Net Herbage Accumulation Rate (NHAR) of Plantain and Chicory Based Sward Mixes

The managed grasslands of New Zealand have a range of forage species comprising grasses and legumes that can be grown and utilised in a wide range of conditions (Saggar et al., 2007). Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and white clover (Trifolium repens) are the dominant grass and legume species found in these grasslands (Hodgson et al., 2005; Waghorn and Clark, 2004). Annual pasture production is affected by the soil moisture status, nutrient levels and temperatures (Valantine and Kemp, 2007). Therefore, monthly pasture production can vary from year to year. Net herbage accumulation rate (NHAR) is a measurement of pasture production (Valantine and Kemp, 2007). Net herbage accumulation rate can be used to help with livestock management by determining the carrying capacity of the land. Alternative forages such as plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and chicory (Cichorium intybus) are becoming popular in New Zealand. Kemp et al., (2010) suggested that farmers could achieve „marketable target weight‟ of lambs sooner by feeding a herb and legume mix consisted of plantain, chicory, white clover (Trifolium repens) and red clover (Trifolium pratense) compared to a ryegrass/white clover pasture. However, a significant potential limitation in the use of these herbages is the seasonality of their production. There is a dearth of knowledge on NHAR of these herb-clover mixes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine NHAR and NHAR curves for plantain and chicory based sward mixes.