WHY OVERDRILLING RED CLOVER IN MANAWATU LOWLAND FAILED

Abstract

Experiments examining methods of establishing Pawera red clover in Manawatu found that overdrilling failed to produce the wider spread of seasonal production and higher yield obtained when Pawera iscombined with ryegrassesusingconventional cultivation. In discussing responses obtained production is separated into two components - plant number and plant size. These components collectively determine the contribution made by Pawera. Results are presented to show the potential for using machinen/, technique and management options to improve the performance of overdrilled Pawera. The feasibility of these is discussed. Deficiencies in present knowledge are also emphasised. Keywords: Red clover, overdrilling, plant number, plant size