Summary
This 2026 AHDB technical forum synthesised existing evidence on multi-species grassland swards as a management tool for soil health and environmental benefit in UK livestock farming. Rather than presenting novel primary research, the event reviewed sward establishment and management practices whilst identifying practical and economic adoption barriers. The outputs are intended to inform future research priorities and extension support for the UK livestock sector.
Regional applicability
This forum is directly applicable to United Kingdom livestock farming, with a specific focus on Cornwall and south-west England contexts. The findings and recommendations are tailored to UK farming conditions, policy frameworks, and extension support systems.
Key measures
Sward establishment practices, soil health indicators, environmental outcomes, adoption barriers and economics
Outcomes reported
The event reviewed evidence on multi-species grassland sward establishment, management practices, and their effects on soil health and environmental outcomes. It identified practical and economic barriers to adoption of such systems in UK livestock farming.
Topic tags
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