A Research and Development Strategy for Whitegrass Pasture: The Dominant Cool Temperate Rangeland Species of the Falkland Islands

Whitegrass (Cortaderia pilosa), the dominant rangeland plant species in the Falkland Islands, has been estimated to cover approximately 60% of the land area, It generally grows on peat soils and exhibits a range of growth forms depending upon soil drainage, The climate of the islands is cool oceanic with on annual precipitation of 300-650 mm. A brief history of agricultural research (established only in 1975) and work areas is presented. A major constraint to the productivity of the Falkland Islands sheep industry is poor utilisation of whilegrnss·dominant pasture. To develop new management strategies for whitegrass aimed at improved animal output and sustained pasture, a programme of research and development has evolved which combines (I) agronomic trials in the Falkland lslands, (2) ecophysiology studies in an agronomy laboratory in the UK, and (3) grazing trials, underpinned by the research programmes outlined in l and 2. The principle finding of whitegrass research will be outlined in the paper,