Seasonal distribution of pasture production in New Zealand XX. Waerengaokuri (Gisborne)

Abstract

Pasture growth rates are presented for a site at Waerengaokuri near Gisborne. Yields were obtained from grazed swards using a movable cage technique. The mean yield and standard error of individual samples over 8 years of measurement are given for standard dates at 14 day and 28 day intervals. With 14 day intervals, mean annual yield was 11.6 t DM/ha. Of this total 33%, 35%, 25% and 7% was produced in spring (September—November), summer, autumn and winter respectively. With 28 day intervals, annual yield was greater (13.5 t DM/ha), especially during spring and summer. Contribution of the main species to annual yield were: Lolium perenne L. 28%, Agrostis capillaris L. 24%, Trifolium repens L. 16%, Anthoxanthum odoratum L. 8%. Reductions in phosphate fertiliser arid pasture utilisation were associated with reductions in annual yield and Trifolium repens L. content of the pasture. General climatological data, rainfall and mean air temperatures during the period of pasture measurement are given.

Keywords:

• pasture production
• seasonal distribution
• botanical composition
• ryegrass
• white clover