Summary
This field trial at the North Wyke Farm Platform compared micronutrient distribution and herbage uptake across three pasture systems: high-sugar grass with legumes (no nitrogen fertiliser), permanent pasture (with nitrogen), and high-sugar grass (with nitrogen). Herbage micronutrient concentrations were highest in the permanent pasture system, which maintained the highest soil organic matter, whereas the high-sugar grass system with nitrogen fertiliser achieved greatest yield but showed evidence of micronutrient dilution. The findings highlight a trade-off between yield maximisation through reseeding and retention of soil organic matter for adequate herbage micronutrient content.
Regional applicability
These findings are directly applicable to United Kingdom grassland management, particularly for livestock producers balancing productivity with nutritional quality. The results suggest that permanent pasture systems may better support micronutrient-dense herbage for livestock health, whereas intensified reseed strategies prioritising yield may require targeted micronutrient supplementation.
Key measures
Soil total micronutrient concentrations; herbage micronutrient concentration and uptake (Cu, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Se); herbage yield; soil organic matter (SOM) content; soil slope
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil total micronutrient concentrations, herbage micronutrient content, and yield across three contrasting pasture management systems at the North Wyke Farm Platform. It examined the relationship between soil micronutrient availability, herbage uptake, and biomass yield.
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