The performance of pasture mixes containing 'Ceres Tonic' plantain (Plantago lanceolata) in Northland

摘要

Over the last 10-15 years 'Ceres Tonic' plantain (Plantago lanceolata) has been added to many ryegrass/ white clover pastures in Northland. From 2001 to 2009, measurements were undertaken monthly in six locations throughout Northland to record the drymatter contribution of 'Tonic' plantain in mixes relative to perennial ryegrass-based pasture, using pasture cages in paired paddocks. Addition of plantain to pasture mixes provided significant dry matter production advantages which ranged from 6 t DM/ha in the first year to 1.2 t DM/ha by Year 3. Plantain contributed between 32-90% of the yield over the measurement periods. Differences between plantain-based pastures and perennial ryegrass-based pastures were significant in summer (1.8 t DM/ha) and autumn (0.9 t DM/ha), but there were no production differences in winter and spring. Adding 'Tonic' plantain to ryegrass/white clover pastures (even at low seeding rates) has potential to increase production levels and to improve dry matter distribution over time.