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Publication Restricted Autumn production and water use of caucasian and white clover pastures with or without ryegrass: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours At Lincoln University New Zealand(Lincoln University, 2003) Beverland, Chris J.The autumn production and water use of Caucasian and white clover pastures with or without ryegrass were examined at Lincoln University from late summer to mid winter 2003. Dry matter (DM) production and botanical composition were measured from 18 January to 16 July and water use from 5 March until 22 July. Pasture species were analysed for foliar nutritive content. Irrigated swards produced 101 % more total DM (3290 kgDM/ha) than did unirrigated swards (1640 kgDM/ha) from 18 January to 16 July 2003. Dry matter production was greater in Caucasian clover (Trifolim ambiguum M. Bieb) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) swards in late summer (1740 kgDM/ha) compared to white clover (T. repens L.) and ryegrass (1020 kgDM/ha). Swards of white clover and ryegrass had increased production in the winter period (910 kgDM/ha) over Caucasian clover with ryegrass (530 kgDM/ha). This was due to increased ryegrass growth in the white clover swards. No differences in yield between the pure clover species occurred during the experimental period. Caucasian clover with ryegrass had an increased legume proportion in both dryland (58 % ) and irrigated (70 % ) swards in late summer compared with white clover and ryegrass (33 and 28% ). Clover composition declined in both species to be below 10 % in July. Water content in dryland Caucasian clover swards (276 mm) was significantly less than dryland white clover swards (319 mm) to a soil depth of 1.5 m. Pure Caucasian clover had a greater water extraction depth of 1.55 m compared with 1.35 min pure white clover swards, this indicates a deeper root system of Caucasian clover. Nutritive analysis showed Caucasian clover had low sodium levels (0.04 % ) compared to white clover (0.24 %) and ryegrass (0.29 %). Caucasian clover has been shown to be more competitive and productive with ryegrass in the summer period compared with white clover. Low winter productivity of Caucasian clover results in reduced cool season production and Caucasian clover and ryegrass swards.Publication Restricted Yield of turnips and kale grown under drought conditions in the Canterbury high country: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 2007) Reynolds, Robert DouglasDry matter production of kale (Brassica oleracea) and turnips (Brassica campestris) was studied in the Lees Valley, Canterbury, during one cropping season. The rainfall over the summer period was very low, and so moisture stress had a large influence on dry matter yields. Peak yields were 3.6 and 6.2 t DM/ha for turnips and kale respectively. There was no significant effect of nitrogen or phosphate treatments on yield of turnips; however nitrogen significantly increased the leaf yield of kale at one harvest date by 42.7%. This was a nitrogen response of 72.3 kgDM/ha/kgN. Radiation interception changed over time due to changes in the leaf canopies caused by environmental factors. The drought combined with insect damage caused much leaf senescence at first, resulting in a low radiation interception. The leaf canopies redeveloped after autumn rain and so radiation interception increased, until winter frosts caused a decline in leaf dry matter. At all stages of growth kale intercepted more radiation than turnips. The yield changed over time according to pressures imposed on the crops by drought and frost. Turnip yield decreased by 32% between 28/02/07 and 08/05/07 due to drought. The yield then increased by 32% as it recovered in late autumn, but then decreased by 47% due to frost in winter. Kale yield continued to increase throughout the drought, but decreased by 32% in winter. The turnip population declined over time from 48 plants/m² on 21/03/07 to 28 plants/m² on 25/07 /07, due to drought and frost damage. The leaf to bulb ratio of turnips also declined significantly over time from a high of 1.81 on 21/03/07 to a low of 0.43 on 25/07/07. Drought decreased leaf dry matter and had a minimal effect on bulb weight, while frost reduced leaf dry matter more than it reduced bulb weight. Both drought and frost damage resulted in a decline in leaf to bulb ratio. In a dryland environment that is likely to encounter significant summer drought kale will probably deliver a greater dry matter yield than turnips. Nitrogen should be applied if the soil cannot provide enough N for the yield potential of the site.Publication Restricted Autumn water use and yield performance of caucasian and white clover in east coast pastures: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science with Honours(Lincoln University, 2004) McBeth, Sarah