Legumes and grasses for dry North Canterbury hill country

Abstract

Field experiments have been conducted for 6 years at Hunua in North Canterbury to compare a range of grass and legume cultivars for sunny aspects of dry hill country. The most suitable legumes were Woogenellup subterranean clover and College Glutinosa lucerne. White, red and alsike clovers, Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus did not survive summer droughts, while Trifolium ambiguum was low producing. Of the grasses, Grasslands K1950 cocksfoot showed promise, being drought resistant, coal season active and easily established from oversowing. Perennial ryegrasses, Grasslands Apanui cocksfoot and Grasslands 4710 tall fescue did not tolerate severe droughts. Recommendations are given for estahlishment and management of the most promising species for this environment.