Development of Legumes After Reseeding in Permanent Grassland, as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilizer Applications

Abstract

Legumes in grassland can increase locally grown protein in fodder while reducing the nitrogen (N)-fertilizer requirements. Although the benefits of forage legumes are known, there was a decline in their use in the past due to inexpensive N-fertilizer, soya products from abroad, and variable legume persistence. In recent years, mounting environmental concern has sparked new interest in legumes. To quantify the effect of legume reseeding and N-application on permanent grassland on crude protein (CP) and dry matter yield (DM), a multifactorial trial was set up. Factors considered were clover species (red clover, white clover), N-application rate (0–170 kg N ha−1), N-fertilizer type (mineral-N, organic-N), and cutting management (3, 5-cut). Legume percentages were scored, and DM- and CP-yield was measured for three years. Crude-protein gains after legume reseeding were considerable and between 2.5–3.4 after red clover and 0.4–1.7 t CP ha−1 3 years−1 after white clover-reseeding even when compared to the control-high-N treatment. Legume percentages were negatively correlated to N-rates down to rates as low as 42 or 85 kg N ha−1 for a three- or five-cut management, respectively. Nitrogen-applications increased the yield (DM, CP) of control plots, whereas for legume-reseeded plots yield remained unchanged or was reduced. Differences due to N-fertilizer type were small or non-existent. Reseeding of clover was shown to be a viable method to increase crude protein in permanent grassland for about three years (red clover) and possibly beyond (white clover).

Management strategies to improve the nitrogen use efficiency in grasslands and the protein quality in grass silages: Lessons from a practical study on dairy farms in Flanders

“…First of all, diversity in grasslands has been shown to positively affect herbage DM yield compared to monocultures (Sturludóttir et al, 2014). Species‐rich grasslands, including legumes, can be highly productive since they (i) can benefit from a complementary uptake of the available resources, (ii) have a higher probability of showing positive interspecific interactions, and (iii) may contain highly productive species that dominate the community (Lüscher et al, 2014; Sturludóttir et al, 2014; Weggler et al, 2019). Second, both perennial ryegrass and white clover do not grow well under very dry and warm conditions (Laidlaw & Frame, 2013).…”

The Dessau Grassland Experiment—Impact of Fertilization on Forage Quality and Species Assembly in a Species-Rich Alluvial Meadow

“…Legumes can have a significant influence on the forage quality and elasticity of forage utilization by maintaining overall sward digestibility over a longer period [92], increasing protein in fodder [93] or increasing the mineral content [94]. In addition, they can play an important role for securing the feed supply for livestock with regard to future climatic conditions.…”

Are Chilean Pasture Seed End-Users Adopting New Species? Trends and Joinpoint Regression Analysis of the Last 19 Years of Seed Imports

“…A focus on better grazing management to improve the persistency, yield and use of the Trifolium spp. species should be considered, and the benefits of reseeding white clover or red clover in an existing permanent pasture can be considerable in terms of dry matter and crude protein yield [50].…”