Evaluation of ‘Grasslands Puna’ chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.) in various grass mixtures under sheep grazing

Abstract Growth of chicory ( Cichorium intybus ) in mixtures with different companion grass species and white clover ( Trifolium repens ) was examined over 4 years in a trial rotationally grazed by sheep. A mixture containing red clover ( T. pratense ) instead of chicory, and ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ), was also included. Over summer and autumn, pastures were either grazed frequently (every 3–4 weeks) or infrequently (4–6 weeks), and at other times of the year every 4 weeks. Chicory establishment was high (82% of viable seed sown), with 46 plants/m 2 , declining to 15/m 2 by Year 4, whereas red clover plant numbers declined from 101/m 2 to 13/m 2 . Dry matter (DM) yields of chicory and red clover increased from Year 1 to Year 3, then declined in Year 4. Over the 4 years, chicory contributed 34, 80, 85, and 57%, respectively, to green DM yield; red clover contributed 9, 24, 77, and 13%. Yields of sown grass were inversely related to chicory or red clover yields ( P < 0.001, r = 0.82), particularly for chicory‐based pasture mixtures. Chicory and red clover both displayed a strong pattern of seasonal growth in response to temperature. This distinct pattern of growth for chicory‐based pastures was greatest for mixtures with tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea ) and prairie grass ( Bromus willdenowii ), grasses that were low‐yielding. In contrast, phalaris ( Phalaris aquatica ) ‐ chicory pastures had high grass growth in all seasons, resulting in the highest total annual DM yields and a more even seasonal spread of production. Ryegrass‐chicory pastures were intermediate and ryegrass/cocksfoot ( Dactylis glomerata ) ‐chicory pastures were lower‐yielding. Red clover/ryegrass pastures had a more even seasonal spread of production, through greater winter and lower summer yields, than the chicory‐based pastures. Frequent grazing significantly decreased DM yields of chicory (‐19%), red clover (‐61%), and total green herbage (‐11%) compared with infrequent grazing, whereas there was no effect of grazing frequency on plant numbers of chicory or red clover.