Grazing vs. cutting: Clover yields suffer under sheep grazing pressure.
The study looked at how different ways of cutting and grazing affect the amount of white clover grown with perennial ryegrass. They tested eight clover varieties under three treatments: cutting only, rotational grazing, and continuous grazing. The results showed that the clover varieties performed differently under each treatment. Overall, clover yields were lower under grazing compared to cutting, mainly because sheep grazing selectively removed stolon material. The balance between grass and clover in the field also influenced the protection of clover stolons. This information is important for evaluating and recommending clover varieties to farmers.