Research provides clarity on the botanical composition of species-rich grassland under mowing and grazing

During the study, researchers first evaluated how the NutriHerb Balance grass-herb mixture performs under grazing. The results showed that cows grazing a NutriHerb Balance pasture consumed as much as, or more than, cows grazing a pasture consisting of 100% perennial ryegrass.

Botanical composition 

Researchers then examined the botanical composition of the grass-herb mixture under regimes of either continuous grazing or exclusive cutting. In both spring and autumn, the botanical composition of the sward was assessed.

All herbs remain present

Under grazing, all herb species remained clearly present after two seasons. Even red clover, which is often considered less persistent under grazing, was still clearly visible. The proportion of caraway and plantain increased slightly, while the proportion of white clover increased significantly. As the overall proportion of herbs increases under grazing, the proportion of grasses decreases slightly. These studies show that livestock farmers who choose species-rich grassland do not need to fear that their herb-rich pasture will become grass-dominated or that their grassland will become overgrown.

Higher grass proportion under cutting

Even when the field is cut throughout the year, all herb species remain present in the pasture in autumn. However, the proportion of herbs decreases slightly, while the proportion of grasses increases.

Two NutriHerb mixtures

Based on many years of research, Barenbrug has developed balanced herb mixtures that perform well on all soil types. Barenbrug Balance is a ready-to-use grass-herb mixture in which herbs are combined with clover, tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. NutriHerb Essence is a mixture containing the essential herbs caraway, narrow-leaved plantain and chicory. This mixture can be combined with the grass-clover mixture of your choice.