SWARDS OF THE FUTURE SWARDS OF THE FUTURE Climate change and environmental pressures demand more sustainable methods of agricultural production. To be truly sustainable, these methods must enhance our environment, our community and ultimately, our business. We now have a clear target to achieve a 25% reduction in emissions from agriculture by 2030 while supporting the three pillars of sustainability. > Environment > Society > Ecomony DLF have a range of future-proof solutions designed to reduce costs and emissions and improve the resilience of Irish farms in a changing climate. IMPROVE FORAGE QUALITY & SUPPLY The addition of clover and herbs can greatly improve forage quality as these species are higher in protein with greater digestibility and palatability than grass alone. Inclusion of clover and herbs in grass mixtures means forage production in the summer. REDUCE N REQUIREMENT & EMMISSIONS Every 1kg of N applied as fertiliser can lead to the emission of ~5kg CO2-eqv. Incorporating red and white clover and multi-species swards into your farm system could reduce your fertiliser requirement by 150 – 250kg N/ha per year. HOME-GROWN FEED Reduce your C footprint and keep control of your winter feed stocks by growing your own protein. Crops like DLF N Saver Silage and DLF Alfalfa can reduce the amount of bought-in protein needed over winter and can buffer against fluctuating input costs. DROUGHT TOLERANCE Swards with dseep rooting herbs and clover species cxan remain productive even when water is in short supply. Multi-Species swards are proving a huge success on drier farms as seen across the country in summer 2022. 02
Download PDF file