Tagasaste silvopastures in steep-hill country. 2. Effect of increasing proximity to tagasaste on growth and survival of companion pasture species

Context Tagasaste (Cytisus proliferus), a fast-growing leguminous tree, has potential to supplement pasture production in steep-hill country and increase resilience.Aims In the companion paper, we quantified tagasaste characteristics. Here, determine effect of proximity 10-year-old trees on productivity eight species including grasses (perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne; cocksfoot, Dactylis glomerata; prairie grass, Bromus willdenowii; microlaena, Microlaena stipoides), perennial legumes (white clover, Trifolium repens; red T. pratense; lotus, Lotus pedunculatus), an annual legume (subterranean subterraneum).Methods A site was established East Coast region North Island New Zealand (>20° slope). Herbage production, nutritive value survival as spaced transplants were measured over 3years.Results Cocksfoot had high survival, herbage metabolisable energy content but negatively affected by tagasaste. not significantly tagasaste; however, it much less productive lower values than other grasses. Only 40% ryegrass survived 3years, negligible. Subterranean clover able set seed open shade.Conclusions most grass species, microlaena least Given poor persistence clovers, clovers may be better suited silvopasture steep, dry hillsides.Implications Mixtures cocksfoot subterranean well summer-dry hillsides, between under silvopasture. provide some forage can maintain groundcover despite shade.