The pre- and post-grazing dry matter yields from six individual paddocks in a grazed lucerne rotation were compared at Ashley Dene, Lincoln University, over 5 years. The mean annual yield was ~12 000 kg DM/ha and unaffected ...

The main aim of this research was to refine best management practices for dryland lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) crops in relation to crop water extraction. To do this, dryland lucerne was established at Lincoln University, ...

In a simulated sward of Wairau lucerne cut at an immature stage of growth to leave a stubble of 10-11 cm, removal of all or one-half the residual leaf area resulted in an initial decline of root weight and low or negative ...

Over recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the area of lucerne grown in New Zealand, particularly that used for grazing. The total for conservation and grazing increased from 19,000 ha in 1947 to about ...

Lucerne as a dry-land fodder plant is centuries old. It is used in most lands subject to dry summer conditions. Its deep rooting characteristic, its winter dormancy, and its rapid growth in high temperatures fit it for ...

Above ground dry matter production, sward composition, and herbage mineral levels were measured from three ley mixtures sown on a Wakanui silt loam, Lincoln College, Canterbury. Additionally soil fertility (exchangeable ...

There can be few other forage plants which have stimulated a greater volume of research work than lucerne. Although part of the reason for this sustained interest may be its great antiquity as a fodder plant, for ...

In a P-year Wairau lucerne trial, plots were grazed on a 3- or 6- weekly rotation; Half of each plot was hard grazed in June to control overwintering aphids. In the second year a spring/autumn spraying was applied. June ...

The establishment phase of six pastures was studied over a seven-month period. Four clover species plus cocksfoot were compared with white clover/ryegrass and lucerne pastures. All six pastures were sown into a cultivated ...

Carbohydrate fractions and total nitrogen were measured in leaves and stems of Wairau lucerne grown in Canterbury. Leaves had lower levels of total soluble carbohydrate (3-5%), cellulose (8-10%) and lignin (2-4%), and ...