High quality pasture feed for southern New Zealand - a consequence of cultivar choice and their subsequent management

Abstract

High quality pasture feed is a direct consequence of species/cultivar choice and subsequent management. The pasture mixture must be selected according to the environment in which they are to grow, end use and speed of establishment. Important establishment factors are seedingrate, seedbed preparation, sowing time and soil nutrient status. Once established, correct grazing management and maintenance will ensure longevity of pasture life and continued availability of high quality animal feed. Keywords cultivars, establishment, grazing, growth environment, pasture quality, seedbed, seed rate, soil nutrients, sowing time