L.The production and water use of irrigated Caucasian clover and white clover pastures with or without ryegrass was studied at Lincoln University, Canterbury. The experimental period extended from late summer to early spring 2004. Irrigation did not affect the total dry matter yield of pastures from 1 March to 9 September, 2004. However, irrigated swards produced 115% more dry matter than dryland pastures from 1 March to 2 June. Caucasian clover (Trifolium abiguum M. Bieb.) yield during the summer (3060 kg DM/ha) was higher than the yield of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) (2390 kg DM/ha) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (2910 kg DM/ha). During the winter, white clover and ryegrass pastures produced 40% more dry matter from April to June than Caucasian clover combined with ryegrass. This increased production in white clover swards was due to the ryegrass producing 50% more yield in the white clover pastures than in the Caucasian clover and ryegrass pastures. In January Caucasian clover and ryegrass pastures were 25-43% clover compared to 5-15% in white clover and ryegrass pastures. The clover content declined in both white clover Caucasian clover pastures to less than 10% by June. Dryland white clover pastures contained more bare ground than dryland Caucasian clover pastures (30% and 20% respectively). Water use from March to September was higher in irrigated (205 mm) pastures compared to dryland pastures (110 mm). White clover used 35 mm more water than Caucasian clover over the same period. Caucasian clover extracted water from a greater depth than white clover (1.7 m and 1.5 m respectively). Less water in the soil profile beneath Caucasian clover pastures below 1.0 m suggested that Caucasian clover has the ability to extract more water from greater depths than white clover.Publication Restricted Dry matter production and water use of red clover, chicory and lucerne in irrigated and dryland conditions : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 1999) Brown, HamishThe climate in Canterbury is dominated by hot, dry North-west weather conditions during the summer. The New Zealand standard ryegrass/white clover pasture is unsuitable for high animal production in these conditions because it suffers from low production and persistence. There is a need for alternative species that can increase the productivity of dryland areas and improve the efficiency of water use. To address these problems an experiment was established at Lincoln University in 1996. Dry matter (DM) production and water use of three high quality deep rooted perennial species, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), were measured under dryland and irrigated situations. Results from the third year of the experiment are presented and compared with the previous seasons to determine the potential of these species for use in Canterbury. Measurements were made over seven rotations from the 16 August 1998 - 24 June 1999. Under dryland conditions lucerne had greater annual dry DM production (21 t ha⁻¹ ) than red clover (15 t ha⁻¹) and chicory (13 t ha⁻¹ ). All species used 500 mm of water through the season and extracted water to about 2 m depth, thus lucerne had the highest water use efficiency (WUE). Similar yields were obtained in irrigated treatments, but 670 mm of water was used. Consequently the WUE was lower in irrigated conditions compared with dryland for all species. Differences in DM production came from greater lucerne production in the first spring rotation and the last three autumn rotations. There was no difference in DM production between species during the middle three rotations in late spring and summer. Root diseases in red clover and chicory contributed to their reduced production at the end of the third year. From this it was concluded that lucerne had greater potential than red clover or chicory for use in dryland or irrigated conditions in Canterbury.Publication Restricted Dry matter accumulation of three cultivars of turnip (Brassica campestris L.) sown in Canterbury on five sowing dates: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 1997) Collie, B. N.Dry matter production of three cultivars of Brassica campestris L. (cv Appin, York Globe, and Green Globe) sown on five dates (28 January, 11 February, 26 February, 11 March, 27 March) was studied in the field during one cropping season. Sowing date had a large effect on maximum dry matter production, with yields of 1540 g DM m⁻² to 595 g OM m⁻² being recorded for plots sown on 28 January and 27 March respectively. Maximum yields of 1105, 1185, and 1327 g OM m⁻² were achieved by cultivars of Appin, York Globe, and Green Globe respectively. Dry matter accumulation was linearly related to intercepted PAR for all sowing dates. However, there was some variation in efficiencies of dry matter accumulation, with 