Publication Date
1989
Description
Much of New Zealand's improved grassland was first sown between 1880 and 1920 during a period of extensive forest clearance and bush burning. Economic signals encouraged further periods of expansion until the early 1980's. Although good statistics exist covering the expansion of improved grasslands, Hilgendorf (1935) and Madden (1940) provided the only extensive information about the floristic make-up of established pastures. They mapped the grasslands of the South and North Islands respectively, with Madden estimating the area of his various pasture types. In the 50 years since this work agriculture has intensified with the advent of aerial topdressing and the development of other technologies. The botanical composition of pastures would therefore be expected to have changed markedly. This study was undertaken to analyse the present floristic structure of managed pastures in New Zealand, and to obtain an inventory of this important resource.
Citation
Field, T.R O., "Vegetational Survey of Management Pastures in New Zealand" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 22.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session12/22
Included in
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Vegetational Survey of Management Pastures in New Zealand
Much of New Zealand's improved grassland was first sown between 1880 and 1920 during a period of extensive forest clearance and bush burning. Economic signals encouraged further periods of expansion until the early 1980's. Although good statistics exist covering the expansion of improved grasslands, Hilgendorf (1935) and Madden (1940) provided the only extensive information about the floristic make-up of established pastures. They mapped the grasslands of the South and North Islands respectively, with Madden estimating the area of his various pasture types. In the 50 years since this work agriculture has intensified with the advent of aerial topdressing and the development of other technologies. The botanical composition of pastures would therefore be expected to have changed markedly. This study was undertaken to analyse the present floristic structure of managed pastures in New Zealand, and to obtain an inventory of this important resource.
