Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryIndustry / policy reportConventional

Cornwall: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board · 2026

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Summary

This AHDB technical forum convened researchers and farming practitioners to synthesise contemporary evidence on multi-species grassland swards as a tool for improving soil health and environmental outcomes in UK livestock production. Rather than presenting primary research, the event mapped the current knowledge base on sward establishment and management, whilst identifying practical and economic constraints limiting wider farmer adoption. The output is likely to inform future research and extension priorities for the UK livestock sector.

Regional applicability

This forum was conducted in Cornwall, United Kingdom, and directly addresses UK livestock farming contexts. Findings are directly applicable to UK pasture management practice and policy, with particular relevance to grassland-based systems in south-west England and similar climatic zones.

Key measures

Knowledge synthesis on sward establishment methods, management practices, soil health outcomes, and adoption barriers; identification of research and extension priorities

Outcomes reported

The forum synthesised evidence on multi-species grassland sward establishment, management practices, and factors influencing farmer adoption. Participants identified practical and economic constraints to wider adoption and prioritised future research directions.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Grassland & pasture systems
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review / stakeholder forum
Source type
Industry/policy report
Status
Published
Geography
United Kingdom
System type
Pasture-based livestock
Catalogue ID
IRmqggqmgp-ca2482

Topic tags

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