Clover - Nitrogen for the Future
Nigel Moore – Grassland Technologist, Charlotte Moore – Senior Beef Technologist, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (Greenmount Campus)
At a time of considerable change in agriculture and financial pressure on producers it is important to consider every opportunity to farm using the most cost effective systems available.
As the price of nitrogen fertiliser increases alongside spiralling energy costs, there is increasing interest in the potential of modern clover based swards which do not require large inputs of inorganic fertilisers.
The Nitrates Directive has focused minds on the issues associated with the efficient utilisation of nitrogen from animal manures and slurries. The use of clover-based swards is compatible with maintaining a stock carrying capacity equivalent to grass swards receiving up to 200 KG nitrogen/ha/year.
Clover will increase animal intake and can increase milk yield, protein levels and liveweight gain. The use of clover-based swards will also yield environmental benefits.
An Open Day is being held at the Greenmount Campus Abbey Farm on Thursday, 3 August 2006 with tours starting from 1.00 pm-4.00 pm and 6.30 pm-8.00 pm to examine the role of clover in grassland production. The tour will feature:
- Sward Establishment
- Production potential
- Sward Management
- Animal Performance
- Environmental considerations
Come along and consider how this under-exploited pasture legume can help to control your grassland costs.
(l to r) Charlie Kilpatrick, Charlotte Moore, Nigel Moore and David Mackey discuss arrangements for the Clover Open Day at Greenmount Campus Abbey Farm on Thursday 3 August, where tours start 1.00 – 4.00 pm and 6.30 – 8.00 pm.