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The Legume and Grass Relationship. Why are they such a good combination ?. Grazing Management. Farmers need to ensure they don’t overgraze or leave pasture to grow too long. Growth Stages (copy). 5 cm 10 cm 15 cm Flowering Dead optimal grazing.
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The Legume and GrassRelationship Why are they such a good combination ?
Grazing Management • Farmers need to ensure they don’t overgraze or leave pasture to grow too long.
Growth Stages (copy) 5 cm 10 cm 15 cm Flowering Dead optimal grazing
How do both clover and ryegrass assist each other ? • Grow at different times meaning always feed available • Clover provides nitrogen for ryegrass • Clover has high protein value giving high growth rates in young stock. • Recommended ratio = 70% ryegrass 30% clover
What if wrong ratio? • If 10% clover and 90% grass – low nitrogen fixation, poorer quality and quantity of pasture • If 90% clover and 10% grass – very little pasture available in winter. Total dry matter produced per hectare will be lower.
Pasture Growth Phases Stage 3: Low growth rate and low quality Stage 2: High growth rate and good quality Stage 1: Low growth rate and high quality Overgrazing