VI. Wairakei, pasture and lucerne production

Grazing experiments investigating some factors determining the dry matter production and oestrogenicity of Pawera red clover are described. The legume content of the summer dry matter yield was double that of Ruanui and Huia pasture following overdrilling of lightly paraquated pasture with 4 or 8 kg/ha of Pawera. Persistence of Pawera was demonstrated by its ability to survive in sufficient density under grazing to contribute 35% of total summer dry matter production in its fourth year after direct drilling into lightly paraquated pasture. A Pawera sward when overdrilled with Tama ryegrass or Rahu ryecorn produced the same annual yield as Ariki/ Huia pasture, but the seasonal distribution was markedly different, with production from the overdrilled Pawera being greater in winter and summer. Pure Pawera swards produced some 70% more dry matter during December-February than Ariki/Huia pasture. The significance of this is related to conservation practices in Southland. Oestrogenicity of pure swards of Pawera was determined by measuring the cervical mucus response in ovariectomized ewes. Responses to grazing were equivalent to a single injection of 9 to 31 ug of oestradiol-17B

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Some Aspects of the Performance of 'Grasslands Pawera' Red Clover in Southland

Hay¹,

Kelly²,

Ryan³

1976

“…On heavy soils with much greater lucerne growth ( > 14 000 kg/ha) , the main problem was competition from the lucerne. On the pumice soils with dry autumns and cool winters (Baars et al, 1975) and with moderately high lucerne yields, all three problems can exist. It is not certain that other species are affected similarly to Tama, but identification of more tolerant grasses and cereals is important for more consistent success with overdrilling.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…ANNUAL yields of lucerne (Medicago sativa, L. cv. Wairau) on pumice soils are higher than those of pasture (Gordon, 197 1;Clare, 1971;Baars et al, 1975). Lucerne has the added advantage of being resistant to grass grub attack (King et al, 1975), an important attribute in the Rotorua-Taupe' area.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seasonal Distribution of Dry Matter Production From Pure and Overdrilled Lucerne and From Lucernegrass Mixtures as Compared With Pasture on Pumice Country

McQueen¹,

Baars²

1979

Dry matter production data for pure lucerne, overdrilled lucerne and pasture are presented for 14 sites on pumice soils. On average, the annual dry matter yield of lucerne, harvested at early basal shoot movement, was 50% higher than from pasture, ranging from 128% higher on a drought-prone soil where the pasture was dominant browntop to 33% on a more moisture-retentive soil type where the pasture was ryegrass dominant. From April until late October there was little difference in total dry matter between lucerne and pasture, although pasture had a .more even distribution of usable production than lucerne 'managed for maximum yield. Attempts to fill the winter/spring gap in lucerne production through introducing grasses and cereals have met with variable success. It is suggested that, on the more moisture-retentive soils, pasture production could be improved through grazing management and the use of more drought-resistant cultivars. Such an approach may meet the feed demands of animals more closely than an increasing dependence on lucerne with its specific management requirements.

“…This was despite the fact that during the 1960s lucerne had been demonstrated to outyield pasture on local soil types at Wairakei Research Station. Baars et al (1975).…”

Section: (C) Winter Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Management Changes With the Intensification of Farming the Pumice Lands Over the Last Ten Years

Mace¹

1979

The reasons for the large changes in pumice land farming systems over the last 10 years are outlined and the resultant increases in production presented. The large increases in district milkfat production and milkfat per cow are attributed to management changes such as later calving, shorter lactation, winter management, and the grazing of lucerne. Changes in sheep farm management such as later lambing, earlier weaning, grazing of lucerne, the use of rotational grazing, and a decline in beef cattle are outlined. Lambing percentages have increased, but wool weights are static. Future management changes that farmers should follow are outlined.