Search Results (34)

Effective and sustainable livestock management within Mediterranean ecosystems depends heavily on accurate and timely monitoring of sward composition. Traditionally, this task has relied on human observers who must traverse large and often rugged areas to identify the distribution of grasses, legumes, shrubs, and other plant groups. However, this approach is not only labor-intensive and slow but also susceptible to substantial human error, especially when observations must be repeated frequently or carried out under difficult field conditions. In the present study, an alternative method that integrates wearable cameras with modern computer-vision techniques to automatically recognize pasture plant species through an edge device present in farm premises was investigated. Additionally, the feasibility of achieving reliable classification performance on resource-constrained edge devices was evaluated. To this end, five widely used pre-trained convolutional neural networks were compared against a lightweight custom model developed entirely from scratch. The results demonstrated that ResNet50 delivered the strongest classification accuracy, achieving a Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC) of 0.992. Nonetheless, the custom lightweight model proved to be a practical compromise for real-world field use, reaching an MCC of 0.893 while requiring only 6.24 MB of storage. The inference performance on Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 5, and Jetson Orin Nano platforms was also evaluated, revealing that the Selective Search stage remains a major computational limitation for achieving real-time operation. The results obtained confirm the possibility of implementing a plant identification system in agricultural facilities without the need to transfer images to a cloud-based application. Full article

Although multispecies grassland leys are known to influence nutrient dynamics in soils, little is known about the soil potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) quantities in such systems. In this study, we quantified soluble, active, and exchangeable forms of K and Mg in two contrasting sites differing in soil types: Cambisols and Luvisols. These measurements were conducted in grassland ley swards differing in the species composition of their sown mixtures. The grassland ley experiment included six species belonging to three functional groups: grasses (G1: Lolium perenne, G2: Phleum pratense), legumes (L1: Trifolium repens, L2: Trifolium pratense), and herbs (H1: Cichorium intybus, H2: Plantago lanceolata). Thirty-three plant communities were established following a simplex design approach, with sown proportions ranging from 100% (monocultures) to 50%, 33%, 25%, 16.7%, and 0% across the different mixture combinations. Plant diversity only had a slightly negative trend for potassium on Cambisols. Grass-dominated mixtures maintained higher soil K levels, while legume-rich swards exhibited lower concentrations, consistent with legumes’ greater K demand. Notably, the different effects of extractants on K were most evident in Cambisols, indicating stronger cation retention. This indicates the need to use the CaCl₂ and NH₄OAc extraction methods to determine the potassium content in this type of soil, and that these methods should be considered for evaluation of soil fertility. Full article

The aims of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of audio detection for identifying feeding sounds in free grazing sheep and to assess whether the recognition of these sounds could be influenced by pasture characteristics. Twelve Valle del Belice dry ewes were grazed on two mixed swards: on 10 May, grass-rich sward (G); on 13 May, legume-rich sward (L). Each ewe was fitted with a collar equipped with a point of view (POV) camera. All audio files (without viewing the videos) were listened to and sounds recognized as herbage prehension and rumination activity were highlighted. Time spent eating and ruminating was then calculated. To validate the audio file analysis, all video files were subjected to observation of the same behavioral aspects detected with audio. The regression between the prehensions number estimated using sound alone and the actual values recorded through video was significant (r² 0.743; p < 0.001). No differences were found in recognizing grazing behavior between data obtained by listening or watching the videos and between the two swards. The acoustic analysis of the single bites on grass and legume forages reveals significant differences between the two forage classes (p ≤ 0.001) particularly in terms of energy, temporal structure, and spectral features. Since sheep showed a strong selective activity towards legumes even in the grass-rich sward (selectivity index 3.1), this may have reduced acoustic differences between swards. Full article

