The effect of coating and pelleting on germination and establishment of some grasses

Abstract

The excellent results obtained in the establishment of legumes in much of the tussock hill country of the South Island, New Zealand, are somewhat balanced by quite disappointing establishment from grass oversowing in the same areas. This has resulted in considerable doubt being expressed as to the usefulness of including grasses in oversowing mixtures on hill country (O’Connor 1963). After legumes have been established, production of resident grasses can be surprisingly good. In fact White et al. (1972) have shown that three years after the introduction of “Grasslands Huia” white clover (Trifolium repens L.), production of the resident grasses increased threefold. Furthermore the introduction of “Grasslands Manawa” ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum x L. Perenne L.) and “Grasslands Ruanui” perennial ryegrass (L. Perenne L.) three years after clover did not produce significantly higher dry matter yields than that obtained with the resident grasses. This work, however, does not consider grass feed quality or palatability, both of which would certainly improve with the introduction of cool-season-active grasses such as ryegrass (K.T. Jagusch* pers. comm.).

In situations where few or no grasses exist, Cullen (1969) recommends the inclusion of “Grasslands Apanui” cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and perennial ryegrass in all oversowing mixtures as they will provide an important constituent of the sward once soil fertility has been raised. Many workers (Cullen 1964, 1966b; Campbell 1968b; White et al. 1972; O’Connor** pers. comm.) have reported inconsistent establishment with oversown grasses. These findings underline the importance of understanding the factors which affect firstly germination and secondly establishment and survival.