Quick Dips

Keep Grass Clumpy

Clumpiness in farm pastures may well be the key to maintaining persistent grass and clover, according to DSIR Grasslands researcher John Brock. His research programme is looking at the theory that grouping of grass plants into larger clumps is important to the persistence of the species involved.

"We know that pastures under dairying in regions such as Waikato last only three years," says Brock, "whereas sheep and beef pastures last longer."

Brock suggests that rotational grazing, as practised on dairy farms, may provide the best growth potential, but it produces a pasture less tolerant of drought. Other types of grazing management produce pastures that are more stress tolerant, but less productive.

"Pasture cover and mutual protection within clumps seems to be the operative factor," he explains. Brock and his team are looking at the processes involved in buildup and breakdown of grass clumps, such as drought effects, grazing practices, and urine and dung return, which stimulate patchiness in paddocks.