Regenerative agricultural practices emphasize the use of diverse pasture species within sustainable agriculture production systems. The inclusion of a range of legume species in diverse pasture swards is likely to increase biological N fixation (BNF) across seasons, reducing the system’s reliance on synthetic N inputs. The present field study aims to quantify BNF in selected legume species within diverse pasture (combining 9 species) and standard pastures (ryegrass and clover combination) and assess their performance to identify the potential for improving N supply while maintaining year-round pasture quality. A year-round seasonal BNF was assessed by evaluating soil N status, nodulation patterns, plant composition, and conducting ¹⁵N natural abundance studies. The results revealed that the diverse pasture sward produced 5.4% more dry matter compared to the standard pasture, while soil mineral N (NO₃⁻, NH₄⁺) remained statistically similar between the two treatments. Nitrogen yield was 9.3% higher in the diverse pasture than in the standard pasture. ¹⁵N natural abundance analysis assessment revealed no substantial variation in BNF rates across treatments throughout the study. However, in contrast to standard pasture, the BNF rate in diverse pasture experienced a 3-fold increase from winter to summer, while the standard pasture exhibited a 1.5-fold increase. In both pasture systems, BNF increased with clover proportion up to 30%, indicating optimal fixation at moderate clover levels. The findings underscore the potential of diverse pastures when strategically managed to enhance seasonal BNF while sustaining pasture productivity. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of reduced nitrogen fertilization and the intercropping of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) with forage legumes—common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)—on milk production and enteric methane emissions in grazing dairy cows. Twelve Holstein × Jersey cows were assigned to a crossover design involving two treatments: ryegrass monoculture (RG) or ryegrass—legume mixture (RG + Leg). Methane emissions were measured using GreenFeed systems; grazing behavior, milk yield and composition, and organic matter digestibility were also assessed. Legume inclusion contributed ~9% of the pre-grazing biomass, and cows grazing RG + Leg pastures had lower herbage mass (−214 kg DM/ha) and lower herbage allowance (−6 kg DM/cow/day) than cows on monoculture ryegrass. Energy-corrected milk (ECM), methane emissions (g/day and g/kg ECM), and grazing behavior were not significantly affected by treatment. These results suggest that, under subtropical grazing conditions, reducing nitrogen fertilization combined with the modest inclusion of vetch and red clover does not mitigate enteric methane emissions nor enhance animal performance. Enhanced strategies to increase legume proportion in mixed swards are needed to unlock their potential for sustainable intensification of pasture-based dairy systems. Full article

The efficiency and quality of meadows is affected by, among others, the botanical composition of the sward and the frequency of cutting. The research was conducted in 2023–2024 on the experiment established in 2014 on arable land, where 3-species mixtures of grasses and legumes were sown. During the next three years, the sward was fertilized and cut 3-times per year, and then, for five years, was mown twice a year, without fertilization. On the sward formed at that time, in 2023, an experiment was established to evaluate how management intensity (2- or 3-cuts and rate of fertilizer) and silicon application (Si or 0Si) affect botanical composition, yield, and nutrient content in perennial meadow swards under variable precipitation over two years. Species richness rose in the sward in the second year, especially under 3-cut management (from 15 to 21 species). The share of species sown earlier in the mixtures Dactylis glomerata, Festulolium braunii, and Medicago x varia was very high at both management intensities (66–87% DM). Yield and the content of crude protein and nutrients were higher in the 3-cut system in the second and third regrowths. Silicon supplementation increased plant diversity and yield resilience during drought, with more intensive management supporting sustainable forage production. Moreover, the sward contained more nutrients with 3-cuttings in the second and third regrowths. These findings indicate that intensive meadow management and silicon application enhance productivity, forage value, and biodiversity, providing valuable insights for sustainable meadow management strategies. Full article

Permanent grasslands play a crucial role in ruminant nutrition, providing cost-effective and nutritionally rich forage. Their effective management is essential for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. This review examines factors affecting forage quality, including environmental conditions, botanical composition, conservation methods, and fertilization strategies. The impact of grassland management practices, such as cutting frequency, grazing systems, and soil fertility enhancement, on forage nutritional value is discussed. Advances in breeding, including genomic selection and molecular techniques, offer opportunities to improve digestibility and resistance to environmental stress. Furthermore, conservation methods, including haymaking and silage production, significantly influence forage quality. Special attention is given to the role of legumes and multi-species swards in enhancing protein content and mineral composition. The review highlights that optimizing forage quality requires an integrated approach, combining agronomic practices, genetic improvements, and sustainable management strategies. Future research should focus on developing resilient forage systems that maintain high nutritional value while adapting to changing climatic conditions. Full article

A better understanding of the role of plant composition and N cycle on agroecosystems is necessary, as these will be affected by future developments in agriculture intensification. To explore the effect of plant diversity on yield and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) balances in forage mixtures, identifying potential co-benefits between functions. We analyzed results from a field experiment where plants of three forage species (a grass, a legume, and a non-legume forb) were cultivated in monocultures and mixtures. Three years after sward establishment, dry matter yield, together with δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C, and C and N content in plant and soil material were measured. In addition, we analyzed a second scenario to investigate the effect of fertigation with pig slurry (δ¹⁵N = +8.4‰) on the C and N balances of forage species. Results support the hypothesis that C and N allocation is affected by plant diversity. Plant composition affected N source (% N derived from air, % N derived from soil, and % N transferred in mixtures). In addition, sown diversity increased yield and modulated C and N balances. The δ¹⁵N of samples was affected by both plant composition and fertigation. These results are consistent with previous work showing strong plant composition effects on N-balances, and the potential role that legumes play in enhancing nitrogen sources (derived from the atmosphere) into forage mixture systems. This study contributes to the prediction of suitable sown plant community composition and N management for the optimum agriculture with increased productivity and at the same time reduced environmental impact. Full article

Faced with the challenges posed by climate change, Serbian viticulture is looking for sustainable solutions for adaptable production. This study shows that grass is a multifunctional tool for overcoming the challenges of intensive viticulture while maintaining the quality of the grapes. In a three-year research experiment (2020–2022), the maintenance of an inter-row sward in a vineyard with four certified high-quality French Cabernet Sauvignon clones was investigated, and its effects on the ampelographic composition of the grapes and the quality of the grape juice (must) were studied as a function of wine quality. A grass sward was established between the rows as a biological soil management system and as a climate change adaptation measure in a high-intensity viticultural system. A grass–legume mixture was used as an inter-row cover crop, with nitrogen applied in two doses (50 and 100 kg ha⁻¹) in spring. The growth of the grasses responded to the nitrogen fertilisation, which was reflected in the biomass production, surface cover and nitrogen content in the biomass. At the end of the study, the biomass of the grass increased threefold when a high dose of nitrogen was applied compared to the non-fertilised grass. In contrast to the effects of nitrogen on the sward, N has no effect on the quantitative or qualitative parameters of the grapes. Clone 169 was separated for most grape mechanical parameters such as the bunch mass, all berries and the bunch stem; clone 15 showed the best grape juice quality parameters such as the sugar content and glycoacidometric index. The results show an option for climate change adaptation in viticulture that can mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, contribute to soil conservation and carbon storage in biomass and enable timely interventions in vineyards after heavy rainfall by creating accessible paths within the vineyards. The three-year effect of the different nutrient management of the sward in the inter-rows of Cabernet Sauvignon showed that the interaction between the two systems, sward and vine, is low and has no negative impact on the ampelographic and qualitative grape parameters. Full article

