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The Effect of Kurzrasen and Strip-Grazing on Grassland Performance and Soil Quality of a Peat Meadow

Author

Listed:
  • Nyncke Hoekstra

    (Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3–5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands)

  • Gertjan Holshof

    (Animal Nutirition, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • René Schils

    (Agrosystems Research, Wageningen Plant Research, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Bert Philipsen

    (Animal Nutirition, Wageningen University and Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Kees van Reenen

    (Animal Health & Welfare, Wageningen Livestock Research, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Karel van Houwelingen

    (KTC Zegveld, Oude Meije 18, 3474 KM Zegveld, The Netherlands)

  • Nick van Eekeren

    (Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3–5, 3981 AJ Bunnik, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Due to the increased herd size in the Netherlands, there is need to assess the performance of different grazing systems at high stocking densities. The objective of the current experiment was to assess the effect of two extreme grazing systems, kurzrasen (continuous grazing at 3–5 cm sward height) and strip-grazing at a high stocking rate, on grass production and quality, grass morphology and sward density, root development and load bearing capacity on peat soil. To this end, a two-year grazing trial with four herds of 15 cows on 2 ha each was conducted. Kurzrasen showed 18% lower herbage dry matter production on average compared to strip-grazing. The yield penalty of using a shorter regrowth period under kurzrasen was limited due to the strong response in grass morphology, resulting in a dense and lamina-rich sward. There was a small decline in root density at 10 cm soil depth, but no evidence of a lower root density at 20 cm soil depth for kurzrasen compared to strip-grazing. Sward density was higher for kurzrasen compared to strip-grazing, which had a positive impact on load bearing capacity. This is an important feature on peat soils, where load bearing capacity is often limited.

Suggested Citation

  • Nyncke Hoekstra & Gertjan Holshof & René Schils & Bert Philipsen & Kees van Reenen & Karel van Houwelingen & Nick van Eekeren, 2019. "The Effect of Kurzrasen and Strip-Grazing on Grassland Performance and Soil Quality of a Peat Meadow," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-18, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:22:p:6283-:d:285008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Crider, Franklin J., 1955. "Root-growth Stoppage Resulting from Defoliation of Grass," Technical Bulletins 156759, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nyncke Hoekstra & Gertjan Holshof & Ronald Zom & Bert Philipsen & René Schils & Nick van Eekeren, 2020. "The Effect of Grazing System and Level of Concentrate Protein Feeding on Milk Production and N Use Efficiency of Dairy Cows on Peat Meadows," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.

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