Grazing
Cutting
• High diploid content • Small or medium white clover • Can use a wide range of heading dates • Take notice of disease rating
• Good tetraploid content • Use a narrow window of heading dates, no more than 10 days difference • Large white clover or red clover • IRG for short term
By using a range of species and indeed varieties will make the mix more versatile. For example, adding timothy in for palatability and the ability to grow in colder wetter conditions; adding clover in for its nutritional value and benefits the soil; adding cocksfoot will be beneficial for more slightly drought tolerance. The balance of Tetraploid to Diploid grasses will also need to be considered. Tetraploids offer increased palatability with increased sugars and more upright growth, perfect for cutting and grazing. Diploids are more persistent with higher dry matter. Dual purpose mixtures • Needs to be able to cope with a cut (or multiple) of silage whilst offering good quality grazing afterwards • Using a blend of white clover sizes will work best • Using tetraploids will increase palatability • Mid-summer production is important for grazing - a blend of early and late perennials will help with this • Timothy can be included with its long growth season
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog