Comparison of sowing rate and seed treatment of Italian ryegrass on kikuyu pasture dry matter yields

Abstract

Plots were established on three farms in Northland in April 2009 and were monitored from May to December for differences in total pasture dry matter (DM) yield after direct-drilling Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) into kikuyu (Pennisitum clandestinum) following mulching. Pesticide-treated or untreated Italian ryegrass was drilled at 10, 15, 20 and 30 kg seed per hectare. Plot DM yields were estimated pre- and post-grazing using a rising plate meter. Daily pasture growth rates and total DM yields varied between sites but tended to increase with increased sowing rate. There was no significant pasture yield response to pesticide treatment of seed. This work suggests that sowing Italian ryegrass into kikuyu increases total pasture DM yield during winter and spring. Keywords: kikuyu, Italian ryegrass, sowing rate, pesticide