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

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.