Handbook. Recommended Grass. and Clover Lists. for England and Wales

Transcription

1 Handbook Recommended Grass and Clover Lists for England and Wales 2013

2 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists - who are they for? Knowing the performance characteristics of grass and clover is immensely useful for grassland producers. It allows appropriate selection of varieties that will perform well for a particular system. The England and Wales Recommended Grass and Clover Lists are drawn up after rigorous testing for attributes such as yield, persistency, quality and disease resistance. The data comes from trials carried out by the NIAB-TAG, IBERS, DLF Trifolium, DSV/ Eurograss, AFBI and SRUC, and is evaluated by a panel of experts. The scheme has changed - it is no longer partially funded by merchants, which means the data is available to all. The testing is funded by plant breeders through the British Society of Plant Breeders and the ruminant levy boards - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board operating through EBLEX and DairyCo, and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC/Meat Promotion Wales). There are three steps to making the best use of this booklet: 1. Is it on the list? when looking at mixtures check that the varieties are listed in this booklet 2. Is it right for the job? make sure the type of grasses listed in a mixture are fit for the purpose 3. Which varieties fit the job? refinements can be made to mixtures in consultation with your merchant This booklet is produced for use in England and Wales. Producers in other UK regions should consult publications for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

3 Why is grass and clover important? The cost of production per litre of milk or kg of liveweight gain is a major consideration for all livestock producers. One of the best ways to reduce costs is to produce more feed on the farm rather than buying it in. There is huge potential on most grassland farms in England and Wales to increase the amount and quality of the grass and clover that is grown and eaten. As few as 1 in 20 varieties of ryegrasses tested will actually make it to full recommendation on the List Few farmers these days would want to use bull or ram genetics from the 1950s in their livestock breeding, yet they continue to use outdated varieties in their grassland. By relying on old varieties, farmers are missing out on millions of pounds worth of investment made by plant breeders to produce new grasses that are far superior in important aspects such as yield, digestibility and spring growth. 1

4 When to re-seed? The percentage of ryegrass (or other sown species) in a sward is a better indicator of a need for re-seeding than the age of the ley. Pulling up a handful of grass plants allows farmers to assess how much perennial ryegrass there is by looking for any with a red base to their stem. Weed grasses such as annual meadow grass take every opportunity to invade sown pastures and do not have red stem bases. Wild grass species yield poorly, are of poor feed quality and do not respond well to nitrogen. The ideal grass/clover balance across the grass growing season is 30% white clover to 70% grass but clover content can vary widely between and within fields. Re-seeding or overseeding allows farmers to increase the performance of their swards by sowing improved grass and clover varieties that match individual field objectives ie long term grazing or shorter term cutting. Consider re-seeding if there is less than 50% sown species in the ley 2

5 Which type of grass? Mixtures In the UK farmers tend to re-seed with a mixture of different grasses and clover, rather than sowing a single variety. Mixtures produce scientifically proven yield benefits, compared to the same varieties sown individually. They also allow farmers to capitalise on the strengths of different species. For instance the digestibility of perennial ryegrass can be combined with the yield of a hybrid ryegrass, and the superior nutrient value of white clover in one field. Heading Dates Grasses are classified according to heading date which is the date on which 50% of the ears in fertile tillers have emerged. Early varieties of ryegrass reach their heading date in the first two weeks of May; intermediate varieties head during the second half of May, and late varieties reach this stage during the first two weeks of June. In general, early heading varieties grow earlier in the spring, are more erect, tiller less freely and are easier to cut for conservation than later heading varieties, which tend to be more prostrate and persistent and give good mid-season growth. Perennial, Italian and Hybrid ryegrasses Ryegrass is the most important sown grass grown in the UK due to its productivity and suitability to the climate and farming systems. Perennial ryegrasses (PRG) produce persistently good yields of high quality forage. Italian ryegrass (IRG) yields higher than PRG but has poor persistence. Hybrid ryegrass (HRG) is a cross between perennial and Italian varieties, combining the strengths of the two parent species eg the sward density of PRG and the out-ofseason growth of IRG. For 2 year leys use tetraploid and diploid italian ryegrasses For 3-4 year leys use hybrid ryegrass and early perennial ryegrasses For long term leys use intermediate and late perennial ryegrasses 3

