Multi-species grass seed mixtures and herbal leys are gaining a good deal of attention from those interested in the benefits available from a more diverse sward.

Livestock farmers are seeing both environmental and production gains brought about by the contrasting qualities of different species.

Nitrogen fixation, drought tolerance and a greater nutritional value, as well as increased livestock performance, are being seen from multi-species grass seed mixtures comprising perennial ryegrasses alongside legumes and herbs.

Multi-species swards research

Measuring the performance of livestock is the focus of Professor Tommy Boland’s research at University College Dublin (UCD) and he will present his latest results at a Germinal webinar later this month.

His grazing studies involving lambs and dairy beef steers indicate increased sward diversity not only improves growth rates but also reduces fertiliser use and the requirement for wormers.

Research findings

Our upcoming webinar, Are multi-species swards right for your farm?, is also the first opportunity to hear the latest results from the multi-species trial at Germinal Horizon’s research farm.

The trial has investigated how grasses, legumes and herbs interact when grown together and the part each one plays in a successful and persistent sward.

Grass and forage production expert Dr Mary McEvoy will explain what the results mean for farmers introducing multi-species into different grassland systems and land types.