DORYCNIUM SPECIES - TWO NEW LEGUMES WITH POTENTIAL FOR DRYLAND PASTURE REJUVENATION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION IN NEW ZEALAND

Abstract

Two Dorycnium species. 0. hirsutum and 0. pentaphyltum. have been under trial since the mid-1970s. They show most promise on North Island yellow-brown sands and the drier browngrey/ yellow-gray earth soils of the South island. Both species, native to the Mediterranean region. are perennial with deep taoroots. They are adapted best to drought-prone. free draining, weakly acid to alkaline soil types; heavy, wet soils are not tolerated. Severe winter frosting has little effect on Dorycnium. Major advantages of Dorycnium are the ability of plants to establish and grow in low fertility soils and the provision of an evergreen winter plant cover. Establishment has been successful both by oversowing and direct seedmg on to diverse sites including depleted grassland and newly formed road batters. More extensive farm trials are planned for Dorycnium because of its ability to provide stock and bee forage under cold, dry, low soil fertility conditions. Keywords: Dorycnium, leguminosae, pastur rejuvenation, soil conservation, semi-arid revegetation. nitrogen fixation. forage, browse, Hunter strip seeder