Influence of fertiliser and grazing management on North Island moist hill country 2. Pasture botanical composition

摘要

Abstract A grazing trial was conducted on 99 ha of steep, low fertility hill country in southern Hawke's Bay, during 1975–81. There were 2 fertiliser treatments: low (LF) and high (HF) superphosphate application (plus lime on HF), and 3 grazing managements — rotational grazing by sheep (RGS) or cattle (RGC), and set stocking by sheep (SSS). As part of a larger measurement programme, botanical composition of pastures was monitored over the 6-year period. HF pastures had a greater content of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and legumes than LF pastures, and a smaller content of low fertility tolerant (LFT) grasses (e.g., browntop, Agrostis capillaris L.; sweet vernal, Anthoxanthum odoratum L.) and weed species. Ryegrass content of pasture under the 3 managements was in the order RGC > RGS > SSS. RGC pastures had a smaller content of LFT grasses, and a greater content of legumes than sheep-grazed pastures. SSS pastures were more weedy than those rotationally grazed. Slope and aspect of measurement site also infl...