6 Choosing the right type of grass Ryegrass Each type of grass has different growth and quality characteristics. When re-seeding it is important to select the most appropriate grasses and clovers for the situation and to meet the objectives set for each field. Perennial ryegrass Most effort by plant breeders has been concentrated on PRG Establishes rapidly, even from autumn sowing High yields in first harvest year High sugar content makes it good for silage-making Produces dense and persistent swards so useful for long term leys and establishing permanent pasture Good for all types of management eg silage or hay production, extensive or intensive grazing. Italian ryegrass Produces heavy crops of silage or hay Useful for short term leys of one to three years Long growing season gives opportunity for early-bite grazing followed by leafy hay or silage cut Good for cutting, but can also be used for intensive spring grazing. Hybrid ryegrass Better ground cover and longer lived than IRG Good winter hardiness and disease resistance Mid-season digestibility better than IRG, but poorer than PRG First year yields lower than IRG, but yield improves in second and third year More drought resistant than IRG Diploids and Tetraploids Tetraploids have twice the number of chromosomes of diploid varieties, which makes all their cells bigger. This means they have larger seeds and leaves, and tend to establish quicker and are more able to compete when used for over-seeding. Tetraploids have a more upright growth habit and are suited to drier growing conditions. In some cases they have better digestibility and palatability than diploids. Diploids tend to be more persistent and tiller more freely, and are generally better suited to wetter growing conditions. Wellmanaged diploid leys will usually produce denser swards. Good for silage production and cattle rotational grazing. 4

7 Choosing the right type of Timothy and clover Timothy Grows at lower temperatures than ryegrass so can be good for early season grazing, especially in cold, late springs Good mid-season growth can fill the gap when ryegrass growth falters Good winter hardiness and ground cover Can be slow to establish and yields are likely to be lower than PRG Best utilised in cooler, wetter areas Good for extensive grazing and hay production. White clover High nutritional value, particularly protein and mineral content High palatability Good animal performance Can provide 150kg/ha (60kg/acre) of free nitrogen for grass growth Match leaf size to stock (small for continuous, hard sheep grazing; medium for frequent cutting and rotational grazing; and large for cutting and cattle grazing) Key information on each of the different grass and clover species is contained in the tables on pages 9 to 19. The data provided has been extracted from the full Recommended Grass and Clover List. The full List is available to all and can be found on the British Grassland Society website Good for grazing and cutting. Red clover High protein content up to 19% in silage depending on % in sward High yields, even with no or low N fertiliser Early red clovers produce two main cuts and a small autumn cut Generally only lasts for three years Good for cutting and finishing stock in autumn. 5

8 Example Mixtures - may not fit every system Short term ley Short term ley for dry areas Red clover ley Duration 1-3 years Uses Frequent silage cuts and grazing Allows herbicide use as no clover sown Useful arable break Duration 1-2 years Uses Frequent silage cuts and grazing Less need for nitrogen, plus good protein levels Duration 2-4 years (new varieties 4-5 years) Uses 2-3 silage cuts with aftermath grazing Type kg/ acre Type kg/ acre Type kg/ acre Hybrid ryegrass 8 Intermediate perennial ryegrass TOTAL 14 6 Italian ryegrass 7 Festulolium 7 TOTAL 14 Hybrid ryegrass (tetraploid) Intermediate perennial ryegrass 6 4 Red clover 2 Notes For 1-2 year leys, Italian ryegrass (66% diploid and 17% tetraploid) and tetraploid hybrids (17%) could be used instead of PRG if yield more important than quality Select varieties with similar heading dates Grass could be reduced by 1 kg each and substituted with 1.5 kg red clover and 0.5 kg white clover (large leaved) to reduce nitrogen requirements and boost protein levels Notes Festulolium is a cross between IRG or PRG and meadow or tall fescues developed for better rooting system Reduce proportion of festulolium if drought risk is low or winters are cold Add hybrid ryegrass with 1/3 HRG, 1/3 IRG and 1/3 festulolium Select varieties with similar heading dates TOTAL 12 Notes Select varieties with similar heading dates Red clover seed rate could be increased (up to 30%) but be careful about clover dominance, especially in second cut 6

