Native and low‐input grasses‐a New Zealand high country perspective

Abstract

Native, naturalised, pasture, and new grass introductions are discussed in terms of concepts of moisture, temperature, fertility, and utilisation gradients; characteristics of the New Zealand high country environment; and their utility for introduction into low‐input pastoral systems. The perennial, long‐lived habit of native grass is mimicked in introduced grasses. Poa colensoi is the best native grass, but there is a need for wider evaluation of serai non‐tussock species. There is a greater frequency of spreading habit and annuals in naturalised low‐input species. The “try it and see” and genotype/environment analysis are advocated for screening new introductions.

Key words:

• grasses
• low‐input systems
• high country
• environmental gradients
• conservation
• New Zealand