AIMS Agriculture and Food, 4(3): 547–567. DOI: 10.3934/agrfood.2019.3.547 Received: 05 April 2019 Accepted: 19 June 2019 Published: 12 July 2019 http://www.aimspress.com/journal/agriculture Research article Combining agro-ecological functions in grass-clover mixtures Brechtje R. de Haas1,2, Nyncke J. Hoekstra1,*, Jan R. van der Schoot3, Eric J.W. Visser2, Hans de Kroon2 and Nick van Eekeren1 1 Louis Bolk Institute, Kosterijland 3-5, 3981AJ Bunnik, the Netherlands 2 Experimental Plant Ecology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6500 GL Nijmegen, the Netherlands 3 Applied Research Field Crops, Wageningen University & Research, Edelhertweg 1, 8219PH, Lelystad, the Netherlands * Correspondance: Email:
[email protected]; Tel: +31(0)343523860; Fax: +31(0)343515611. Abstract: Grass-clover mixtures show many benefits for sustainable agriculture. In the Netherlands, organic farmers often work together in a so-called partner farm concept, with the aim to close nutrient cycles on a regional level. In this system, arable farms grow one-year grass-clover leys, as fodder for a livestock farm, in exchange for, e.g., manure. This practice could also be used in the transition of conventional farms towards a more circular regenerative and nature inclusive agriculture. In the current experiment we assessed the effect of a range of grass (Lolium perenne: Lp, Lolium multiflorum: Lm) and clover (Trifolium pratense: Tp and Trifolium repens: Tr) monocultures and mixtures on both below- and aboveground parameters in light of benefits for livestock and arable farms, and biodiversity. The grass monocultures showed good weed suppression, high root density, and especially Lp had a positive effect on soil structure.