Explanation
Establishing a grass or herbal ley into an arable rotation adds diversity to the system and enables control of problem grassweeds. The grassweed seed in soil seedbank will decline over the life of the ley, or any grassweeds that do emerge are likely to be out competed and not set seed. This therefore acts a cultural control option for competitive arable weeds. The diversity of different plant species in the ley also enhances soil health and provides a break from arable pesticide inputs for the life of the ley.
Advantages
• Can reduce grassweed pressure and help manage herbicide resistance.
• Contributes to improved soil health.
• Requires more skilled labor and supports a more diversified farming operation.
• Broadens the cropping calendar by introducing new crop types and spreading the workload.
• Enhances biodiversity by incorporating grass species into arable systems, creating habitats for a wider range of plants and invertebrates.
Technical Aspects
Technical readiness
This solution is readily available and relatively easy to implement within the UK context.
Ease and efficiency of implementation
Successful establishment of grass leys and effective livestock management require specific skills and experience. However, guidance is available through advisory resources and peer learning from farmers who have already adopted this approach.
Need for training and education
Training is necessary for both the establishment and management of grass leys, as well as for handling and integrating livestock into arable systems.
Need for investments
Initial investment is required for infrastructure such as fencing, water supply, and seed for leys. Additional investment may also be needed for training and acquiring livestock management skills.
Policy Recommendations
Supportive policies could include incentive payments or subsidies for integrating livestock and grass leys into arable systems. Further research into the benefits of rotational grazing—particularly its role in reducing weed pressure in subsequent arable crops—would help promote adoption and refine best practices.