We conducted a four-year cutting experiment on herbage yield, with three years focused on testing the effect of perennial ryegrass (PR) cultivars ‘Elena DS’, ‘Raminta’, and ‘Verseka’, along with a cultivar mixture and compositions with white clover (WC) and red clover (RC) diversity, on crude protein (CP), modified acid detergent fibre (MADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) content. PR cultivars and cultivar mixtures were sown alone (N₁₅₀), and the PR ‘Elena DS’ and PR cultivar mixtures were also sown with each WC, or WC and RC (N₀). The average four-year herbage productivity was the lowest in PR ‘Elena DS’ the and cultivar mixture/WC, followed by all of the pure PR swards, and the highest in PR ‘Elena DS’ and the cultivar mixture/WC+RC; however, the PR ‘Elena DS’/WC+RC mixture had the highest legume proportion and CP content. There was less NDF but also WSC in swards with legumes, but higher CP content than in pure PR swards; however, the highest CP content was in mixtures with RC. Among the grasses, PR ‘Verseka’ had lower NDF contents and a higher WSC than PR ‘Elena DS’, ‘Raminta’, and the cultivar mixture. Overall, this study revealed significant differences in the productivity of PR cultivars with a potential yield difference of up to 1.7 t ha⁻¹. Full article

Legume-based livestock forage systems are widespread and socially relevant agroecosystems that are essential for delivering high-quality forage. Therefore, it is critical to determine how climate change and management might affect the functioning of forage agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of sainfoin swards under different management regimes by combining results from an experiment on species diversity effects on yield developed under extreme climatic conditions and a survey of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) swards and nutritive value in mountain regions in Catalonia, Western Mediterranean. Our results show that 12–59% of the variability in forage nutritive value parameters was accounted for by management. Young cattle-grazed swards showed higher nutrition quality that decreased faster than sheep-grazed or only mown swards. Mixing sainfoin with orchardgrass increased fiber content (e.g., +22% neutral detergent fiber) and decreased protein (−26%) and lignin (−11%) compared to sainfoin monocultures. However, under the extreme climatic conditions of the last three years, the only diversity effect found on yield was the identity of the species present. We propose that a combination of different sainfoin management regimes might be beneficial regionally for both quality forage production and overall biodiversity conservation, whereas traditional systems may be vulnerable to changing climatic conditions. Full article

This study focuses on the effect of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers on the quality of perennial grasses. Both grasses and legumes are important in swards, and each type of grass has different biological and ecological properties. Legumes in multi-species swards, especially in their early ages, benefit other Poaceae grasses by improving their growth. When evaluating individual cuts over a three-year period, it was determined that the quality indicators of the forage were significantly influenced by the year of use, N fertilizer application, and the different species compositions of the swards. In many cases, N fertilizers significantly reduced the CP content while tending to increase MADF and NDF. Monoculture grass swards had the highest WSC content; in most cases, N fertilizers increased the WSC content in the forage. DMD was the lowest in the first year of use, specifically in the first cut. Our three-year experiment, which investigated twelve swards with different species compositions, demonstrated that legume grasses improved the quality indicators of forage and contributed to maintaining a more stable overall forage yield over the years. As the climate continues to become warmer, there is a growing need to study a wide range of plant species and different varieties suitable for local growth conditions. Full article

The productivity of fodder legumes, based on internal sources of N, may be limited due to an insufficient supply of nutrients responsible for the efficient use of N accumulated by the crop during the growing season. Production risk occurs on soils that are naturally poor or depleted in nutrients that are decisive for the fixation and utilization of N₂ by alfalfa. This hypothesis was validated on the basis of a field experiment with an alfalfa–grass mixture carried out over three main seasons (2012−2014) on soil low in available potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). The experiment involved two factors that contained two levels of applied gypsum (GYP: 0, 500 kg ha⁻¹) fertilized with P and K (POT: absolute control—AC, P60K0, P60K30, P60K60, and P60K120). In each main season of the alfalfa–grass mixture, the sward was mowed three times (three cuts). The total sward yield (TY) reached its maximum in the second main season (15.6 t DW ha⁻¹), then it significantly decreased. The sward yield of the third cut was the main driver of the TY. The content of P in the first cut, and especially P and S in the third cut of the sward, affected the N:P and P:S ratios, which, in turn, determined the productivity of the alfalfa–grass mixture. The total amount of accumulated N (TN) in the sward significantly responded to gypsum and PK fertilizers. In the first and third main seasons, the highest TN was found on the plot fertilized with both gypsum and 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹. In the second main season, the TY was determined by PK dose, being variable in successive years. The highest total N accumulation (TN) was recorded in the second main season. It reached 504 kg N ha⁻¹ on the plots with GYP−0 and 436 kg N ha⁻¹ for GYP−500. However, the corresponding TY was 16.7 and 17.3 t DW ha⁻¹. This apparent discrepancy was due to the much higher productivity of N, which was 33.2 and 39.6 kg fodder DW ha⁻¹ TN, respectively. These two characteristics clearly indicate that the productivity of the accumulated N by the alfalfa–grass sward was significantly restricted by the shortage of P and S. The studies clearly emphasized that the sward of the alfalfa–grass mixture grown on soil depleted in available K, Ca, and S responds significantly to the combined application of gypsum and potassium, but provides effective control of the P supply, even on soil rich in available P. Full article

