Summary
This controlled experiment evaluated how soil properties affect the yield and micronutrient content of 15 common pasture species (grasses, forbs, legumes) grown on four contrasting soils. Whilst botanical group and individual species differed significantly in micronutrient uptake and concentration, soil–species interactions were generally weak except for forbs, suggesting that generic species recommendations for micronutrient provision may be broadly applicable across diverse soil types. The findings have implications for designing multispecies swards to optimise livestock nutrition through plant selection.
UK applicability
Given the likely UK origin of the authors and institution-based research context, findings are directly applicable to UK pasture management and multispecies sward design on livestock farms. The controlled conditions and selection of representative British soils enhance relevance to UK farming practice and soil diversity.
Key measures
Biomass yield; micronutrient concentrations and total uptake (specific micronutrients not detailed in abstract); soil properties (texture, organic matter, micronutrient concentrations, pH)
Outcomes reported
The study measured yield and micronutrient concentrations (and total uptake) of 15 grass, forb and legume species grown on four contrasting soils under controlled conditions, with additional pH manipulation experiments. It examined whether soil-specific species selection is necessary for optimising micronutrient provision to livestock, or whether generic recommendations can be applied.
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