Fescue tussock (Festuca novae-zealandiae)

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Fesue Tussock

Management options

Conservation
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Goal: Maintain a Fescue Tussock Grassland

Moisture status of site:	Moist (more than 500mm annual rainfall)
Species composition of inter-tussock zone:	Dominated by native plants

The following are guidelines suggested for small areas where active management is feasible:

Plan A:

Generally no grazing. May require fencing to keep stock out from adjoining land.
No fertiliser.
Animal pest control - rabbits are likely to be the biggest problem.
Weed control Woody weeds may require spraying or chopping out, rather than burning (Gorse and Spanish heath thrive after burning).
for more information on weed control.
Monitor to determine success of the management option, and status of weed and animal pest populations. for more information on monitoring in tussock grasslands.

Light grazing. Grazing in Spring/Summer may control the flowering and subsequent seeding of Hieracium. (This may work for early stages of invasion by Hieracium lepidulum, H. praealtum and H. caespitosum which are dependent on seed production for their spread. However there is little scientific evidence to suggest that grazing can be used to control mouse-eared hawkweed (H. pilosella) which will spread by vegetative means instead, especially once it is established).
Subdivide block to improve ability to control stock
No burning (unless for woody weed control)
No application of pasture seed
Apply fertiliser to replace nutrients transferred by stock and rabbits
Weed control
for more information on weed control.
Rabbit control; fencing
Monitor to determine success of the management option, and status of weed and animal pest populations. for more information on monitoring in tussock grasslands.