SOME FACTORS AFFECTING PASTURE PRODUCTION IN SOUTHLAND

Abstract

The pattern of production from permanent pastures on two major soil groups in Southland and some factors affecting production are discussed. Production was shown to be lower on the summer droughtprone YGE/YBE intergrade soils compared with the wetter southern YBE. The major proportion (80%) of the production occurred in spring and summer. Grasses contributed two-thirds and white clover one-third of the annual production. Inadequate mineral nitrogen levels in soils over the spring result in seasonal responses to nitrogen fertilizers. The use of high rates of nitrogen fertilizer at regular intervals throughout the year increased total pasture production by about 25%. The clover cyst nematode was shown to reduce white clover establishment and production in field trials.