Analysis of existing experiments to deliver enhanced understanding of sward dynamics in MSS

Overview & Synopsis

Objectives The objective of this Deliverable was to examine some current experimentation being carried out by partners in ‘Multisward’ on sown multispecies swards (MSS), with the aim of (1) describing the extent of species dynamics in a range of experiments; (2) demonstrating the effects of species dynamics on important MSS properties (in this case forage quality) using one experiment as an example; (3) examining different approaches to the analysis of species dynamics. Rationale Multisward partners were requested to send information and data on species dynamics in current experiments involving sown MSS. A literature review was carried out which focused on factors influencing species dynamics in MSS and experimental approaches to analysing this. Three experiments were chosen to demonstrate the extent of species dynamics in MSS and to show possible approaches to analysing species dynamics. The effects of species dynamics on sward nutritive quality were examined in detail for one of these experiments. Because species dynamics influence many properties of MSS, including ecosystem services, it was considered important to identify their effects on other aspects being researched in the Multisward project. Therefore, links between this Deliverable and other Multisward Workpackages are highlighted in bold. Teams involved ART (Switzerland), AU-IBERS (UK), INRA (France), PULS (Poland), UGOE (Germany), UMB (Norway) Geographical areas covered Conclusions are considered to be applicable to MSS across all regions of Europe.