Factors affecting accumulation of summer grass for winter standing feed in the high country

Abstract

A 0.5 ha 6-year trial compared 6 grass species x 4 N fertiliser rates x 2 times of closing for summer-saved standing winter feed. The pre-winter yields averaged 3.4 t DM/ha from November, closing with a high browntop/sweet vernal component, as compared with 1.7 t DM/ha from December closings with a low browntop/sweet vernal component. Grasslands Kara cocksfoot was the highest yielding cultivar, followed by Grasslands Apanui cocksfoot, Grasslands Wana cocksfoot, Grasslands Roa tall fescue, Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass and Grasslands Maru phalaris, with decreasing proportions of sown grass. Nitrogen fertiliser had a limited effect on prewinter yields but did have a carry-over effect into spring yields.