ZeroNSile
ZeroNsile was developed with the increasing cost of fertiliser and a need to reduce carbon footprint on farms at the forefront. This on-farm research project will examine the feasibility and practicalities of producing silage without the use of manufactured N fertiliser.
AgriSearch have previously led a number of multispecies sward (MSS) projects which mainly focused on grazing systems for beef and sheep farms. The dairy sector in comparison is heavily reliant on good quality silage. There was therefore a need to explore additional solutions which would work for all sectors such as Red Clover swards. There is also a smaller element to this project which involves trialling the legume lucerne for silage on 3 farms from the drier parts of County Down.
Previous work conducted at AFBI Hillsborough with red clover silage has been encouraging but there is limited experience on farm with regards to growing and utilising the crop.
Project Aims -
- Determine the feasibility and practicality of growing a good quality silage with no chemical nitrogen from a long-term red clover and grass crop
- Establish the viability and practicality of growing a good quality silage crop with no chemical nitrogen from lucerne, a legume which has little on-farm research in NI
About the project -
A total of 12 farms from across the province are taking part in this project, with 6 of these being dairy farms and 6 being beef and/or sheep farms. An additional 3 farms are taking part in the smaller Lucerne study.
Red clover: Up to 5ha of red clover is to be established on each farm, as well as a control field of similar size and nutrients. It is essential to make sure the fields have appropriate soil nutrient status so soil tests have been carried out on up to 8 fields per farm to identify suitable fields. Carbon measurements will also be undertaken on the chosen fields in both the first and final year of the project. Silage yield and quality monitoring will take place on up to 3 cuts/year (may be less in the first year of establishment) and compared to conventional grass sards on the same farms. The farmers will also be keeping nutrient application records.
Lucerne: Up to 2ha of lucerne is to be established on each farm. Soil tests have been carried out on farm to ensure the field is in the correct condition and any amendments can be made. Carbon measurements will also be undertaken on the field in both the first and the final year of the project. Similarly, to the red clover aspect of the project, silage yield and quality will be measured.