Adding value and utilising unproductive areas on-farm
Establishing native plantings on your farm can provide multiple benefits without reducing the overall productivity of your land. Hillpark Dairy at Mt Hutt had this at the front of their mind when engaging us to undertake planting projects on their farm in 2022.
The first planting area was a forestry block that had been logged some years previously. With a stream running through the middle of the area and steep slopes on one side, the area was unsuitable for grazing. While replanting in pine trees was an option the landowners preferred to replant this area in natives.
This block was previously in pine trees, Mount Harding Stream runs through the middle.
Recently logged forestry block, Mt Harding Stream restoration. Initial planting focused on filling the top terrace and the steeper faces above the stream. Follow plantings will focus on the stream margins.
As this area formed part of the Mt Harding Stream catchment, ECAN was able to provide some funding to go towards the plants. 600 plants were planted in this area. The species included Manuka, Kanuka, Ribbonwood, Wineberry, and Cabbage trees. As well as providing some shading of the stream improving water quality and aquatic life the trees will provide critical stabilisation to the recently disturbed soil profile following the logging of the pine trees. Further upstream on a neighbouring property, mature beech forest lines the stream, the new plantings here will be an important piece in the restoration of the Mt Harding Stream corridor as it flows from the base of the hills to the North Branch of the Hakatere/Ashburton River.
This planting area was prone to pugging and drained into the adjacent stream.
The next planting area was a particularly wet and boggy corner of a paddock bordering a stream, which is also drawn on for stock water. A selection of wet/dry tolerant shrubs and grasses were chosen (Carex Secta, Chioochloa Rubra, Juncus Edgariae, Phormium Tenax, Coydyline Australs) and planted at 1.5 m spacings along the lower-lying area most prone to waterlogging. In addition to the lower-growing species, 330 Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) were planted at 2-3 metre spacings. The manuka will be relatively fast-growing and create a canopy to shade out competing weed species after several years. 35 Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (Kahikatea) were planted in groups of 3 to 5 throughout the area where they were most likely to get some shelter from the northwest winds. Kahikatea is well known for its tolerance to wet soils and will add character and beauty to this corner of the farm for future generations. Biodegradable guards were used on the plants to aid their establishment, protect them from hares, and for ease of release spraying. Follow-up maintenance and weed control will be required in both blocks for the first 2-4 years.
Plant guards safeguard your investment, by providing a microclimate around the young plant, and a barrier to any herbicide sprays applied during maintenance sprays. They will also provide some protection from animals such as hares, pukekos, etc. They are also easier to find when that grass takes off than an unguarded plant.