Opportunities and challenges for the adoption of multispecies swards in grassland systems in Europe

The dual challenges of climate change and food security demand more resilient, multifunctional grassland-based livestock systems that can deliver the different societal and planetary needs for a growing global population. Whilst the so-called ‘Green Revolution’ of developing high-yielding grass varieties under high inputs of inorganic nitrogen has helped to boost food production, we now understand how these systems can also cause environmental degradation and reduced system resilience. A paradigm shift in how European grasslands can be farmed and managed in a more sustainable manner is now essential. Multispecies swards (MSS), comprising grasses, legumes and forbs, are increasingly recognised for their potential to enhance the agricultural performance and ecological resilience of grasslands. Research has shown how contrasting forages can deliver many different functions within a multi-species sward including agronomic, livestock and environmental benefits. It explores the broader agronomic, livestock performance and environmental benefits of using MSS, and considers the practical steps needed to support their wider adoption. By integrating functional diversity into grassland systems, MSS can help meet the evolving demands of European agriculture -supporting productivity and diversity whilst providing environmental protection.