Ciara Carroll

Project Title: Capturing the agronomic, economic, and carbon benefits of new clover varieties into a Carbon Profit Index

Overview: Experimentation will identify clover morphophysiological traits that impact beneficially on plant-animal interactions to optimise CF/EV potential and quantify diversity among existing varieties in each species. Through Ciara’s research a Carbon Profit Index (CPI) will be developed that ranks and quantifies the CF and EV potential of varieties in a similar format to the PPI which has been successful in informing farmers’ choice of ryegrass varieties. It will also inform breeders of traits to improve for greater CF/EV gains. It will be expected to contribute to Ireland’s ruminant sector addressing GHG policy challenges.

Programme Area: Grassland Science

Supervisors: Dr Michael O’Donovan, Dr Tomás Tubritt, Prof Trevor Gilliland

Location: Teagasc, Moorepark

Funding Source: Teagasc