Oversowing of five grass species and white clover on a Taupo hill country pumice soil

Abstract

Abstract Methods of establishing perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) by oversowing on a hill country pumice soil near Taupo were investigated in spring 1982 and 1983. Four pre-sowing sward treatments (paraquat herbicide application, hard grazing by sheep, treading by sheep, or treading by cattle) were applied in two experiments. Populations of seedlings, tillers, and plants, and herbage growth, were monitored for 2 years after each sowing. Degree of sward suppression resulting from sward treatments was the main factor influencing establishment success. Hard grazing resulted in minimal suppression of resident sward growth and hence poor establishment (2% of sown grass seed). Sheep treading yielded an average establishment rate of 4% of sown seed. Cattle treading removed most of the resident vegetation and resulted...