Aisling Floyd
Project Title
Impacts of Pasture species diversity and Nitrogen application strategy on nutrient losses from pasture-based grazing systems
Biography
Aisling is investigating how different pasture sward types and nitrogen application strategies affect nutrient losses from pasture-based grazing systems. Her research, based at Teagasc’s Curtins Research Farm, is part of a long-term study comparing three types of swards: perennial ryegrass (PRG), perennial ryegrass white clover (PRGWC) and multispecies swards (MSS).
Monocultures of PRG have predominated in grazing systems however, recent evidence suggests that the overall productivity of swards incorporating additional plant species such as legumes and forbs are comparable with PRG only swards, require fewer chemical nitrogen applications and support enhanced animal performances at grazing. With climate patterns shifting and growing pressure to reduce chemical nitrogen use, this work is helping to identify how sward diversity could support productive dairy farming while improving environmental outcomes. In particular, Aisling’s research focuses on the potential of diverse pastures to reduce nutrient losses.
This research feeds into the bigger picture of making Irish agriculture more resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change, stricter environmental regulations, and changing consumer demands. Aisling has a background in agri-environmental sciences from UCD and has a strong interest in sustainable food production as well as maintaining and improving water quality. Originally from a dairy farm in County Meath, Aisling brings a practical understanding of the challenges facing farmers today.
Teagasc email aisling.floyd@teagasc.ie
University email 125134880@umail.ucc.ie
Teagasc Research Programme Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme
Teagasc Research Location: Moorepark – Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre
University University College Cork
Teagasc Supervisor Dr. Brendan Horan
University Supervisor Dr. William Burchill
Funder Teagasc