Growth of pampas grass (Cortaderia spp.) in New Zealand Pinus radiata forests.

Rate of pampas (Cortaderia selloana (Schult.) Asch. et Graeb. and C. jubata (Lem.) Stapf) growth in five Pinus radiata D. Don forests was only slightly less than in managed agricultural pampas plantations. Number of plants per unit area tended to be higher on phosphate-amended clay soils than on pumice or coastal sands, but the maximum rate of above-ground dry matter accumulation on these soils was similar (7-8 t/ha/year). Greatest accumulation of pampas dry matter (55 t/ha at age 4) was recorded on a coastal sand in an area where no trees were present. The highest dry matter accumulation recorded in a tree stand was 46 t/ha on a pumice soil.