Growth potential and yields of chicory and ribwort plantain

Herbal mixtures are receiving increasing attention among dairy farming in the context of biodiversity or because they may contribute to reducing methane emissions (Wilson et al., 2020). Yield determinations were made in these fields in 2023 to monitor the growth potential (growing stage trial), annual yield and nutrient value (in progress) of chicory (Cichorium intybus) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata). Chicory, in particular, had many problems in the second year. The persistency was low, which created many open spaces, resulting in high weed pressure and the plants quickly entered the generative state. On the other hand, the regrowth of chicory is high. Plantain has good persistence and a good yield under full mowing. The yields are certainly comparable to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), but with a lower N input. However, chicory is a very sensitive crop. Grazing causes a lot of losses and mechanical treatment is almost impossible. Plantain offers more options, but the question is how resilient this crop is under grazing conditions.