II. Productivity under grazing

New Zealand paspalum selections were compared with commercially available lines in mixed pastures under sheep grazing. Dry matter production, species contribution, persistence, soil moisture levels, weed ingress, and herbage digestibility were assessed. All pastures containing paspalum produced more than those sown with ryegrass alone. Those containing the selections had substantially greater dry matter production during summer than those with the commercial lines. There was also a carry‐over effect of the selections into autumn, but no effect in winter and spring. The selections were never less persistent than the commercial lines. The significance of including a more productive paspalum component in mixed pasture is discussed.