Grazing management of multi-species swards

Multi-species swards can offer a great source of forage to livestock but must be carefully managed to avoid overgrazing and to maintain species diversity.  

Grazing systems that allow for short grazing periods and longer rest periods are essential; herbs can also struggle if grazed hard for long periods.

Continuous grazing is not recommended for multi-species swards as it can lead to overgrazing, soil compaction and reduced plant diversity. Instead, well-planned rotational grazing is central to success.  

Rotational grazing involves dividing fields into smaller paddocks and moving livestock regularly (typically 3–7 days) to allow plants time to recover.  

This approach: 

• Prevents overgrazing of preferred species (e.g. clover) 

• Improves persistence of herbs and legumes 

• Maintains forage quality and digestibility 

• Protects plant crowns and soil structure

Adequate rest is essential for plants to rebuild energy reserves, support root growth and maintain nitrogen fixation in legumes. 

Typical rest periods: 

• Summer: 21–30 days 

• Spring and autumn: 30–40 days (sometimes longer as growth slows) 

• Winter: 60 days or more, or complete rest 

Before regrazing, allow the sward to regrow back to over 15 cm to ensure sufficient leaf area for regrowth and nitrogen fixation. 

Adjust stocking density based on the growth rate of the sward and the condition of the pasture.

• Overgrazing and crown damage 

• Reduced species diversity 

• Soil compaction and poaching 

• Increased weed pressure 

• Selective grazing 

• Dominance of aggressive species 

• Stemmy, lower-quality forage 

Regularly assess the sward composition, ideally every few months, to identify any species that are becoming too dominant. Adjust your management accordingly to selectively control dominant species.

Maintaining appropriate grazing heights protects regrowth, forage quality and species balance.

• Spring and late autumn: 10 cm 

• Summer (faster growth): 6–8 cm 

Grazing below this height can damage the sward, reduce plant vigour and impair the nitrogen-fixing capacity of clover.

Regular assessment helps prevent problems before they become persistent.

• Species balance 

• Sward height and density 

• Signs of overgrazing or selective grazing 

• Soil condition and poaching 

Visual inspection every few months is usually enough. Remember that species composition naturally shifts during the year due to growth habits – not every change is a problem.