DLF Multispecies Agronomy Guide 2021

Multi-Species Agronomy Guide 2021

Tel: 051-897060 Email: [email protected] www.dlfseeds.ie

What is a Multi-Species Sward?

A multi-species sward is a mixture of three or more species whose growth characteristics complement each otherresulting in improved productivity compared to when each species is grown.

Typically, the species used come from three plant groups, i.e., grasses, legumes, and herbs, with each speciesbringing different benefits to the sward.

When deciding on a mixture, soil type and local climate are important as some species are better suited than othersto particularly wet or dry conditions.

Species suitable for wetter soils include timothy, birdsfoot trefoil and burnet, while species like cocksfoot, lucerneand chicory will thrive in light, dry soils.

Depending on your soil-type a mixture of the specialist species above and some all-rounders like perennial ryegrass,white clover and ribwort plantain would make for a very productive sward.

More species in a mixture means a more resilient sward to extreme weather events like drought

DLF’s 6-Species Herbal Ley contains perennial ryegrass, timothy, red and white clover, ribwort plantain and chicory.This mixture will provide a good balance of productivity and diversity across a range of soil types.

A more diverse sward can provide a range of additional benefits including forage quality, weather resilience andbiodiversity. Sinclair McGill Castleherb mixture contains 15 species: 5 grasses, 5 legumes and 5 herbs for maximumdiversity effects.

What Mixture to Sow?

When to Sow Your Multi-Species Sward? Multi-species swards should be sown into a warm (~10°C), moist seedbed between April-September for optimalestablishment.

Multi-Species Agronomy Guide


Ensure soil fertility (pH, P and K) is adequate as per recommendations for grass swards.Address any weed issues with herbicide before sowing as an herbicide cannot be applied to a multi-speciessward. This is crucial.

Cultivate to form a fine, firm seedbed.Apply lime as required.Roll the seedbed before sowing to ensure it is firm.Seed can be direct drilled no more than 1cm deep or broadcast. Sow seed at a rate of 27-32kg/ha or 13-15kg/ac. Roll again! A firm seedbed and soil contact is vital for the small seeds of legumes and herbs. Allow 8 weeks before the first grazing to let herbs establish strong taproots.

Oversow after a silage cut or tight grazing. Graze lightly.

A conventional reseed will give the best results in establishing your new multi-species sward, but the followingpoints should be remembered when sowing:

Clover and herbs can also be oversown into existing grass swards to achieve the benefits of a multi-species sward.These should each be oversown at a rate of 1.5-2kg/ac. Remember, we want to allow light to penetrate the groundfor the new seedlings and reduce competition from the existing sward.

Sowing your Multi-Species Sward

The similarity in the growth habit of herbs like plantain and chicory to common grassland weeds likedocks, means that once these species get established, there is no space in the sward for docks andother broadleaf weeds. Small outbreaks of weeds can be spot-sprayed if necessary.

Nitrogen Fertiliser for Multi-Species SwardsOne of the biggest attractions of multi-speciesswards is their potential to reduce therequirement for nitrogen fertiliser.

Many studies have reported multi-speciesswards receiving little or no nitrogen achievingsimilar yields to grass swards receiving ~300kgN/ha per year.

Achieving such an outcome on-farm will dependon maintaining a decent proportion (20-30%) oflegumes in the sward. Regular grazing will helpto encourage and maintain clover in the sward.

Large nitrogen applications will have a negative effect on legume persistence; however, a small amount in spring canbe useful to feed grass and herb species before legumes begin nitrogen fixation in summer. In this case, up to 50kg,N/ha early in the growing season should not have a significant adverse effect on legume persistence. Alternatively,slurry can be applied during the early part of the year.



Reseed

Overseed

Grazing your Multi-Species Sward

Rotational grazing will lead to better sward quality, utilisation, and persistence than continuous set stocking.Providing animals access to paddocks for a short time (1-3 days) will help maintain sward diversity by preventingthe selective- and over-grazing of more palatable herb species.Keep post-grazing sward heights to between 4 and 6 cm so not to damage the growing points of legumes andherbs.It is important to provide a sufficient rest period for multi-species swards to recover from grazing. At peak production in mid-season multi-species swards can keep up with a 21-day rotation. However, it isadvised to extend the rest period in the shoulders of the year to aid persistence.

