Response of four species of chionochloa and two introduced grasses to soil amendment

Abstract

Summary Four species of Chionochloa common in the pastoral sector of the tussock grasslands of South Island, New Zealand, were found to have diverging growth responses to lime and superphosphate when grown in a potted high country yellow-brown earth. The probable reasons for this divergence were considered with respect to nitrogen and phosphorus availability. The responses of these species were related to their pattern of occurrence in natural conditions. The comparative behaviour of two introduced grasses was also studied. It is inferred that tolerance of acid conditions, if not an actual preference for such conditions, may be an important factor in the distribution of some of these tall tussock species as well as in successful grass introduction.