Endemic plants as browse crops in agricultural landscapes of New Zealand

Abstract

We investigated the benefits of restoring native plants to intensive agricultural landscapes of New Zealand. As a browse crop on paddock borders, endemic species potentially could add value to more sustainable food systems. Their foliage was found to contain less nitrogen but higher concentrations of a range of trace elements and tannins than both ryegrass and border-planted willows. While native plants could reduce the need for feed supplements, we conclude that the small amount consumed would provide negligible overall nutritional benefits to stock. Nevertheless, this may provide added justification for endemic species and agroecology in landscapes with a depauperate native biodiversity.