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De interesse voor kruidenrijk grasland neemt toe. In een tweejarig onderzoek werden twee typen kruidenrijk grasland – ‘productief’ en ‘extensief kruidenrijk’ – vergeleken met blijvend grasland. Hoe verschillen hun productie, hun bodemkwaliteit en de biodiversiteit van de flora en fauna? Het onderzoek werd uitgevoerd door het Louis Bolk Instituut, Wageningen Environmental Research, Wageningen Plant Research en De Vlinderstichting.

Marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre L.) is harmful to livestock and it increases in grassland when fertilisation is reduced. The combination of being a toxic feed and having few options to reduce its population brings challenges, especially for organic dairy farming. In a field trial on grassland with marsh horsetail infestation, electrical weed control (Zasso Xpower) was compared to no control of marsh horsetail and aboveground control using a chain harrow. Three replicates were placed in a field with high infestation and three in low infestation. Before treatments were applied, ground cover of marsh horsetail was between 8 and 15% in the high infestation plots and between 0.5 and 4% in the low infestation plots. Chain harrowing showed an initial reduction between 17 and 21%, while electrical control showed a reduction between 42 and 94%. Although initial reduction through electrical control was promising, in the next year marsh horsetail levels returned to that of the control treatment. The reduction through use of the chain harrow was not significant. Therefore, we conclude that a Zasso Xpower, as a single application, to control of marsh horsetail did not result in the desired level of reduction in the longer term. More frequent applications could provide a desirable effect.

In Nederland ligt een groot areaal kruiden- en faunarijk grasland (N12.02). Het overgrote deel heeft een slechte natuurkwaliteit. Er komen te weinig doelsoorten voor en ze worden gedomineerd door witbol of pitrus. Vanwege het grote areaal heeft het beheertype echter veel potentie voor verbetering van de biodiversiteit. Maar hoe beoordeel je eigenlijk de kwaliteit van kruiden- en faunarijk grasland en hoe kan die beoordeling in dienst staan van een goed beheer? Deze vragen proberen we aan de hand van een praktijkcasus te beantwoorden., In Nederland ligt een groot areaal kruiden- en faunarijk grasland (N12.02).Het overgrote deel heeft een slechte natuurkwaliteit. Er komen te weinigdoelsoorten voor en ze worden gedomineerd door witbol of pitrus. Vanwegehet grote areaal heeft het beheertype echter veel potentie voor verbetering vande biodiversiteit. Maar hoe beoordeel je eigenlijk de kwaliteit van kruiden- enfaunarijk grasland en hoe kan die beoordeling in dienst staan van een goed beheer?Deze vragen proberen we aan de hand van een praktijkcasus te beantwoorden.

The expanded usage of white clover has increased the importance of understanding white clover dynamics in pastures. It is assumed that clover plants have a higher tolerance for moisture and nutrient deficiencies when the taproot is still present. Therefore, the survival of the seminal taproot can influence the dynamics of clover. Past breeding efforts in countries like New Zealand have focussed on increasing the taproot longevity through hybridisation with a close relative of white clover. However, there is no direct evidence whether increased survival of the taproot results in increased performance of white clover. In this study, we aimed to (i) assess the relationship between taproot volume and taproot survival, and (ii) whether the timing of death of the seminal taproot influences the population dynamics of white clover varieties. In a two-year field experiment with 18 white clover varieties grown in monoculture and in mixture with Lolium perenne L, the taproot characteristics and population dynamics were studied. It was shown that taproot volume was positively correlated to both leaf size and taproot presence during autumn 2017, 1 year after sowing. The combination of the timing of death of the seminal tap root and the development of stolons seems to play a more important role in increasing the persistence of white clover than the absolute survival of the seminal taproot. Future research should focus on understanding the transition from a taprooted white clover to a stolonous white clover plant in relation to specific weather events such as winter frost conditions.

In three dairy grasslands on peat, minerals were added to manipulate the soil Ca:Mg ratio with or without effect on pH. The responses of soil properties and grass N yield were measured. CaCO3 application led to higher soil Ca:Mg ratio and pHKCl compared to the untreated control, decreased Ntotal and Ctotal, and increased P availability. Grass N yield increased in the first year by only 6% of the reduction in soil Ntotal, but not in the second year. A higher pH increased SOM decomposition, especially in soils with high P availability. MgCO3 reduced the Ca:Mg ratio, had little influence on soil parameters and no effect on grass N yield. In contrast, CaSO4 and MgSO4 did not influence pHKCl but reduced grass N yield in most cases. Results suggest stabilisation of organic matter by Ca binding in treatments with added Ca. We conclude that grass N yield was not linked with changes in Ca:Mg ratio but with soil pH. The pH effects on SOM decomposition depended on P availability and Ca binding. Hence, to avoid potentially large soil losses of C and N, the current agricultural advice on pH management in peat grasslands should be better adapted to local edaphic characteristics.