9 Adapted from an IGER leaflet by Charlie Morgan with comments from IBERS, Limagrain and Barenbrug Medium term cut and graze ley Long term grazing ley Long term grazing ley for dry areas Duration 5-7 years Uses 1-2 silage cuts and grazing Duration 7 years plus Uses For intensive grazing with sheep and beef cattle Duration 7 years plus Uses For cutting and intensive grazing with sheep and beef cattle in dry areas Type kg/ acre Type kg/ acre Type kg/ acre Intermediate perennial ryegrass 4 Intermediate perennial ryegrass 5 Late perennial ryegrass 7.5 Late perennial ryegrass (tetraploid) 3 Late perennial ryegrass (diploid) 7 Timothy 1 Cocksfoot 2.5 Late perennial ryegrass (diploid) 5 Timothy 1 Meadow or Tall Fescue 1.5 White clover (medium leaved) 1 White clover (medium leaved) 1 White clover (medium leaved) 1 TOTAL 13 Notes Select varieties with similar heading dates A blend of medium and large leaved white clovers could be used Persistent hybrids could be included at up to 3 kg per acre and replace some of the PRG Timothy is optional (up to 1 kg per acre) TOTAL 14 Notes A blend of small and medium leaved clovers could be used, especially with sheep All late perennial ryegrasses could be used 0.5 kg of chicory could be added in for sheep grazing For beef grazing, remove timothy and add more PRG TOTAL 13.5 Notes A blend of small and medium leaved clovers could be used, especially with sheep 0.5 kg of chicory or herbal mix could be added in 7

10 How to use the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists tables The tables on the following pages contain data extracted from the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists for They are provided to help producers formulate seeds mixtures in conjunction with their merchant. The data produced is based on current cutting trials in North Yorkshire, Shropshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Devon and Ceredigion, plus additional information from Northern Ireland and Scotland. Each variety is sown for two or more seasons. The cost of grass seed is a small proportion of the expense of re-seeding yet taking time to select the right varieties will reap productivity and lifespan benefits. Recommended Grass and Clover Lists for England and Wales Your grass seed merchant will have a more in-depth booklet with more information about each variety on the Recommended Grass and Clover List. 8

11 Recommended List of Early Perennial Ryegrass Varieties 2013/2014 OK for short term cutting and grazing leys - Can lose quality quickly as head early Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Crown Rust Suitable for my farm Diploids Genesis 9 May Moyola 10 May Kilrea 13 May Kimber 15 May Glenvale 16 May Tetraploids Anaconda 6 May AberTorch 7 May Carriag 14 May For yield figures, 100 equals the average yield for the varieties on the Recommended Lists. For example, if a variety has a yield of 105, it is above average. If it has a yield of 95, it is below average. It is measured in tonnes of dry matter per hectare. is a measure of quality and refers to the percentage of the dry matter that can be digested by an animal. A higher number is better. Crown Rust Score relates to resistance. 9

12 Recommended List of Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass Varieties 2013/2014 Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Mean Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Crown Rust Suitable for my farm Diploids Solomon 16 May Boyne 19 May AberDart 23 May AberStar 25 May Gandalf 25 May Glenariff 25 May Rodrigo 26 May Premium 26 May Copeland 27 May AberMagic 27 May AberFarrell 27 May Calvano 1 28 May Contrast 28 May AberGreen 28 May [ ] = Limited data

13 Diploids - Good for long term grazing and cutting leys. Good for ground cover. Tetraploids Good for medium term cutting leys. Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Mean Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Crown Rust Suitable for my farm Tetraploids Malone 18 May Trintella 18 May AberGlyn 18 May Magician 19 May Glenstal 20 May Seagoe 21 May Aubisque 21 May AberClyde 23 May Eurostar 24 May AstonBonus 28 May Dunluce 28 May Braid 28 May Montova 29 May Pensel 29 May Catabi 1 29 May Orion 30 May AstonEnergy 31 May Citeliac* 18 May Foyle* 21 May Storm* 25 May * Hybrid Tetraploids 11

