Seasonal distribution of pasture production in New Zealand

Abstract Pasture growth rates are presented for two sites, Mona Bush and Winton, on the Southland Plains. Yields were obtained from grazing trials cut by a standardised method at regular intervals using a movable cage technique. Thc mean yield and standard error of individual samples over all years of measurement are given for standard dates at 14-day intervals. The growth pattern at both sites had a spring-summer peak and a marked winter depression from late May to early September. On average. about 6% of the annual yield was produced during the winter months of June, July, and August; 35% during spring; 40% during summer; and 19% during autumn. The growth pattern of the Lolium perenne component at Mona Bush generally reached an October-November peak and a smaller February-March peak. At Winton, the total grass component reached peak growth rates in spring. At both sites, Trifolium repans contributed about 50% of its annual growth during the summer. General climatological data, rainfall, and temperature ...