Yield of binary- and multi-species swards relative to single-species swards in intensive silage systems

Binary- and multi-species sown mixtures may increase herbage yield and/or reduce inorganic nitrogen (N) requirement compared to perennial ryegrass (PRG) (Lolium perenne L.) swards. A split-plot design was used compare yields of binary- single-species swards three grasses red clover managed for intensive silage production under varying N application rates. Perennial Italian multiflorum Lam.) ryegrasses had greater annual when grown as single species receiving 360 kg N/ha per year than in binary with (Trifolium pratense 0 year, whereas timothy (Phleum produced equally high both situations. When no applied, the dry matter Mix 1 (10,738 kg/ha; PRG, timothy, white repens 2 (11,679 clover, ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)) that a PRG sward (PRG/0N; 5,885 kg/ha) derived more from contribution legumes herbs. This advantage declined input increased, did legume herb proportions averaged across rates input, (12,464 vs. 11,893 kg/ha). fertiliser 120 matched achieved by year. Our results indicate performance grassland should be measured situ rather predicted constituent species.