Techniques of measuring pasture production in fertiliser trials

Summary A description is given of a series of experiments at the Rukuhia Soil Research Station where the responses of pasture to a number of fertilisers were measured by several different techniques. The techniques are compared as follows: As measures of total pasture production. As measures of responses to fertiliser treatments. Errors of estimation attached to each technique. Effects of techniques on the species composition of the sward. Effects of techniques on the chemical status of the soil. Labour and land requirements of each technique. For trials where stock production data are required in addition to pasture production data and where it is considered essential that treatments be compared under normal grazing management by stock, the “cage” technique as operated by the Extension Division is considered to be the most useful and reliable method. For small‐plot trials where the primary aim is an estimation of fertiliser response by pastures, and where an accurate measure of total pasture production is not required, the “mowing and clipping returned” technique is satisfactory. Certain limitations to the “mowing and clippings returned” technique are discussed.