A CHANGE IN ATTITUDES TO SEMI-ARID LAND USE IN THE HAKATARAMEA VALLEY

Authors

  • M. Brosnan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33584/jnzg.1987.48.1767

Abstract

During the recent drought in the Kurow area, shallow rooting grasses. clovers and weeds died, pastures were overgrazed and massive wind erosion problems occurred. I have overdrilled more than 100 hectares of lucerne with various drought tolerant grasses, including wheatgrass, phalaris, cocksfoot, prairie grass and tall fescue. My grazing management has changed and I am introducing earthworms into the paddocks. Last spring I started fencing and planting the sunny faces with shrubs and eventually I intend to space plant the shady faces with a multi-use, high value timber species. My revegetation plan meets the aims of the Resource Conservation Committee which is to promote a more sustainable land use system, with the capacity to produce a diversity of products, and make the beautiful Haka Valley a better place for animals and people to live, now and in the future. This form of integrated farming and "working with nature" seems to lead the way to a more sustainable farming system which not only protects the land for today but nourishes it for generations to come. Keywords: conservation, wind erosion, dryland grasses, browse shrubs.

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Published

1987-01-01

Issue

Section

Articles