Reduced cutting and fertilising of grassland

Implementation

Short term

Sustainability components

  • GHG emissions
  • Air quality
  • Soil
  • Water
  • Biodiversity
  • Animal welfare
  • Economic
  • Social
  • Technical feasibility

Climate risk region

Continental
Continental

Weather event addressed

Drought
Summer

Farming system

ANIMALS
Dairy cows

Description of the measure

During drought periods, less cutting and fertilising till the grass is green and able to absorb nutrients again

Comments on sustainability

By mowing the grassland less often, the total yields are usually higher than with the normal number of cuttings. Less harvest crossings are therefore necessary which lead to a reduced fuel need, working hours and to less soil compaction. Due to a reduced fertilisation, less ammonia emissons occur. It is however important to cut old dry grass which won't green any more.