11 February sown crops producing 3.29 g OM MJ PAR' intercepted, compared to 2.5, 2.3, and 1.6 g OM MJ PAR' for the 26 February, 11 March, and 27 March sown crops. There was no difference in efficiency of dry matter production between cultivars, at most sewings. However, Green Globe was more efficient at producing dry matter at the last sowing. Highest yielding crops also had the best WMAGR of about 21 gDMm⁻²d⁻¹. Time to canopy closure was faster for crops sown on 11 February, and 26 February than for the later sowing date of 11 March (58 DAS v's 82 DAS). Plots sown on the 27 March never achieved canopy closure. Reduced canopy development was shown to occur due to a reduced rate of leaf appearance and leaf expansion. Appearance rate differed over a 53% range for the four sowing dates tested, with new leaves appearing every 2.9 days (plants sown on 11 February), 3.6 days per leaf (sown 26 February), 4.7 days per leaf (sown 11 March) and 5.6 days per leaf (sown 27 March). Comparisons between sowing dates in thermal time showed no difference (p>0.05), with one leaf appearing every 40°C.d. Final leaf length was greatest in higher order leaves. Leaf 2 expanded to 35% of the total length achieved by leaf 6 from plants sown on 11 February. Varying temperatures caused large differences (p<0.05) in the duration (days) of expansion between sowing date, with plants sown on the 11 February requiring an additional 8 days for complete expansion of leaf 6. When expressed in thermal time above a base temperature (0°C), individual leaves showed no difference (p<0.05) in the duration of linear growth with leaf 2 requiring 323.8 °C.d for expansion verses 346. 7 of leaf 6. No difference was observed in growth rate between sowing dates for the expansion of leaf 2. The results are discussed in relation to the determination of phenological development by temperature and radiation, and their impact on the growth of turnips.Publication Restricted Early growth of chickpea (Cicer arientinum L.) under various environmental conditions: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 1997) Foley, Lynette MaryThree experiments were conducted to examine the early growth and nodulation responses of Kabuli chickpea to: a) Low 'starter dose' nitrogen (0, 15, and 30 kgN/ha) under increasing water stressed conditions, with different inoculation methods (dipped roots, solution, solid peat) (trial 1); b) Increasing nitrate concentrations (0, 1, 2.5, 5 Mol NO₃- m⁻³) with different inoculation rates (0, 1x, 4x) under non-water-stressed conditions (trial 2); c) Applied nitrogen (0-90 kgN/ha) with increasing inoculation rates (field trial). Water stress had increasingly negative effects on all plant DW components, except for increasing root DW by 27%, 18 DAS. At final harvest (49 DAS), shoot, root, nodule, and DWs were reduced 65, 20, and 73% respectively. Root:shoot was consistently greater in stressed plants (70, 53, and 84%, at 18, 34 and 49 DAS). Interactions between nitrogen and irrigation (affecting plant and root DWs, 18 DAS) implied that reduced early growth due to mild water stress may be partially offset by nitrogen fertiliser through greater root (but not shoot) growth. However, at 34 DAS), water-stressed total plant DW did not respond to nitrogen, whereas total plant DWs of fully irrigated plants increased by =38% at both 15 and 30 kgN/ha. Inoculation method had little effect. Shoot DW's were increased with increasing nitrogen concentration (11 and 16 % at 15 and 30 kgN/ha, 49 DAS; 41, 85 and 148%, at 1, 2.5, and 5 Mol NO₃- m⁻³, 43 DAS). Rootshoot decreased with increasing nitrogen concentration at all harvests, except at 43 DAS.Publication Restricted Growth and nodulation of autumn sown chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as affected by additional nitrogen: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Horticultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 1992) Stokes, Jo-Anne RuthTwo glasshouse experiments and a field experiment were carried out to examine the growth and nodulation response of inoculated Kabuli and Desi chickpea to application of nitrogen. In the glasshouse experiments, a range of nitrogen levels were applied (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 and 100 mol N m⁻³). Leaf area and shoot dry matter production for both chickpea types, and nodule dry weight for Kabuli chickpea were measured. In the field experiment, autumn sown Kabuli and Desi chickpea shoot and nodule dry matter were measured to determine the response of chickpea to application of 100 kg N ha⁻¹. Application of nitrogen increased leaf area and shoot dry weight in the first glasshouse experiment by 36 and 42% respectively but had little effect in the second. Nodule dry weight of Kabuli chickpea decreased with increased application of nitrogen in both experiments by 42 % and 45 % respectively. In