Establishment and growth of legumes on uncultivatable hill country in East coast New Zealand

Steep, non-arable hill country is a significant feature of New Zealand farming (Sheath 2011) and large tracts of it have been improved by over-sowing grass and assorted clover species, particularly white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Numerous other legume species are available in New Zealand from similar environments overseas that may be more productive on some steep hill country. Plant breeders in New Zealand have also produced inter-specific hybrids (Williams et al. 2010) with potentially useful attributes. As part of a large project to increase pasture production on non-arable hills, a range of legume species were established at 2 sites in New Zealand in 2012. This paper reports results from the first spring and early summer following establishment.