Multi-species swards: A game-changer for Northern Ireland’s farmers

As Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector grapples with mounting environmental, production, and financial pressures, innovative solutions are emerging to address these challenges.

One such solution, gaining traction among farmers, is the adoption of Multi-Species Swards (MSS), also known as herbal leys.

These diverse seed mixes, combining grasses, legumes, and herbs, offer a sustainable approach to grassland management, delivering benefits for soil health, animal performance, and the environment while potentially reducing costs.

Colin McEvoy, a Beef and Sheep Adviser at the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), highlights the growing challenges facing farmers:

“Northern Ireland farmers are increasingly facing environmental, production and financial challenges.”

He suggests that transitioning from traditional single-crop grasslands to Multi-Species Swards could provide a practical and impactful solution.

What is a Multi-Species Sward?

A Multi-Species Sward is a carefully curated mix of grasses, legumes, and broad-leaved herbs tailored to the specific needs of a farm, its soil type, and its location.

“A MSS can include a mixture of up to seventeen species, depending on the aims of the ley, location and soil type,” McEvoy explains.

“This could be a mixture of grass species (including for example Ryegrass, Timothy, Fescues and Cocksfoot), legumes (including for example Red and White Clover, Lucerne and Sainfoin) and broad-leaved herbs (including for example Chicory, Plantain and Yarrow).”

A typical MSS, widely used in the Republic of Ireland, consists of 6.6kg Perennial Ryegrass (PRG), 0.7kg Timothy, 1.5kg White Clover, 1.5kg Red Clover, 1kg Plantain, and 0.7kg Chicory. This diverse combination is designed to enhance forage quality, improve soil fertility, and support environmental sustainability.

The Benefits of Multi-Species Swards

Research published by AgriSearch in 2023 underscores the transformative potential of MSS for beef and sheep farming systems.

The report highlights that MSS can achieve similar herbage yields to grass-only swards while significantly increasing biodiversity and nitrogen use efficiency. Notably, MSS requires 45% less chemical nitrogen fertiliser per hectare per year compared to a Perennial Ryegrass sward, addressing environmental concerns by reducing nitrogen leaching risks and the reliance on synthetic fertilisers.

The inclusion of nitrogen-fixing legumes, such as Red and White Clover, boosts the protein content of the sward, potentially leading to higher daily liveweight gains and improved livestock performance. The AgriSearch report confirms that MSS can deliver equal or superior animal performance compared to traditional grass swards, alongside additional health benefits.

Herb species like Plantain and Cocksfoot, with their deep root systems, enhance drought resistance and improve resource utilisation from deeper soil layers.

This contributes to better soil structure, drainage, and aeration, fostering a healthier soil ecosystem that supports earthworms and other soil biology. These improvements can extend grazing periods during drought, offering resilience against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Moreover, grazing MSS has been linked to reduced requirements for anthelmintics (used to control parasitic worms) and mineral supplementation, thanks to the rich mineral content of the sward. These reductions translate into cost savings for farmers, making MSS an economically attractive option.

A Step Towards Sustainable Farming

The environmental and economic advantages of MSS align with the growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture in Northern Ireland. By enhancing soil health and reducing the need for chemical inputs, MSS supports farmers in meeting environmental regulations while maintaining productivity.

The diverse rooting depths of MSS species improve soil drainage and structure, contributing to long-term soil fertility and resilience.

For farmers considering reseeding, incorporating a Multi-Species Sward could be a strategic move. However, as with any reseeding effort, soil health is paramount. McEvoy advises that farmers should adjust Phosphorus (P), Potash (K), and pH levels based on a current soil analysis report. Many farmers have access to these reports through the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS), which offers valuable insights into soil conditions.

For those yet to complete their SNHS training, CAFRE provides an online course accessible at www.cafre.ac.uk/snhs-training. This training equips farmers with the knowledge to optimise soil health, a critical foundation for successful MSS establishment.

Expert Guidance for Farmers

As interest in Multi-Species Swards grows, CAFRE encourages farmers to seek expert advice to tailor MSS mixes to their specific needs. “For further advice on reseeding or Multi-Species Swards, please contact your local CAFRE Adviser,” McEvoy urges.

With their potential to enhance biodiversity, improve livestock performance, and reduce costs, Multi-Species Swards represent a forward-thinking solution for Northern Ireland’s farmers. As the agricultural sector navigates a challenging landscape, adopting MSS could pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.