14 Recommended List of Late Perennial Ryegrass Varieties 2013/2014 Good for cutting, but can also be used for intensive spring grazing. Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Mean Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Crown Rust Suitable for my farm Diploids AberAvon 1 Jun Tyrella 1 Jun Toddington 2 Jun Romark 3 Jun Pastour 3 Jun Foxtrot 3 Jun Clanrye 3 Jun [5] Drumbo 3 Jun Tyrconnell 4 Jun Portrush 8 Jun AberChoice 9 Jun Matiz 10 Jun Cancan 11 Jun [ ] = Limited data

15 Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Mean Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Crown Rust Suitable for my farm Tetraploids Elital 29 May Drift 31 May Delphin 31 May Alfonso 31 May [5] Elgon 1 Jun Dundrum 2 Jun Aspect 3 Jun Novello 3 Jun AberGain 3 Jun Irondal 3 Jun Polim 3 Jun Diams 3 Jun AberBite 4 Jun Twymax 4 Jun AstonPrincess 5 Jun Xenon 6 Jun Herbal 6 Jun Fornido 6 Jun Dunloy 6 Jun AberPlentiful 7 Jun [6] Ideal 8 Jun AstonAmber 10 Jun Maurice 13 Jun [ ] = Limited data 13

16 Recommended List of Italian Ryegrass Varieties 2013/2014 Good for silage production and cattle rotational grazing. Variety Name Heading Date Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Early spring growth 1st harvest year at 1.94 t/ha Ryegrass Mosaic Virus resistance Mildew resistance 1st Conservation Cut at 6.61 t/ha Suitable for my farm Diploids Shakira 15 May [7] [6] 105 Muriello 18 May Meribel 18 May Ligrande 19 May Fox 19 May Alamo 19 May Limeta 19 May Steel 19 May Abys 20 May Davinci 22 May Javorio 22 May [7] Belluna 22 May [ ] = Limited data 14

17 Variety Name Heading Date Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Early spring growth 1st harvest year at 1.94 t/ha Ryegrass Mosaic Virus resistance Mildew resistance 1st Conservation Cut at 6.61 t/ha Suitable for my farm Tetraploids Itarzi 15 May Dorike 15 May Udine 15 May [8] [8] 112 Barmega 16 May Hunter 16 May Salome 17 May Kigezi 1 17 May Gemini 17 May Barmultra II 18 May Litonio 19 May Danergo 21 May [ ] = Limited data 15

18 Recommended List of Hybrid Ryegrass Varieties 2013/2014 Good for silage production and cattle rotational grazing. Variety Name Heading Date Total Ave. = 100 at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Early spring growth 1st harvest year at 1.72 t/ha Ground cover Ryegrass Mosaic Virus resistance Mildew resistance Suitable for my farm Diploids Pirol 20 May Barsilo 23 May Holesome 25 May Tetraploids Palmata 07 May [8] 7 Solid 15 May AberEcho 15 May Enduro 17 May Tetragraze 18 May AberExcel 18 May Novial 18 May Drumlin 18 May AberEve 20 May Kirial 21 May [9] - Bahial 21 May Amalgam 22 May Scapino 22 May AberNiche# 23 May [ ] = Limited data # = Festulolium type variety

19 Recommended List of Timothy Varieties 2013/2014 Good for extensive grazing and hay production. Good for wetter soils. Variety Name Heading Date Simulated grazing management Total at t/ha Midsummer Conservation management Total at t/ha 2nd conservation cut Ground Cover Winter Hardiness Presto 08 Jun Comer 09 Jun Dolina 09 Jun Promesse 10 Jun Comtal 10 Jun Winnetou 11 Jun Moverdi 12 Jun [6.3] Narnia 16 Jun [7.3] Motim 17 Jun Barrett 20 Jun [ ] = Limited data Suitable for my farm 17