Intercropping perennial legumes with trees can reduce Nitrogen (N) losses, due to the high amount of N accumulated in stable forms in the soil and permanent soil cover during the whole year. Although N cycling improvement in mature agroforestry systems (AFS) was well documented, there is a lack of knowledge regarding systems in transition to AF. In this work, we studied the association of two perennial forage crops, namely ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.), with 1-year old poplars, to evaluate: (i) the agronomic performance of sulla and ryegrass with vs. without intercropped poplar trees; (ii) the N-fixing ability of sulla in association with trees; (iii) the N transfer effect from sulla and growth promoting effect on poplar; and finally (iv) the nitrate leaching reduction due to the presence of poplar trees associated to forage crops. The layout was arranged in a two-factor randomized complete blocks design (RCB) with three replicates. The first factor tested (crop species) implied two different swards, namely sulla and ryegrass. The second factor (cropping system) included two different systems: PAST i.e., a pastoral system without trees, and SIPAST, i.e., a silvo-pastoral system with one poplar tree row beside the sward. Sulla resulted more productive than ryegrass when associated with trees (+35%). No clear trend was observed about the tree influence on N-fixation in sulla, but the amount of N fixed resulted higher in in sulla grown in the SIPAST near the trees (+35%). Poplar plants, even in the first year after planting, resulted effective yet in reducing the nitrate flux from the crops towards ditches. Further investigations are needed to study other swards in young AF and better understand the N dynamics; in particular, it could be worth to assess the nutrient flux in the soil solution. Full article

Ruminant production systems are major contributors to greenhouse gases emissions, with animal feeding practices being the main cause for methane and nitrous oxide’s release. Although feeding animals forages has been proven to be more sustainable, traditional ryegrass monocultures still require a lot of input (e.g., fertilisers and pesticides). Multi-species swards, consisting of different swards, such as grasses, forage legumes and herbs, need less management and fertiliser, produce more dry matter, and also add a variety of phytochemicals into the animal diet. In particular, polyphenols have been associated with a positive impact on animal health and productivity. However, data on the phenolic composition of multi-species sward components is still scarce, and little is known about the change in concentration over the grazing season. The present study investigated the antioxidant activity of six forage species (perennial ryegrass, timothy, white clover, red clover, chicory and plantain) over the Irish grazing season, using FRAP, DPPH•^• and ORAC assays. The forages were screened for individual phenolic compounds using Liquid-Chromatography-Triple-Quadruple-Mass-Spectrometry. Plantain exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, being almost one and a half times higher than timothy and double that of chicory. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant polyphenol in perennial ryegrass, timothy and plantain. Overall, formononetin and biochanin A levels were higher in red clover, white clover and in chicory, in comparison to other forages (p < 0.05). Variations in antioxidant capacity and polyphenol composition were more significant between species (p < 0.01) than between season within species (p > 0.05). This study suggests that multi-species swards, regardless of the grazing month, offer a potential sustainable alternative to monoculture swards with significant antioxidant activity and nutraceutical compounds. Full article