater height and diameter growth than at Akatore. Increasing tree stocking from 100 to 200 to 400 sph at Akatore, resulted in increased tree height, but decreased diameter at breast height. A comparison of the East Otago trees with those in a similar trial at Tikitere (Rotorua) 900 km further north indicated that the southern trees were about 6 years later in their growth pattern by tree age 20 years. On both sites, soil pH tended to be lower in the presence of trees and was significantly lower than in open pasture by year 20. The results and comparisons with the Tikitere data suggest that, in an integrated agroforestry regime, there will be livestock grazing under the trees further into the tree rotation in Otago than in North Island sites. However, slower tree growth would result in a longer rotation time to harvest. Current recommendations to farmers are to plant trees on the less productive areas of the farm and adopt a tree stocking rate which fully utilises the site. Keywords: agroforestry, livestock, pasture, Pinus radiata, soil pH, tree stocking

PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT ON EAST COAST NORTH ISLAND HILL COUNTRY

1984 ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
B.J. Arnst ◽  
O.L. Park
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Stock Management ◽  
Hill Country

Large areas of North Island hill country are producing below potential as a result of low fertility and poor pasture composition. Removal of undesirable species and replacement with a higher producing pasture is essential for increased productivity but is difficult to achieve. A development programme is described where the use of glyphosate in close association with oversowing and stock management has allowed rapid pasture establishment, marked increase in carrying capacity and a quick return on investment. Keywords: Pasture establishment, glyphosate, oversowing, white clover, subdivision, productivity.

MANAGEMENT OF NEW CULTIVARS FOR DRYLAND

1983 ◽  
pp. 61-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A. Lancashire ◽  
J.L. Brock
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Seed Quality ◽  
Technical Information ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Seasonally Dry ◽  
Prairie Grass ◽  
Management Procedures ◽  
New Cultivars

Some characteristics of seed quality, establishment rates, performance in mixtures and response to grazing management of 5 new pasture plants with potential in dryland are described. On a dry hill country site in the Wairarapa, the contribution of the sown grasses established in separate plots with clovers under rotational grazing was 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot 65%; 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris 23%; 'Grasslands Matua' prairie grass 22%; and 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue 13% after 2 years. The other main grass species was resident perennial ryegrass which established from buried seed (ca. 240 plants/m*) and had a major impact on the establishment and growth of the sown grasses. On a seasonally dry Manawatu flat land soil 3 grazing managementsviz. set stocked all year (S); rotational all year (R); and combination (Cl (set stocked from lambing to drafting and rotational for the remainder of the year) were applied to mixtures of the new cultivars (except that 'Grasslands Apanui' cocksfoot replaced Wana) with ryegrass and white clover stocked at 20 sheep/ha. After 3 years the contribution of the new cultivars was negligible under S and ryegrass was dominant. The R pastures became cocksfoot dominant and Matua (in winter) and chicory (in summer) contributed more than in the S system. The C system produced the most evenly balanced species contribution with only Roa remaining at (5%. A sub-trial with cocksfoot cultivars demonstrated that Wana maintained better production and tiller density ~ll,000/m2 ) than Apanui (1000/m' ) under set stocking IS). Although some of the new cultivars will require specialised management procedures to fulfil their potential in dryland, the increasing and widespread use of Matua prairie grass in farming suggests that these techniques can be adopted in commercial agriculture provided good technical information is available in a management package when the cultivar is released. Keywords: Dryland, grazing management, mixtures, Matua prairie grass, Wana cocksfoot, Roa tall fescue, Maru phalaris, Chicory

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