Seed quality is crucial – pathways to climate-resilient intensive grassland
In Austria, high-performing grassland forms the basis for sustainable livestock production and numerous ecosystem services. However, with increasing climate fluctuations, the question arises: How can intensive grassland systems remain stable, productive, and of high quality in the future? The Seedmix investigated this question in a comprehensive, multi-year field trial.
Seven locations, three levers
At seven climatically diverse locations in Austria – including Gumpenstein, Piber, Hagenberg, and Imst – various seed mixtures were tested under intensive, near-practical conditions between 2020 and 2025. The following were compared:
- Seed qualities (ÖAG quality, Saatgut Austria, reference trade mixtures),
- Usage intensities (four- vs. five-cut usage) as well as
- Management measures such as reseeding with red clover and substituting meadow fescue with more drought-tolerant species such as Festulolium and tall fescue.
The trials took into account yields, feed quality and botanical composition as well as cover levels and weed infestation.
Key findings and recommendations
Seed quality pays off
A clear long-term advantage emerged for ÖAG quality seed: compared to reference mixtures, these stands exhibited higher dry matter yields, better crude protein yields (on average +10%), significantly better projective cover, and less weed infestation. This advantage was particularly pronounced from the third year of the trial onward.
Recommendation: For intensive use, it is essential to use tested, high-quality seed mixtures – they ensure sustainable yield and crop survival.
Reseeding – only makes sense in a targeted manner
Reseeding with red clover resulted in slight yield advantages and a higher proportion of legumes in the stand, even with lower cutting intensity (four cuts). However, with intensive use (five cuts), mechanical stress and competition had a negative impact.
Recommendation: Reseeding is only worthwhile if there are gaps in the existing stand. In young, dense stands, the benefit is limited.
Substitution – a differentiated view
Replacing meadow fescue with tall fescue or festulolium showed only moderate, sometimes site-specific, effects. In the 5-cut system, higher dry matter yields could be achieved in some areas, but often at the expense of forage quality and energy content.
Recommendation: A blanket substitution is not recommended. Location and mix selection must be individually tailored.
Project partners: AGES, Office of the Tyrolean State Government
