Some observations on irrigated pastures in Canterbury

Abstract

The object of this paper is to record some findings associated with the establishment and irrigation of permanent pasture on light land in Canterbury. These include notes on the method of establishment, mixture used, method and extent of irrigation, response to manurial treatment, and botanical analyses of establishing pasture under various treatments. Although the details discussed are based on a twenty-two month period of observation at Seafield Irrigation Farm reference is made also to other irrigation experiments undertaken at Oxford, Hoporata, and Southbridge. The limitations of the material presented are acknowledged. However, in view of the paucity of similar information applied to irrigation in other parts of the Dominion and the necessity for such knowledge before embarking on extensive irrigation, it is hoped the subject matter will create a valuable discussion.