THE OCCURRENCE OF BROWNTOP, IN THE MANAWATU

Abstract

Results are presented from a survey of the frequency of occurrence of pasture species in the different topographical and soil type areas of the Manawatu. It was carried out in the early spring of 1967 and again in the summer of 1968. The survey indicated a high frequency of occurrence of browntop on hill country (81 and 87% in early spring and summer, respectively) and terrace country (46 and 40%, respectively) and moderate amounts on flat land and sand country. Lowest occurrence was recorded on flat country dairy farms (15 and 17%, respectively). Marked differences in species frequency of occurrence were recorded between farms on hill country. These ranged from farms in which pastures were dominantly browntop, sweet vernal, and moss, to farms where relatively high amounts of white clover, ryegrass, and dogstail occurred in association with other less productive species. These differences have been related to produotivity levels possible from such extremes in species composition. Results are discussed in relation to current hill country farming practices. Factors considered to be significant in altering hill country botanical composition and hence levels of productivity are also discussed.