VII. Masterton (Wairarapa) and Maraekakaho (Hawke's Bay)

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Abstract
Pasture growth rates are presented for a site near Masterton on the Wairarapa Plains and a site near Maraekakaho in Hawke's Bay, North Island. Yields were obtained from grazed pastures which were measured by a standardised cutting technique at regular intervals using movable cages. The mean yield and standard error of individual samples over all years of measurement are given for standard dates at 14-day intervals. Spring growth of perennial ryegrass-based pastures at both sites began in mid August and at Maraekakaho reached a peak in September-October and at Masterton in October–November. At Maraekakaho, subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) contributed substantially to spring production and in favourable years to late autumn pasture production. Species growth patterns were not available from the Masterton site where white clover (Trifolium repens) was the main legume with some subterranean clover. At both sites pasture growth slumped sharply in November followed by small variable increases in summer and autumn. The seasonal proportions of annual yields were similar at both sites despite the generally higher growth rates at Masterton. On average, about 16% of the annual yield was produced during winter (June, July, and August), 46% in spring, 16% in summer, and 22% in autumn. General climatological data and rainfall and temperature during the pasture measurement periods are given.

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