Abstract
On organic dairy farms, grass-clover leys are essential for animal welfare, feed supply and soil fertility building. The proportion of grass-clover in the crop rotations on Danish organic dairy farms is growing and so are farm sizes. This leads to a higher frequency of grass in the nearfarm crop rotation to reduce the distance cows have to walk to be milked. However, long-term grazing pastures are often less productive and of poorer quality. It is difficult to utilise the nitrogen accumulated in the field, and there may be problems with the establishment of clover following a conversion.
This research project intends to clarify these issues. A field trial will examine strategies for the design of crop rotations and management of pastures. More precisely, the study includes infield and outfield crop rotations.
This research project intends to clarify these issues. A field trial will examine strategies for the design of crop rotations and management of pastures. More precisely, the study includes infield and outfield crop rotations.
| Translated title of the contribution | Grass-clover in organic dairy farming: – how to reduce costs and improve nutrient utilization |
|---|---|
| Original language | Danish |
| Publication date | 2008 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Externally published | Yes |