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Abstract
The potential of natural reseeding to increase the density of ‘Grasslands Maku’ Lotus pedunculatus was investigated in established swards in South Island tussock grasslands. The ability of Maku lotus to produce viable seed varied with site and defoliation regime. The length of time to produce mature seed, the delaying effect of increasing altitude, and severe effects of out-of-season or early frosts will restrict the effectiveness of natural reseeding to low-mid-altitude blocks or favourable sunny faces on higher-altitude blocks. However, even on these areas, the severe effect of defoliation in delaying seed production indicates that natural reseeding is unlikely unless blocks are spelled for the growing season. Although a high percentage of lotus seed was damaged during digestion, sufficient survived passage through the grazing animal to germinate in dung pats. However, lack of rhizobia limited nodulation of seedlings that germinated.