An evaluation of five varieties ofLotus pedunculatusCav. compared with ‘Grasslands Huia’ white clover under grazing at Kaikohe

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Abstract
A 5-year evaluation of five lotus varieties under moderately hard sheep grazing was conducted at Kaikohe on Wharekohe silt loam. Best overall performance was from two diploid varieties containing Portuguese material (G4703 and G4704). Summer growth of all lotus varieties was better than ‘Grasslands Huia’ white clover and those with a higher New Zealand content were best (G4701, G4702, and G4703). Winter growth from varieties with Portuguese content (G4703, G4704, and G4705) was better than that of the other varieties and Huia. The diploid varieties G4703 and G4704 performed as well as Huia in spring and autumn. Ryegrass growth was best with Huia, over the first 2 years, until the development of copper deficiency which resulted in a large loss of legume vigour and total growth, particularly in Huia-based pastures. In the fourth year this deficiency was corrected and legume growth, particularly Huia, recovered. A change in grazing management in the last year suggested that the more erect varieties (G4702, G4704, and G4705) may perform better under rotational grazing.

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