Fescue tussock (Festuca novae-zealandiae) pastoral management

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Fescue tussock

Management options

Pastoral
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Habitat

Other spp. present

Vegetation history

Background management information

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Managing Dry Fescue tussock (Festuca novae-zealandiae) communities within a pastoral system

Moisture status of site:

Dry (less than 700mm annual rainfall; soil moisture deficit)

Fescue tussocks are valued as part of a semi-developed or developed pastoral system, as they provide a microclimate suited to the desired palatable plant species, such as clover and improved grasses, and shelter for stock. Tussocks will also break the snow cover in winter, which is beneficial to stock.

MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE:

Grazing. Stock type and stocking rate will depend on the farming system. Spell appropriately to allow control of Hieracium pilosella.
Regular inputs of fertiliser should be maintained to replace the nutrients removed by stock and rabbit grazing - if this is economic in this dry environment.
Subdivision of paddocks can ease management, but some farmers prefer to maintain the landscape values associated with larger blocks.
Weed control
for more information on weed control.
Pest control
Rabbits are the main problem.
Monitor to determine success of the management option, and status of weed and animal pest populations. for more information on monitoring in tussock grasslands.

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