Some basic concepts of pasture seed mixtures for New Zealand farms

Abstract

Seeds mixtures for New Zealand pastures developed from British practices with sowing of multi-species seeds mixtures during early years of settlement. Breeding and seed production of ryegrasses and clovers in the 1930s led to use of simple mixtures, still the most commonly used. Since the mid 197Os, new species have been released, and are now becoming more popular. Advantages and some potential problems of species mixtures are outlined, and simple concepts of compiling seeds mixtures are explained, with particular reference to seeding rate and sowing time. Keywords species, seeds mixtures, pasture renewal, sowing rates, seedling establishment, competition