North Canterbury Growth Rate Measuring Group Protocols
Paddock Selection.
It is envisaged that each fann will have THREE paddocks under measurement.
We are looking for "Average" paddocks. The paddocks may be a
combination of a good, moderate and a poor. Alternativly it may be average
paddocks on differing soil types. It's up to you. On top of this it is
important that the paddocks are Perennial Ryegrass and white clover paddocks
and at least 2 years old.
Fertiliser
All sites need to be soil tested at the beginning of the monitoring period.
A day will be organised as a "site visiting" opportunity. It
is envisaged that the soil tests will be taken on this day. The cost of
the soil tests will be covered by the projects funds. An accurate record
of the previous 12 months fertiliser applications needs to be provided.
Any fertiliser applied during the monitoring period needs to be recorded
onto the GRAS (Growth Rate Assesment Sheet) in the space provided.
Cage management Protocol.
Cages will be provided as part of the project. Cost of the cages will
be covered by the project.
Start up and the movement of cages
1 Within the selected paddocks select a "representative" site
for the cage to be placed
2 Using probe measure the cover in KgsDM/Ha on the area that the cage
is to be placed (site must be under 2000KgsDM/Ha)
3 If the site is over 2000Kgs the cage must be moved to an alternative
site within the paddock.
4 If no areas in the paddock are "representative" and under
2000KgsDM/Ha then the site should be mannually grazed down to your fanns
normal grazing residual.
5 Place the cage on the selected area.
6 Peg the cage to the ground to prevent movement.
7 Complete all sections
of the GRAS.
8 Email or Fax to Mike Hayes (Contact numbers are on the GRAS's)
Ongoing measurement
August 1 st - December 1st
On the 15th and 30th of each month using the probe measure the KgsDM/Ha
inside the cages. If the reading is above 2000kgsDM/Ha then the cage must
be moved following the procedure in the startup section. Complete your
GRAS and fax/Email to Mike Hayes
December 1st - March 1st
On the 30th ONLY of each month (With the exception of February of course!!)
measurements are to be taken and your GRAS is to be completed and faxed
to Mike. If the reading is above 2000kgs then the cage needs to be moved
as outlined in startup.
March 1st - June 1st
On the 15th and 30th of each month using the probe measure the KgsDM/Ha.
If the reading is above 2000kgsDM/Ha then the cage must be moved following
the procedure outlined in the startup section. Complete your GRAS and
fax/Email to Mike Hayes
June 1st - August 1st
On the 30th ONLY of each month measurements are to be collected and your
GRAS is to be completed and faxed to Mike. If the reading is above 2000kgs
then the cage needs to be moved.
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