The current focus on intensification and maximizing productivity in agriculture can endanger soil biota and the ecosystem services they provide in such a way that it acts counterproductive and increases the dependence on external inputs. In this study, we aimed to identify the factors that are most limiting for the restoration of soil biota and their ecosystem services on sandy soils. To this end, we assessed microarthropod communities, their relationship with the aboveground food web and their effect on organic matter decomposition, in two land-use types: grasslands with agricultural land use and grasslands with nature land use. The latter are grasslands converted from agricultural land use, for the development of the Dutch National Ecological Network. For these land-use types, we took into account two main factors of disturbance: the number of years since the last tillage (i.e., plowing event), and the current grassland management (mowing or grazing). We found that the diversity of microarthropods was higher in nature grasslands than in agricultural grasslands. The abundance of microarthropods increased with time since last tillage for grasslands that were mown, but not for grasslands that were grazed. An agricultural grassland without tillage since 39 years had a microarthropod abundance similar to reference natural grasslands reported in previous research. The number of predatory beetles increased with a higher microarthropod abundance in mown grasslands, but not so in grazed grasslands. The number of fungivorous and herbofungivorous grazer microarthropods positively influenced the decomposition of soil organic matter as measured with the Tea Bag Index. Furthermore, we found a negative effect of Difenyl and total fungicide concentrations in the soil on (herbo)fungivorous grazers. Contrary to our expectations, we found more pesticide residues in nature grasslands than in agricultural grasslands. In conclusion, to restore the soil microarthropods and the ecosys

To evaluate the performance of organic and inorganic fertilizers for regeneration of ecosystem services in peat grasslands with biodiversity goals, we carried out a field experiment in the western peat district in the Netherlands. The fertilizers tested represent the current practice and potential alternatives for regenerative grassland management on drained peat. Experimental setup The field experiment (2013 – 2015) was conducted on a permanent grassland on peat soil (Terric Histosol; SOM 56 g 100 g−1 and pHKCl of 4.5 in 0-10 cm) at the experimental dairy farm at Zegveld (the Netherlands). In March 2013, a randomized block experiment (six blocks) was laid out with six fertilizer treatments and a control treatment (no fertilizer: “Contr”). The fertilizer used were: conventional dairy cattle slurry manure (“Slurry”), mature compost of kitchen and garden waste (“Comp”), dairy cattle farmyard manure (“FYM”), solid fraction of the cattle slurry manure (“SFrac”, obtained by pressurized filtration), inorganic N fertilizer (“IF”; calcium ammonium nitrate, 27% N) and a combination of inorganic N fertilizer and sawdust (“IF+SD”). Plot size was 4 × 10 m; for the Slurry treatment plots were 5.2 × 10 m. Slurry was applied by slit injection, the other fertilizers were applied by hand. Target application rate was 120 kg total N ha−1 yr−1, divided in two applications per year (February/March and May). This is relatively low for conventional grasslands but usual for grasslands with biodiversity goals (Kleijn et al., 2004). The amount of Ctotal applied in Comp was taken for the rate of sawdust to be applied. All plots were fertilized with 200 kg K2O ha−1 yr−1 (applications in March and May) (Commissie Bemesting Grasland en Voedergewassen, 2019). Fertilizer application quantities and organic matter and nutrient inputs are provided in Fertilizer_intput.csv (dataset). The grassland had an history of conventional management with mainly cutting, winter grazing with sheep and a normal fer

An important motivation for farmers to renew grassland swards (by ploughing and reseeding) is to introduce the most recent grass cultivars that give high yields and high forage quality. However, grassland renewal may affect soil quality negatively due to ploughing. The aims of this study were (1) to compare grass productivity and soil chemical quality of young and old grasslands, and (2) to investigate the relation between soil chemical quality and grass productivity. On clay soil in the north of the Netherlands we measured grass productivity and soil parameters of ‘young’ (5-15 years without grassland renewal) and ‘old’ (>15 years without grassland renewal) grasslands, located as pairs at ten different dairy farms. We selected grasslands with at least 70% desirable grasses (i.e. Lolium perenne and Phleum pratense). We found a lower herbage nitrogen (N) yield in young grassland and no significant difference compared with old grassland in terms of herbage dry matter yield and fertilizer N response. The soil of young grassland contained less soil organic matter (SOM), carbon (C-total) and nitrogen (N-total) compared to the old grassland soil. Grass productivity was positively correlated with SOM, N-total and C-total. The current management practice of renewing grassland after 10 years without considering the botanical composition is counter-productive.

Permanent grassland soils can act as a sink for carbon and may therefore positively contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. We compared young (5-15 years since latest grassland renewal) with old (>15 years since latest grassland renewal) permanent grassland soils in terms of carbon stock, carbon sequestration, drought tolerance and flood resistance. In old grassland soils we found a higher carbon stock (62 Mg C ha-1) than in young grassland soils (51 Mg C ha-1). The carbon sequestration rate tended to be higher (not statistically significant) in young (average 3.0 Mg C ha-1 year-1) than old (1.6 Mg C ha-1 year -1) grassland soils. Regarding potential drought tolerance, we found larger soil moisture and lower soil bulk density in old than in young grassland soils. Old grassland soils were also more resistant to heavy rainfall. We conclude that by extending grassland age on clay soil, farmers can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation ecosystem services.