20 Recommended List of White Clover Varieties 2013/2014 Good for grazing and cutting. Variety Name Leaf Size Total of Clover 3rd harvest yr Average = 100 at 3.76 t/ha Total of Grass + Clover 3rd harvest yr Average = 100 at t/ha Autumn Ground Cover, After Light Defoliation After Hard Defoliation AberAce Galway Aber S G Demand AberPearl Saracen AberHerald Crusader Iona G Bounty AberConcord Avoca AberDai Buddy Violin Katy Alice Barblanca Aran Suitable for my farm 18

21 Descriptive List of Red Clover Varieties 2013/2014 Good for cutting and finishing stock in the autumn. Red clover Red clover swards can fix up to 200kg/ha of nitrogen producing the same yield as a short term grass ley with the same amount of N applied. With only around three year s persistence, red clovers suit short term cutting or cutting/ grazing leys. Conservation management Variety Name of 1st cut in 1st harvest year at 5.24 t/ha Total annual yield at t/ha Crude protein % in 1st cut of 1st harvest year Ground Cover % (2nd harvest year) Lemmon Suitable for my farm Merviot AberClaret AberChianti Avisto Harmonie Amos* Maro* Atlantis* * Tetraploid 19

22 List of Grass and Clover Breeders Aberystwyth University (IBERS) Gogerddan Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 3EB Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute Manor House Loughgall Co Armagh Northern Ireland BT61 8JB Barenbrug UK Ltd 33 Perkins Road Rougham Industrial Estate Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP30 9ND British Seed Houses Camp Road Witham St Hughs Lincolnshire LN6 9QJ DLF Trifolium Thorn Farm Evesham Road Inkberrow Worcs WR7 4LJ Euro Grass B.V Weissenburgerstr Lippstadt Germany Grasslanz Technology Limited Tennent Drive Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand ILVO Caristasstraat Gent Belgium INRA Chez Agri-Obtentions S.A. La Miniere BP 46 F Guyan Court Cedex FRANCE L S Plant Breeding Ltd North Barn Manor Farm Milton Road Impington Cambridge CB24 9NF Limagrain UK Ltd Camp Road Witham St Hughs Lincs LN6 9TW RAGT Seeds Ltd Grange Road Ickleton Essex CB10 1TA Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre Oak Park Carlow Co. Carlow Ireland

23 Pasture Improvement Flow Chart Grass and/or animal growth rates below expectation Dig a hole to 30cm Compacted layer identified No compaction Correct in existing sward or as part of a re-seed Take a soil sample and test it for ph, P and K ph is below 6 ph is above 6 Lime needed seek expert advice on rates P and K indices are reducing Review application rates and use of manures P and K indices are increasing Reduce rates and save costs Assess weed levels and types Docks above 10 in 5m x 7m area Control in existing sward over more than one season,then reseed if low level sown species Broad leaved weeds above target levels Control in existing sward or through sward destruction and then re-seed No visible broad leaved weed concerns Consider weed grasses and sown species in sward Pull up some grass plants and identify species remember ryegrass has red bases Sown species above 70% Sward still productive, but consider benefits of introducing newer varieties through re-seeding or overseeding British Grassland Society 2008 No clover Sown species below 50% Consider introducing clover to increase protein and fix nitrogen Re-seeding will increase yields, feed value and response to nitrogen 21

24 Grass seed order form Dear Merchant - Please can you supply me with a grass mixture suitable for the following: Field name: For: Beef Sheep Dairy Mixed grazing It is likely to be: Grazed only Silaged once Silaged 2-3 times Needs to last: 1 year 2 years 3-4 years 5 years 10 years is for overseeding only My soil ph is: P and K indexes are: P: K: Nitrogen use: None Low Medium High My priority is: Quality Balance of both Recommended Grass and Clover Lists is funded by plant breeders through the British Society of Plant Breeders and the ruminant levy boards - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board operating through EBLEX and DairyCo, and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC/Meat Promotion Wales). The full List can be found at I wish to include varieties for: Early spring growth Mainly mid-season growth Late autumn grazing Extended spring and autumn grazing Crown rust resistance is: Very important Moderately important Not important Other diseases I am concerned about include: Species must include: White clover Red Clover High digestibility grasses Timothy Other Other requirements: My Details Name: Phone: Address: Postcode: