Farm shelter and shade in Northland: A thesis presented to the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture in fulfilment of the requirements for the National Diploma in Horticulture

Abstract

With the increased demand and subsequent drive for primary production throughout New Zealand, scientists and agriculturalists are studying methods to increase farm production. While various new farming management techniques, coupled with superior cattle breeding programmes, are of prime importance, one of New Zealand's greatest assets is simply her ability to grow grass. This inherent capability is further increased under conditions of warmth and reduced air movement such as are afforded by healthy shelter-belts. Although books are available on this subject, to the writer's knowledge few attempts to amass information regarding Northland conditions have been made, and information on existing, good shelter-belts in Northland and suitable shelter species is hard to find. This study has been made with the help of a survey in which farmers who had planted trees for shelter within the last five years were asked to comment on various aspects of their shelter programme. These results have been incorporated into the various relevant sections of this thesis.