PASTURE IMPROVEMENT IN LOW ALTITUDE TUSSOCK AND SCRUB-LAND

Abstract

The tussock grasslands and scrub-infested areas of the South Island vary considerably, according to altitude, climatic factors of rainfall, temperature, and wind, and the influence of mankind. To appreciate fully the theme of this paper a brief description of the locality, soil type, and ecology of the particular district will be helpful in evaluating the problems and the methods adopted to bring about an improvement in fertility and production. The area known as Traquair, Lee Stream, Wehenga, and Hindon represents some 300,000 acres and is situated 25 to 40 miles by road in a north to north-westerly direction from Dunedin. Broadly speaking it is an inland plateau bounded by the Maungatua Mountains in the south, the Lammermoor Range in the west, Deep Stream in the-north, and the Taieri River and Silver Peak Mountains in the east. Abrupt medium to deep gullies and gorges with extensive flat tops are characteristic of the topography of the country, which in altitude varies from 600 to 1,500 ft above sea level. Shelter trees are restricted to homestead plantings and small shelter belts.