the field, application of nitrogen had little effect on shoot or nodule dry weight. It was concluded that autumn sown chickpea are able to survive a Canterbury winter, but survival of Rhizobium bacterium may be poor. Application of nitrogen may increase shoot growth in the longer term but has little effect initially. Nodule dry weight decreases with increased applied nitrogen. If nitrogen fertilizer is to be applied, spring and summer application is recommended.Publication Restricted A study of factors influencing the solids not fat of milk with particular reference to the effect of feeds having oestrogenic activity : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1952) Vial, Vivian. EdwardThe value of milk in the National dietary cannot be too strongly emphasized; no single food is nutritionally complete but milk must be regarded as a product which most nearly attains the ideal. There is a growing public awareness of the role of milk as a "protective'• foodstuff and as a supplement to the normal carbohydrate-rich diet of the average New Zealand household. In the past, milk quality has been synonomous with keeping quality and the bacteriological status of the milk passed on to the consumer, but more recently- through the medium of the press, Government departments and local bodies, the concept of nutritive status has started to assume the importance it warrants; even so, to the public in general, the value of the various milk components is only vaguely appreciated; New Zealand's liquid milk supply has been the Cinderella of the Dairy Industry for too many years since statistically it accounts for only 9% of the Dominion's total butterfat production.Publication Restricted Some effects of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas on the nitrogen nutrition of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.): A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) in the University of Canterbury(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1978) Buwalda, J. G.Vesicular-arbuscular {VA) mycorrhizas are widespread in nature, occurring on more plant species than any other form of mycorrhiza {Gerdeman, 1975). Their importance in plant nutrition, particularly phosphorus nutrition, is now well established (Mossa, 1973a), and VA mycorrhizas may significantly influence the growth and composition of natural communities in soils of low available phosphorus. Vesicular-arbuscu:lar mycorrhizas have also been found to significantly influence the growth of agricultural crop (Khan, 1975b) and pasture (Crush, 1976) plants~ Different species of mycorrhizal fungi enhance the growth and phosphorus nutrition of the hos·t to varying extents, and inoculation of plants with more efficient species of mycorrhizal fungi would therefore appear profitable.Publication Restricted Characterisation of the hydraulic properties of soil columns via tension infiltrometer and dye tracer patterns: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Natural Resources Management and Ecological Engineering(Lincoln University, 2007) Hanzl, MarkusWater is a renewable resource, which is naturally recycled in the hydrological cycle. Surface waters have a short residence time in the hydrological cycle, while ground waters have a long residence time. This recycling renews water resources and provides a continuous supply. Nowadays, water management is becoming more and more important, especially the modification of irrigation schemes. An effective irrigation management which is similar to "drainage control" will avoid a high water outflow from an irrigated area and therefore the nutrient losses in the outflow water can be negligible. This is absolutely important because nutrients, for example nitrates and phosphorus, can lead to problems in the drinking water supply of a region with intensive irrigation.Therefore, it is essential to know as much as possible of the soil hydraulic properties and to convert this knowledge into management practices for the efficient use of water and soil resources. Tension infiltrometers have become a valuable tool for field determination of soil hydraulic properties. To estimate necessary input parameters for the Hydros-ID model (which simulates the one-dimensional movement of water and solutes through the unsaturated zone), measurements were obtained in three lysimeters (D, E, F) of: tension infiltration rates, soil water content and suction using time domain reflectometry (TDR) probes and tensiometers, installed at fixed depths. Infiltration experiments were performed under 40 mm and 0 mm suctions. Hydros was used to estimate the soil hydraulic conductivitiy K(h) at the corresponding suction values (h in cm). Water retention data measured on replicate soil cores from the 3 lysimeters and K(h) data were fitted with the Mualem-van Genuchten (MvG) equation to estimate the lysimeters' water