Suitability of some pasture species within sub-humid areas of Otago 2. Legumes

Abstract

Abstract The performance of 7 legume cultivars was assessed in 4 experiments located within the sub-humid climate zone of Otago. ‘Grasslands Pawera’ red clover was significantly more productive than ‘Grasslands Turoa’ in early to mid spring. Except under very dry conditions, ‘Grasslands Pawera’ generally proved more persistent than ‘Grasslands Turoa’, and was less affected by stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci). Wairau lucerne was more productive than white clover/cocksfoot swards in both the drier and irrigated experiments. It was the only legume able to remain viable during a severe summer drought and resume production in the following spring. Lotus pedunculatus cv. ‘Grasslands Maku’, Lotus corniculatus cv. Empire, and Lotus pedunculatus × Lotus corniculatus hybrid (‘Grasslands 4712’) gave low yields in all experiments. Regrowth of all 3 lotus cultivars was slow following defoliation, and none could compete effectively with the often-vigorous cocksfoot companion grass and volunteer white clover.