Tasks

Multi4More aims to investigate the use of multispecies swards on Irish grassland farms. It is investigating lower-nitrogen practices, and impacts on production and the environment. The consortium brings together leading Irish researchers to create and disseminate evidence-based knowledge through demonstration events, online resources and a commitment to long-term research and practice. Task 1 focuses on: […]

Task 2 of Multi4More aims to investigate the nutrient replacement value and optimal functional group proportions of grass, legume, and herb in multispecies mixtures across three field sites (Teagasc, Johnstown Castle; UCD Lyons; AFBI Crossnacreevy).  In a plot experiment, we have sown different combinations of grasses, legumes and herbs (using a simplex design) at three […]

Task 3 of Multi4More investigates the impact of functional group diversity (grass, legume, and herb) on nitrogen dynamics and agronomic metrics.  Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, have risen rapidly, with agriculture being a major contributor due to emissions from synthetic nitrogen (N) fertiliser. Multispecies mixtures comprising grasses, legumes, and herbs that […]

Task 4 of Multi4More investigates the effects of multispecies swards on several agronomic metrics. The Multi4More team will analyse the effects of functional group diversity and nitrogen fertiliser levels on weed suppression, forage quality, symbiotically fixed nitrogen, and legacy effects. 

Task 5 of Multi4More investigates the potential of multispecies swards to enhance soil physical properties and invertebrate populations compared to perennial ryegrass monocultures. Research will be conducted on the impact of different sward types and livestock systems on soil biodiversity, including earthworm and wider soil biological activity, as well as above-ground invertebrate abundance and diversity. […]

Task 6 of Multi4More aims to investigate the impact of multispecies swards on animal performance and sward productivity in mid-season sheep production systems.  (UCD) As part of an ongoing systems-scale sheep study, two main vegetation types are being compared: a perennial ryegrass based system, and a multispecies system. A range of animal and sward performance […]

Task 7 of Multi4More will analyse data from the international LegacyNet to identify optimal grass, legume, and herb proportions for grassland mixtures. LegacyNet is a global network of experiments with 26 member sites that quantifies the effects of up to six grassland species in three functional groups on grassland responses. Effects of plant diversity on […]