25 September 1995 Lincoln to Host Major White Clover Symposium

White clover goes under the spotlight at Lincoln University in November in a major symposium organised by the Agronomy Society and the New Zealand Grassland Association.

A vital component of mixed pastures in New Zealand, white clover is regarded as essential to the long term competitive advantage which this country's agricultural produce enjoys on world markets.

The symposium, scheduled for 21-22 November, is expected to attract the majority of researchers working on white clover in New Zealand, members of the seed industry, local seed producers and a number of leading overseas white clover researchers.

The programme includes four major sessions - New Zealand 's white clover seed industry; Managing white clover to attain its genetic potential; White clover and nitrogen, fixed or applied; and White clover science and innovation - and there will also be trade displays.

The venue is Lincoln University's Stewart Building.

White clover is grown in New Zealand pastures as a nitrogen source, to improve sward nutritive quality, to complement seasonal growth of grasses, and to increase daily dry matter intake.

White clover fixes approximately 1.1 million tonnes of nitrogen annually in New Zealand pastures, worth about $1 billion. In addition it provides animal feed with a 20-50 percent higher feeding value than that of pasture grasses. However, nitrogen deficiency remains a major nutrient limitation to pasture production in New Zealand.  Both management technique and the use of improved germplasm can be employed so that low clover content does not restrict overall sward and animal productivity.

Local contacts for further information about the symposium are organising committee members Dr Bruce McKenzie of Lincoln University's Department of Plant Science, phone 3252-811 ext 8123, and Alan Stewart of Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd, PO Box 3100, Christchurch.

The Community Diary. Produced by The Community Relations Centre, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.