Summary
This field-based study examined whether sowing multi-species plant mixtures into intensively managed grassland swards reduces nitrous oxide emissions compared to conventional single-species pastures. Published research suggests that increased botanical diversity in grassland can mitigate one of agriculture's significant greenhouse gas pathways, with implications for climate-smart pastoral management in temperate regions.
UK applicability
Findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management, particularly for intensive dairy and beef production systems which dominate pastoral agriculture. The research informs on-farm mitigation strategies aligned with UK climate commitments and environmental stewardship schemes.
Key measures
N2O emission rates; soil nitrogen cycling; grassland botanical composition; sward management under intensive grazing or cutting regimes
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from grassland swards managed under intensive conditions, comparing single-species and multi-species plant mixtures. It assessed the effect of plant diversity on greenhouse gas emissions and related soil processes.
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