retention curves. The resulting curves showed significant differences from the measured ones from the laboratory tension table tests. Further, dye experiments were performed to identify the flow types of the lysimeters. To stain the flow pathways, the lysimeter surfaces were flooded with a dye solution of 10 litres Brilliant Blue FCF with a concentration of 10 g/1. After a few days, the lysimeters were excavated and brought into the lab for the vertical and horizontal profile analysis. Images were taken using a digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 8800) under daylight conditions. Photographs of the soil profiles were processed by image analysis to distinguish between stained and unstained areas and to classify the stained areas into classes of dye concentrations. The flow profiles showed a logical sequence, with macropore flow along cracks for the coarser lysimeters E and F, and homogeneous matrix flow for the finer structured lysimeter DPublication Restricted An investigation of the effects of added sulphur and nitrogen to S-responsive and S-non-responsive soils from Canterbury on the digestibility and chemical composition of perennial ryegrass plants (Lolium perenne L.) : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons) in the University of Canterbury(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1976)Several recent studies (Stewart & Porter, 1969; Baker et al, 1973) on crop plants and grass forages have shown that responses on large nitrogen (N) fertiliser applications were often limited by a deficiency of sulphur ( S). An inadequate supply of S not only affects yields, but also the quality of the herbage produced. In view of this close relationship between N and S nutrition in plants, the present study was undertaken to examine the interaction of N and S fertilisation on the yield and composition of perennial ryegrass in a pot experiment. The present study therefore attempts to determine: 1. effects of N and S fertilisation on the top and root yields of the grass ; 2. the influence of N and S on the quality of the grass herbage - as reflected by the percentage digestibility, chemical composition of N and S fractions and the amino acid composition of these plants , and 3. the S nutrition status of the grass from information concerning the quantity of N and S in the herbage.Publication Restricted Sense of community, shyness and loneliness in Lincoln Village: A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Social Science with Honours at Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 2002) Hall, Carly JoanneThis study used quantitative research methods to investigate the relationships between sense of community, loneliness and shyness. A review of the literature indicated that sense of community had a negative association with loneliness, and that shy people were more likely to experience loneliness than non-shy people. Whilst also attempting to replicate previous research results between loneliness and shyness, and loneliness and sense of community, it was hypothesized that a further relationship would emerge between shyness and sense of community. A questionnaire was developed which included demographic questions, the UCLA Loneliness Scale, (version 3), (Russell, 1996), the revised Cheek and Buss shyness scale (Cheek, Cheek & Rothstein, 1986) and an adapted version of the Sense Of Community Index (SCI). A multi-stage cluster sample of 120 Lincoln residents produced 33 participants. There were no reliable correlations between the three variables, indicating rejection of the proposed hypothesis. Possible reasons for the results are discussed and future recommendations are presented. Despite the results, it is maintained that theoretical reasons warrant further investigation into these areas.Publication Restricted Management planning for a city's parks and recreation system : Planning the parks and recreation system to benefit the urban community: [dissertation, Diploma in Parks and Recreation, Lincoln College](Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1981) Brown, AnthonyThe following dissertation outlines an approach to Management Planning for a city Parks and Recreation System. Christchurch City, the administrative area under the authority of the Christchurch City Council, covering an area of 10158 hectares with a population of 164,256 people is used as an example.Publication Restricted The organic and bio-dynamic food product markets in Canterbury : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Horticultural Science (Honours)(Lincoln University, 1991) Keir, J. M.Consumer, grower and retailer perspectives on the Canterbury organic and bio-dynamic markets were studied. The study consisted of two parts: a quantitative survey of Canterbury consumers coordinated in 1990 by Charlie Lamb and analyzed and written up by the author, and a qualitative series of interviews of Canterbury growers and retailers of organic and bio-dynamic food products. Literature reviewed suggested that a group of potential organic and bio-dynamic food purchasers existed, whose characteristics could be identified, to focus the promotion of the organic and biodynamic movements. Barriers of availability and lack of correct information, to the sale of organic and bio-dynamic produce were identified in the literature. Intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for organic and bio-dynamic food purchases were recognized. Results showed a group of potential organic and bio-dynamic consumers which consists of 32 % of consumers in the total New Zealand domestic market. Availability barriers were identified as restricting the potential increase of the organic and bio-dynamic markets. Health benefits were the drive behind the majority of organic and bio-dynamic food product purchases. It is concluded that a high profile of organic growers and retailers is essential to assist market expansion in Canterbury. This must involve an extensive education program and should target consumers concerned with their health, their family life and the environment. Involvement of controlling authorities in education and promotion would aid in this implementation.Publication Restricted Supervision of casual labour during fruit harvesting: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the diploma of horticultural management(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1985) Newton, P. J.Contained in this report are details of a study made of NZ fruit grower's supervisory methods for casual labour during the fruit harvest "season". Research was by means of case study, using a standardised questionaire, of a total of twelve fruit growing properties, in three regions - Auckland, Nelson and Canterbury. The properties chosen for the study employed sufficient casual labour for supervision of this labour to be an identifiable need, and between them showed a range of fruit crops and labour force characteristics. The questionnaire aimed at defining the supervisory practices and problems of these growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion based on review of relevant literature, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for supervisory methods to be considered in the selection of supervisors for casual harvest labour, and for general staff policy.Publication Restricted Improving labour productivity in apple harvesting(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1978) Longley, BrettVery little study has been done on ways ofimproving labour productivity in horticulture in New Zealand. Productivity can be increased by increasingoutput and/or lowering inputs. In apple harvesting output can be raised by increasing the picking rate. Inputs can be lowered by lowering costs to the grower. Various factors affect picking rate. A number of these were selected for study and measured. Cropcondition was defined by the measurements of thesefactors. A work measurement technique was used to relate differences in picker performance to differences in crop condition, and to predict appropriate picking times. Different rates of pick under different crop conditions were related to different piece rates of pay via an "intended level of earnings" based on the award hourly rate plus allowances for holiday pay and a performance-related bonus. This variable piece rate system of payment enabled picker output to be increased by its incentive characteristic, and growers harvesting labour costs to be minimized by relating the per unit cost of picking the fruit to the crop condition. One main advantage of the variable piece rate system is that different rates are set according to objective measurements rather than subjective estimates. Another advantage is that the system outlined enables productivity-per man to be raised at much lower cost than by mechanizing harvesting operations.Publication Restricted The effects of contracts on orcharding : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Horticultural Management(Lincoln University, 1991) Homan, GrantContained in this report are details of a study made of New Zealand fruit growers with regard to their systems of payment. Research was by means of case studies, using a standardised questionnaire, of a total of five fruit growing properties in two regions - Canterbury and Central Otago. The properties chosen for the study employed both contract labour and hourly rate labour, with comparisons between the two being made. The questionnaire aimed at defining the problems of both systems for the growers. Results from the case studies, together with a discussion on their interpretation, are presented. The report concludes with recommendations for growers wishing to consider using contract labour on their orchards.Publication