Longer duration of grasslands
The yield of grass-clover has not been significantly influenced by grassland age and due to the clover content, fertilizer responses were modest. Now is being developed a modelling tool including fertilizer respons and cost of transportation in an economic optimization of fertilizer distribution.
Management reduces nitrate leaching
Nitrate leaching in grazed grassland may be significantly reduced by simple means such as reduced fertilizer input or alternation between grazing and cutting. Similarly, a efficient catch crop strategy can prevent substantial leaching following grassland cultivation.
Positive effects of species diversity in grassland
The inclusion of red clover in ryegrass/white clover mixtures increases yield stability and management flexibility. Herbs in grassland have been successful regarding establishment, yield, quality and the inclination to eat. However, there is need for optimisation for herbs to become a substantial part of the biomass production.
Causes of soil clover fatique
Establishment of white clover is inhibited by the larvae of free-living nematodes. They invade and destroy the roots, and furthermore the holes made by the nematodes give access for fungi and bacteria. Work is made on cropping strategies to counteract soil clover fatigue.
More about preliminary results
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