Plant diversity with species drilled in the same or alternate rows enhanced pasture yield and quality over 4 years

This paper reports on the effects of plant species diversity and sowing method pasture yield quality. Nineteen seed mixtures perennial ryegrass (PR), plantain (Pl), white clover (WC) red (RC) were sown 26 March 2015 at Lincoln University. Four PR, Pl WC repeated with separated in alternate drill rows. Plots grazed by sheep irrigated. After 4 years, a mixture 25% each based count – equivalent to 7.5 kg 5.6 Pl, 1.9 4.4 RC (19.4 total seed)/ha produced an optimal balance increased (17.44 t DM/ha/yr), weed suppression (0% yield), metabolisable energy (11.4 MJ/kg DM) crude protein (19% DM). Sowing had no effect. Plant enhanced production through positive interactions identity among legumes (WC RC) non-legumes (PR Pl). The strength between depended relative abundances involved. occurred alongside shifts over time. study demonstrated experimental basis for evaluation multi-species mixtures.