Alfalfa-grass mixtures reduce greenhouse gas emissions and net global warming potential while maintaining yield advantages over monocultures

Summary

This 2022 field study examines the agronomic and climate performance of alfalfa-grass mixtures in forage production systems. The authors report that mixed swards reduced net global warming potential relative to monocultures whilst maintaining or improving forage yield, suggesting that legume-grass intercropping may offer a practical approach to lowering emissions intensity in livestock feed production. The findings align with broader evidence on the climate benefits of nitrogen-fixing legumes in mixed farming systems.

UK applicability

Alfalfa-grass mixtures are agronomically feasible in southern and central UK conditions and align with UK policy interest in sustainable intensification and GHG reduction in livestock farming. The results may inform grazing and silage management practices where mixtures can establish, though UK forage systems more commonly use different legume-grass combinations (e.g. clover-grass leys).

Key measures

Greenhouse gas emissions, net global warming potential (GWP), forage yield, dry matter production, species composition in mixed swards

Outcomes reported

The study compared greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and net global warming potential (GWP) in alfalfa-grass mixed swards versus monoculture stands, whilst measuring forage yield and agronomic performance. The research appears to quantify the climate mitigation potential of intercropping legumes with grasses in forage systems.

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