Where paddocks are not available, large fields can be divided into smaller blocks with temporary fencing. It is important to limit the time spent grazing each section to 1-3 days to prevent over-grazing.Swards can be grazed at pre-grazing heights ~10 inches (25cm) down to ~2 inches (5cm).

Multi-species swards can produce high yields of quality forage when managed correctly with potential for excellentanimal performance.

The management guidelines for grazing multi-species swards are similar to grass swards with quality directly relatedto the proportion of leaf and stem. However, there are a couple of important points to remember when grazingmulti-species swards.

For sheep and beef systems, the above management points can be adapted as follows:

The greatest benefits of multi-species swards compared to grass swards occur in summer whengrass swards are less productive.

It must be noted that herbs like ribwort plantain and chicory will likely never be as persistent as perennial ryegrass.The productive lifespan of these herbs in a mixture is between 3-5 years. This should not be a barrier to the use ofmulti-species swards, however!

The savings in nitrogen fertiliser alone should far outweigh the cost of over-sowing herbs every 4 or 5 years. Inaddition, the benefits to animal and soil health and the wider environment are significant. At worst, you will be leftwith a grass-clover sward and a much lower fertiliser bill!

In light of a changing climate and changing policies, we must adapt how we farm, and multi-species swards have aconsiderable role to play.

A note on persistence of a Multi-Species Sward



Cut the crop to a stubble height of 6-8cm.Multi-species swards typically have a lower DM content than grass swards due to the presence of legumes andherbs. Therefore, the crop must be cut in dry conditions.Allow the crop to wilt for 24 to 48 hours in dry conditions.

Care must be taken when mowing and handling the crop to reduce leaf shatter.

Silage additive application may also improve preservation.

The following tips will help to ensile your multi-species sward successfully:

Multi-Species Swards for Silage Production

Aim for a DM concentration of 25-35%.

Avoid using a conditioner mower.Avoid overwilting and excessive handling.

Distribution of DM yield


Thomas Moloney, PhDProduct Manager

[email protected] 3961265

Damian McAllisterBusiness Manager (NI)

[email protected]+44 7774249609

John EnrightBusiness Manager (ROI)

[email protected] 8290765


*Multispecies swards produce more quality forage than grassswards during the summer months due to the inclusion oflegumes and herbs

DISCLAIMER: The information given in this document is for general guidance only. Whilst every care has been taken toensure it is accurate, it is important to check all information with your agronomist first.

DLF's 6 Species Herbal Ley



A mixture like DLF’s 6 Species HerbalLey is an excellent all-round mixturethat should produce large amounts ofquality forage across a range of soiltypes.

Offers vitamin and mineral intakessometimes absent from grass aloneTrials show higher live weight gainsand significant reduction in thenumber of faecal parasitic egg countsIncreased production in droughtperiods due to deep rooting natureInclusion of red and white cloverincreases palatability and reduces Nrequirement

Nifty

Aspect

Chicory

Red Clover

Kerry

Timothy

Plantain

White Clover

(T) Late PerennialRyegrass

Timothy Blend

IntermediatePerennial Ryegrass

(T) Late PerennialRyegrass

Six species mixtures are currentlybeing trialled by UCD with very positivepreliminary results in terms of weightgain and reduction in worm count.This mixture contains six species, withRyegrass species providing the yieldand quality to the sward, while Chicoryand Plantain add vitamins and mineralswhich are sometimes devoid in grass.Clover is also included at a high rate toensure more palatable grazing andboost weight gain.

15%

10%

7%

10%

8%

10%

20%

20%

Available in 12kg packs

Sinclair McGill CastleherbA scientifically formulated multi-speciesmixture or herbal ley consisting of 40%productive forage grasses and 30% each offorage herbs and legumes. CastleHerb is adiverse mix with 15 species.

This four year mixture is suitable for sheep andlambs, beef cattle and dairy young stock.

Scientifically formulated mixture containing 40% grassesand 30% each of legumes and herbsFour year key, suitable for all classes of livestockFor lowest cost livestock production, improved animalhealth coupled with huge benefits to the soil andenvironment Rich in minerals, protein and trace elementsExcellent tolerance of droughtSuggested seed rate

11-13kg/acre(27-32kg/ha)

For more information on selecting the right mixture for your farm, call Thomas Moloney, DLF 087 396 1265

DLF Multispecies Agronomy Guide 2021

Documents

Transcript of DLF Multispecies Agronomy Guide 2021