Converting a ryegrass/clover grassland to a sward with diverse species resulted in lower carbon losses than when regrassing with ryegrass/clover. Diverse swards also maintained the same level of dry matter production as the new ryegrass/clover mix, and both were greater than production from the old ryegrass/clover grassland.
Preliminary carbon balance studies for maize show large losses (most likely due to carbon offtakes during harvest) and the need for two cultivations (first to maize then to winter crop/permanent grassland). Measurements will be maintained to assess changes in soil carbon stocks for the full maize rotation, including both the import and export of maize feed.

Excerpt from the NZAGRC Highlights 2017 to be released in full shortly. Read more