Restricted Horticultural training for the intellectually handicapped : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the Diploma in Horticultural Management in Lincoln College, Canterbury(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1986) Bodsworth, David Rawhiri S.This report describes the current horticultural training techniques employed on training units for the intellectually handicapped in New Zealand and discusses the therapeutic value of horticulture. It is based on case studies of two Rural Training Units of the New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Handicapped. Information was collected by means of semi-structured personal interviews with managers and supervisors of the units and the intellectually handicapped trainees themselves. Similar problems were found on both units. Some conflict appeared to exist between the production and training goals of management. There was also a regular turnover of the unit supervisors as a result of 'burnout'. Following the discussion of these and other findings the report concludes with recommendations for defining unit objectives, the use of horticulture on the units, staff selection and training, and other associated problems.Publication Restricted Leaching losses of nitrate from undisturbed soil lysimeters under continuous and intermittent rainfall : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) at Lincoln College(Lincoln College, University of Canterbury, 1988) Deane, T. H.The amounts of NO₃⁻₋N leached from small undisturbed soil lysimeters (180mm diameter x 200-210mm deep) were compared under continuous and intermittent simulated rainfall conditions. Examination of breakthrough curves from both treatments indicated extensive preferential flow of solute had occurred through macropores such as earthworm burrows, plant root channels, natural structural cracks and large inter-aggregate spaces. Trends indicated that leaching of nitrate was initially less efficient under intermittent versus continuous rainfall. It was suggested that this was due to solute diffusion into intra-aggregate pores during the interval between intermittent rainfall events slowing down leaching losses. This mechanism also delayed the peak leachate NO₃⁻₋N concentrations by approximately 0 . 1 pore volume under intermittent versus continuous rainfall. Leaching losses under continuous and intermittent rain-fall of up to respectively were calculated to occur from NO₃⁻₋N fertiliser applied to the lysimeters offer 100 mm rainfall. It was suggested that fertiliser N losses would be less when several small rainfall or irrigation events immediately followed fertiliser application rather than one large rainfall/irrigation event.Publication Restricted Effects on green manure crops on nitrogen loss and availability: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours At Lincoln University(Lincoln University, 2002) Fowler, C. J. E.Nitrogen (N) is the nutrient required in the largest quantity by arable crops. However, it is also a difficult nutrient to manage due to its susceptibility to loss through leaching, particularly in winter. In certified organic cropping systems, the supply of N to crops is further restrained by restrictions on fertiliser inputs. These factors have lead to a renewed interest in the use of green manure crops for improving N-use efficiency in conventional and organic arable cropping systems. This study involved a comparison between three green manure crops (oats (Avena saliva), lupins (Lupinus auguslifolius), oats-lupins biculture) and a fallow for their ability to conserve N over winter and influence N availability to a subsequent crop. Intact soil monolith lysimeters (19cm diameter x 30cm deep) were taken from an established organic farm and the experiment included four replicates of each treatment. Nitrate leaching losses from the various treatments were measured over the green manure growth period (March - October). All the green manure crops reduced the amount of N that was leached over winter. Cumulative N leaching loss was similar for the three green manure treatments (4.1 - 4.9 kg N ha⁻¹), and these were significantly lower than N loss from the fallow treatment (8.4 kg N ha⁻¹ ). Nitrogen uptake in green manure herbage was 100, 162, and 126 kg N ha⁻¹ for the oats, lupins, and oats-lupins, respectively, with corresponding herbage C:N ratios of 18, 13, and 16. Annual ryegrass (Lolium mulliflorum) was sown three weeks after green manure incorporation to assess their impact on N availability. Dry matter yield and N uptake by ryegrass was significantly greater for the oats lupins (689 kg DM ha⁻¹ , 22 kg N ha⁻¹) than the fallow treatment (297 kg DM ha⁻¹ , 9 .4 kg N ha⁻¹ ). The findings of this study demonstrated that a green manure is an effective means of reducing N leaching loss over winter and improving N supply to a subsequent crop.