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Project title

Multi4More

Primary Funding Agency

DAFM

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Teagasc

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Multi4More investigates and synthesises understanding of plant diversity (grasses, legumes, herbs) and fertiliser effects on multi-species mixtures to enhance agronomic performance, reduce nitrous oxide emissions, and increase environmental sustainability of forage-based livestock systems under lower-nitrogen conditions. This project will investigate the optimal design of grass:legume:herb proportions in multi-species mixtures for forage and livestock production. It will also investigate how low can nitrogen application on mixtures go without compromising yield and quality. Multi4More deploys state-of-the-art experimental design in a common experiment at three Irish sites. A range of 13 multi-species mixtures will be investigated; (grasses, legumes, herbs) at 0, 75 and 150 kg/ha/yr of nitrogen fertiliser; a perennial ryegrass+white clover mixture at same nitrogen levels, and; perennial ryegrass monocultures at 0, 75, 150 and 300 kg/ha/yr. Multi4More will inform the design of multi-species mixtures that optimise: forage production, nitrogen replacement value, nitrous oxide emissions intensity, total nitrogen yield, weed suppression, forage quality, invertebrate biodiversity and soil health. The multi-site design improves the generality of results. In a highly innovative feeding experiment with state-of-the-art design, Multi4More investigates plant diversity effects (grass:legume:herb) on a range of animal performance and environmental impact measurements, including feed intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, nitrogen excretion and methane emissions. It will measure both grassland and livestock performance in an experimental sheep system with a mixtures treatment (and control). Consolidating leadership in this research area, Multi4More uses LegacyNet data from a current global experiment (38 sites) to investigate systematic manipulation of diversity from monocultures to six-species mixtures of two grasses, two legumes and two herbs on yield and legacy effects. Multi4More transfers knowledge through stakeholder engagement; farm-based and online demonstration events and the development of targeted resources on multi-species mixtures for policymakers, individual farmers, advisory services, and agricultural educationalists.

Grant Approved

�1,453,533.02

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options

Start Date

01/07/2022

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/06/2027