A Modelling Approach to Grassland Nutrient Balances in Relation to Historical Use of Properties in Different Climatic Sectors

The aim of this study was to use simple mass balances to quantify historical trends in the impact of livestock use and other pastoral activities, such as burning and fertiliser application, on the nutrient status of grazed areas. The incorporation of animal grazing and excretory patterns in the balances was an advance on other models of nutrient balances estimated at the boundary of the whole system.

The primary objective was to quantify trends in the impact of livestock use, and related activities, upon the nutrient status of grazed areas of groups of runs in contrasting terrains. Work focused on pastorally induced impacts, especially those affected by animal grazing and excretory patterns.

Details are presented in a paper entitled The Influence of Pastoral Use on Grassland Nutrient Balances: A Modelling Approach to Historical Use of Three Groups of Properties in Different Climatic Sectors of the Upper Waitaki Catchment, New Zealand, 1850 to 1982, written by myself and Prof. Kevin O’Connor (Range Management).

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