SHELTERBELT INCREASES DRYLAND PASTURE GROWTH IN CANTERBURY

Abstract

Pasture production was measured on stony soils at Hororata, Canterbury, at various distances parallel to an established tree shelterbelt. Windrun and temperatures were recorded in a sheltered zone at 3 tree heights distant from the trees and in an exposed zone, 12 tree heights distant. A 60% improvement in dryland pasture production was recorded in the sheltered areas over 3 years. The sheltered zone was half as windy as the exposed zone and soils tended to be warmer at times from October to March. More soil moisture was probably lost from areas most exposed to wind, and this most likely contributed to depressed pasture growth. Keywords: wind, shelter, dryland pasture production.