THE ROLE OF GRASSLAND IN MANAGEMENT

THE PROPERTY to be discussed is a mixed sheep and cropping unit, situated ei ht a miles east of Ashburton and midway between the Ra aia and the Ashburton rivers. Average annual rainfall is 27 in., evenly spread, but there is very high summer evaporation and therefore frequent droughts. On average, the soil is below wilting point for 40 to 50 days each summer. Winters are cold with the soil temperature being below 48°F for about four months each year. The soil is a Lismore stony silt loam averaging 9 in. in depth over gravel.