Keen Interest in Clover

A large turnout of farmers from the dairy, beef and sheep sectors attended the recent Clover Open Day at Greenmount Campus to see how the inclusion of clover in their grass swards could help to reduce nitrogen costs and improve animal performance.

Grass/clover swards receiving only 70 KGN/ha can produce yields equivalent to pure ryegrass swards receiving up to 200 KGN/ha, equivalent to a saving in inorganic fertiliser costs of approximately £75 /ha/yr.

Compared with ryegrass swards, grass/clover swards exhibit less seasonal variation and are more drought tolerant due to their deeper rooting characteristics.

Meat from beef cattle grazed on grass/clover swards has been found to contain higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which are beneficial to health. On the dairying side beneficial omega 3 fatty acid levels are increased when dairy cows utilise grass/clover in the diet.

From an environmental point of view, utilising the nitrogen fixed by the rhizobia on clover root nodules results in lower levels of denitrification and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing the reliance on high-energy dependant inorganic fertilisers.

Researchers, technologists and advisors shared a combination of research results and practical experiences showing how grass/clover swards performed in terms of yield, clover content and animal performance across the dairying, beef and sheep sectors. Issues of animal health were also discussed.

For those considering incorporating more clover into their grassland systems, sward management factors were shared and examples were given as to the most suitable areas to begin introducing clover, such as the young stock grazing area in dairying systems.

The area which seemed to generate the greatest interest amongst the farmers attending was the practical demonstration of techniques used to establish good grass/clover swards at Greenmount Campus under the supervision of Farm Manager, Victor Woods, who enthusiastically shared his own practical experiences.

Static displays from Countryside Management Branch highlighting nitrogen efficiency on farms and from the AFBI Plant Testing Station at Crossnacreevy featuring clover variety testing received many enquiries during the day.

A few of the Clover booklets remain and are available by contacting the Technology Office at Greenmount Campus – Tel 028 9442 6773.

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