Farm management and the botanical diversity of intensive grasslands.
Eileen Power
Supervisors: Dr. Jane Stout and Dr. Daniel Kelly
Intensified grasslands are the dominant type of grassland in lowland regions, representing millions of hectares in Europe. Over 80% of agricultural land in Ireland is permanent grassland, most of which is intensive. However, there is little up-to-date information on the composition of intensive grassland swards across Ireland. Most studies on grassland biodiversity have been undertaken in species-rich or ‘high biological value’ grasslands. In addition, a large volume of work has been completed on the effects of agrochemicals and other farming practises on botanical diversity in various arable crop systems with little reference to intensive grasslands. This study will concentrate on the effects of some farm practises (e.g. usage of herbicides, organic/mineral fertilisers, grazing and cutting) on botanical diversity in the sward and field margin. In addition, the impact of organic farming (reportedly a sustainable farming system) on biodiversity will be assessed. Changes in plant diversity in grassland swards will be documented in relation to traditional and novel herbicide application methods, herbicide type and grassland management (grazing/cutting), using experimental plots at three sites. The botanical differences between organic and conventional field margins and swards in permanent pastures (on 20 farms), will also be assessed and linked to inputs. The influence of farmer attitude to biodiversity on the plant diversity of their farm will also be assessed as well as the heterogeneity of the surrounding landscape. As a result, the botanical diversity of Irish intensive grasslands may be further understood within the context of farm practise and system.