Description
The use of short-term and highly productive grass species on permanent grasslands in order to increase the yield of dry matter of grass per hectare and improve botanical composition of the sward. Grass and legume species used by the farmer in renovation of permanent grassland, mainly overdrilling are as follow: Italian ryegrass; tall oat-grass; alsike clover.
Reason for the innovation
It is almost impossible to buy or rent a new agricultural land in the farmer’s liv-ing area. Using short-term and highly productive grass species on permanent grasslands is a way to increase the amount of roughage. With such an approach the farmer also reduces financial loss in case of occurrence of unfavourable con-ditions in a specific year. The owner of the holding initiated the creation of the group of agricultural producers in the region. The group intends to do various investments, including those on grasslands. Although over 50% of permanent grasslands require renovation in Poland, many Polish farmers are afraid of investing in permanent grasslands, as there is the high risk of failure. It is highly noticeable, especially in Wielkopolskie voivodeship and Kujawsko-pomorskie voivodeship.
Farm description
Environment
- Soil types: Sandy, Sandy-loam, Peat
- Climate: Warm-summer humid continental
- Altitude: 65 m a.s.l.
- Slope: 0%
Grassland management
- All of the grasslands are exclusively mowed.
- The sward is conserved by making haylage and hay.
Structure
- Annual Work Unit 3
- Agricultural Area: 106 ha UAA
- Main forage area: 106 ha
- Arable land area: 71 ha
- Permanent grassland area: 35 ha
- Temporary grassland area: 6 ha
- Other forage area: 65 ha
- Average stocking rates:
- agricultural area 3.2 LU/ha
- main forage area 3.2 LU/ha
- grassland area 8.4 LU/ha
Animal performance
- Dairy cows: 230
- Total livestock units: 344.5 LU
- Milk production per head (l/year) 9300
Why it is working
The farmer cooperates with researchers, advisors and other farmers and he is up to date with the latest results of grassland overdrilling.
