A productive and site-adapted permanent grassland is a key foundation for sustainable and economically successful livestock production. A balanced mix of species groups (grasses, legumes, and herbs) is essential for achieving consistently high yields with good forage quality . Climate change and prolonged periods of drought are increasingly putting grassland stands under pressure. To maintain the productivity of these stands in the future, in addition to using high-quality, drought-tolerant seed mixtures, expanding the species be considered.
Herbs have so far received little or no attention in seed mixtures for agricultural grassland in Central Europe. However, due to their sometimes pronounced drought tolerance , it could be beneficial to focus more attention on them in the future. Common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata) could play a more significant role in this regard. Cultivated varieties of these species differ from their wild counterparts in their considerably higher yield potential and possess an extensive root system that allows them to access water and nutrient reserves in deeper soil layers, even under dry conditions.
To date, there are only a few studies focusing on the conception of mixtures incorporating these species; furthermore, information is lacking regarding their forage quality and preservation, their behavior within the plant community, and their tolerance to cutting over several years. These questions are currently being investigated at four locations in Austria (two organic and two conventional).
