Description
The main species in Dutch grasslands is perennial ryegrass. Including herbs in Dutch grasslands for attracting meadow birds is innovative. The pros and cons of herb-rich grasslands were discussed in a meeting of scientists and practitioners on a farm on peat soil in the Alblasserwaard in the Netherlands. Scientific insights were summarised and can be found at http://www.louisbolk.org/downloads/3258.pdf. A long grazing season and improving the amount of meadow birds are the main goals of the visited farmer. Herb-rich grasslands were analysed during the meeting in a SWOT-analysis:
- Strengths: improved animal health, better soil quality, higher biodiversity (e.g. insects and meadow birds), lower costs
- Weaknesses: lower protein yield per ha, lower forage quality, possibility of ‘poisonous’ herbs
- Opportunities: system valued by society, higher milk price, higher biodiversity, financial compensation for more nests of meadow birds
- Threats: inconsistent regulations and subsidies, not all herbs are suitable for peat soil (due to pH)
The farmer was positive about the inclusion of herb-rich grasslands in his farming system and will continue to work with this system. The following recommendations were given to further improve the system: rotation of maize and herb-rich grasslands; sowing of the newest and most optimal seed mixtures for meadow birds with herbs that are currently available on the market; consider using only specific parts of the land for herb-rich grassland (for example near ditches or in corners). It was concluded that more research is needed on the management of herb-rich grasslands, the benefits of herb-rich grasslands and, specifically for peat soil, on optimal seed mixtures.
Abstract also available in:
Dutch | French | German | Italian | Polish | Swedish
