THE USE OF GRAZING PRESSURE TO MANIPULATE THE BALANCE OF PASPALUM/ RYEGRASS-BASED PASTURE

Abstract

Three trials in the Waikato and Northland examined the effects of applying a range of grazing pressures at various times of the year on mixed pastures of ryegrass (Lolium perenne), paspalum (Paspalum dilatafum), and white clover (Trifolium repens). The effect of lax grazing or hay and silage making in spring was to reduce paspalum content in the immediate following summer, with an associated increase in ryegrass content. These effects persisted for at least 12 months. Lax grazing with sheep in each season increased paspalum content. Lax summer grazing with she&p and very hard summer grazing with cattle increased paspalum and decreased ryegrass content. The latter effect was thought to be due to pulling of ryegrass. Some practical aspects of the results are discussed