Dry‐matter production and botanical composition of multispecies and perennial ryegrass swards under varying defoliation management

Multispecies swards, comprised of different plant functional groups have comparable production potential to high N input L. perenne swards at reduced when legumes are included. However, information on the appropriate management multispecies is limited. The effect differing practices herbage dry-matter (DM) and botanical composition sward types was investigated using a 3 × 2 factorial design plot experiment. experiment consisted three types: perenne-only receiving (LP; 250 kg ha−1 a−1); perenne-Trifolium repens (LP-TR); containing perenne, Phleum pratense, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata Cichorium intybus (MSS). LP-TR MSS received 90 a−1. Harvesting took place every 21 or 28 days defoliation height 4 6 cm, over two growing seasons (March November 2020 2021 inclusive). Annual produced by both LP not significantly affected frequency. 1923 DM a−1 more harvested less frequently. Unsown species contributed compared remained similar in 2021, whereas contribution unsown increased from with noxious associated than MSS. Results demonstrate role improving sustainability grass-based agricultural systems an environment fertilizer inputs.