Publication Date
1989
Description
New'zealand tussock grassland management is traditionally extensive. In the South Island high country the often difficult terrain combined with a harsh and unreliable climate is not inducive to efficient utilisation. Oversowing temperate clovers and grasses and topdressing with sulphur and phosphorus based fertilisers is an accepted way to improve the quantity and quality of pasture, but little is known on how to effectively utilise the extra feed grown. Subdivision fencing is often difficult and expensive and this, together with a lack in clear management objectives, has meant that in many cases inputs into fencing have often not matched inputs into seed and fertiliser. With only minimal subdivision the runholder has little flexibility and control, and oversown areas tend to be heavily grazed in dry years and under-utilised in wet years. Consequently runs are generally stocked to suit the drier years, and oversown blocks are often under-utilised (O'Connor et al., 1982).
Citation
Allen, B E. and Keoghan, J, "Better Utilization of Oversown Tussock Grassland in the Semi-Arid Country of New Zealand" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 71.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session10/71
Included in
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Better Utilization of Oversown Tussock Grassland in the Semi-Arid Country of New Zealand
New'zealand tussock grassland management is traditionally extensive. In the South Island high country the often difficult terrain combined with a harsh and unreliable climate is not inducive to efficient utilisation. Oversowing temperate clovers and grasses and topdressing with sulphur and phosphorus based fertilisers is an accepted way to improve the quantity and quality of pasture, but little is known on how to effectively utilise the extra feed grown. Subdivision fencing is often difficult and expensive and this, together with a lack in clear management objectives, has meant that in many cases inputs into fencing have often not matched inputs into seed and fertiliser. With only minimal subdivision the runholder has little flexibility and control, and oversown areas tend to be heavily grazed in dry years and under-utilised in wet years. Consequently runs are generally stocked to suit the drier years, and oversown blocks are often under-utilised (O'Connor et al., 1982).
