This project translated and developed an existing grass growth simulation model to produce a teaching tool called LINGRA-N-Plus to examine the effect of cutting intervals, nitrogen application, and weather on grass yields.
  • DatesAugust 2018 to December 2020
  • SponsorNERC Sustainable Agriculture Research Innovation Club (SARIC)
  • Funded£202,312
  • PartnersCranfield University, Rothamsted Research, University of Nottingham, University of Gloucestershire, and SRUC

The project translated an existing grass model (LINGRA-N), and developed, calibrated, and validated the model so that it was able to describe the effect of nitrogen application and cutting intervals on annual yields of green leaf and total dry matter from grass in England and Wales. The calibration and validation of the model was published in April 2021. The model called LINGRA-N-Plus, developed in Microsoft Excel, is available online. The model has been used to teach grassland management at the University of Nottingham and the Royal Agricultural University. A teaching guide is also available. The model has also been used to promote discussion about grassland management with grassland consultants in England, Wales, and Scotland.