Begin jaren nul deden biologische akkerbouw- en veebedrijven mee aan provinciale stimuleringsprojecten voor zogenoemde koppelbedrijven. Biologische akkerbouwers wilden de aanvoer van biologische mest veiligstellen, veehouders wilden voer uit de regio. Terugkijkend stellen akkerbouwers dat ze gras-klaver als rustgewas en het kunnen intensiveren van het overige deel van het bouwplan waardeerden.

Deze notitie is bedoeld als achtergrondstuk voor beleidsmakers, betrokkenen bij experimenteergebieden en andere stakeholders die aan de slag zijn met de ontwikkeling van Kritische Prestatie Indicatoren (KPI’s) voor duurzame kringlooplandbouw. De notitie biedt een gezamenlijk kader voor deze ontwikkeling. Een gezamenlijk kader is belangrijk doordat aan de vergader- en keukentafels verschillende beelden en verwachtingen ontstaan over de ontwikkeling van een KPI-systematiek voor kringlooplandbouw, wat de samenwerking in de weg kan staan. Deze notitie geeft daarom richting aan de verdere ontwikkeling en toepassing van een KPI-systematiek voor kringlooplandbouw.

Elevating soil organic matter (SOM) levels through changes in grassland management may contribute to lower greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change. SOM dynamics of grassland soils may be affected by grazing systems and plant species composition. We analyzed the effects of simulated grazing systems (continuous (CG), rotational (RG), and lenient strip grazing (LG)) and species composition (monocultures of perennial ryegrass fertilized (LP+) and unfertilized (LP−)), tall fescue (fertilized, FA+), and a mixture of these two species with white clover (fertilized, LFT+)) on root biomass and SOM dynamics in field experiments on loamy and sandy soils in the Netherlands. Dried cattle manure was added to all fertilized treatments. We hypothesized that SOM accumulation would be highest under CG and LG, and FA+ and LFT+ as a consequence of greater belowground biomass production. SOM was monitored after conversion from arable land for a period of two years (loamy and sandy soil) and five years (sandy soil). We found that management practices to increase SOM storage were strongly influenced by sampling depth and length of the grassland period. SOM increased significantly in nearly all fertilized treatments in the 0–60 cm layer. No differences between species compositions were found. However, when only the 30–60 cm soil layer was considered, significantly higher SOM increases were found under FA+, which is consistent with its greater root biomass than the other species. SOM increases tended to be higher under LG than RG. The results of this study suggest that it seems possible to comply with the 4-thousandth initiative during a period of five years with fertilized perennial ryegrass or tall fescue in monoculture after conversion from arable land. It remains to be investigated to which extent this sequestration of carbon can be maintained after converting grassland back to arable land.

The ambition of the Sustainable Dairy Chain (DZK) is to map out and promote biodiversity on all dairy farms in the Netherlands by means of the ‘Biodiversity Monitor’. This report describes the results of an assessment of the selected Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against biodiversity measurements on dairy farms. The percentage of grassland and the percentage of permanent grassland can be used as KPI for biodiversity at farm level. The KPI’s nitrogen soil surplus per ha and percentage of feed protein from own farms are related to a number of biodiversity measurements. Depending on the biodiversity target, these KPIs can be used to a greater or lesser extent as an indicator of biodiversity on a farm., De Duurzame Zuivelketen (DZK) heeft als ambitie om de biodiversiteit op alle melkveebedrijven in Nederland in kaart te brengen en te bevorderen middels de ‘Biodiversiteitsmonitor’. Dit rapport beschrijft de resultaten van een toetsing van de geselecteerde Kritieke Prestatie Indicatoren (KPI’s) aan biodiversiteitsmetingen op melkveebedrijven. Het percentage grasland en het percentage blijvend grasland zijn bruikbaar als KPI voor biodiversiteit op bedrijfsniveau. De KPI’s stikstofbodemoverschot per ha en percentage voereiwit van eigen bedrijf vertonen verbanden met enkele biodiversiteitsmetingen. Afhankelijk van de doelstelling rond biodiversiteit, zijn deze KPI’s meer of minder bruikbaar als indicator voor biodiversiteit op een bedrijf.

Reactive nitrogen (N) losses, and in particular nitrous oxide losses, from dairy grasslands on peat soils are generally high as a result of relative high soil organic matter contents, potential N mineralisation rates and shallow groundwater levels. Effects of the inclusion of the temperate forage species plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) (PL), which produces secondary compounds with biological nitrification inhibition capacity, on the fate of soil mineral N were studied in a combined mesocosm and field experiment. The experiments comprised four treatments differing in intentional herbage share of plantain versus perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) (100%PL, 66%PL, 33%PL and 0%PL). Potential nitrification in the mesocosm experiment was significantly lower at 100%PL versus 0%PL (p = 0.018), but soil nitrate concentrations were not. Nitrous oxide fluxes reduced by 39% (p = 0.021) in the presence of plantain in the field experiment, without an obvious link to the quantity of plantain. N use efficiency of plantain tended to increase with the quantity of plantain in the sward in the mesocosm experiment (p = 0.098), but not in the field experiment. Our results suggest that the presence of plantain can affect the fate of soil mineral N of dairy grasslands on peat soils.