Megan Bock

Project Title: Identifying strategies to improve nitrogen use in grazing dairy systems

Overview: Megan is investigating strategies that focus on improving the use of nitrogen fertiliser on dairy farms. The trial is based on the Clonakilty Agricultural College farm using the college’s dairy platform and herd to undertake a grazing systems experiment. The systems experiment includes two sward types; perennial ryegrass-only and perennial ryegrass-white clover, which receive varying levels of nitrogen fertiliser after grazing. Megan is measuring herbage production and nutritive value and the effects on cow performance, mainly milk production and dry matter intake. Megan will also be looking at the environmental impacts of the systems by using ceramic cups to measure nitrogen concentration in soil beneath the swards, amongst other environmental measurements. As part of Megan’s research, a component plot study will also be utilized to test differing types and rates of nitrogen fertilizer on perennial ryegrass-white clover swards.  

The results of Megan’s research will be important as the world begins to further reduce climate change and humanity’s environmental impact. The recent EU Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy have implemented goals to decrease fertilizer use and nutrient loss, which will have a large impact on the dairy industry. The use of white clover has been found to be a more natural way to bring nitrogen into swards and reduce nitrogen fertiliser use. The information gathered should help to formulate strategies for farmers to improve environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of dairy farming on the environment.

Megan was employed at the UCD Lyons farm for the previous two years as a research assistant where she was exposed to a variety of research being conducted. Through Megan’s experiences she gained insight into the life of PhD students and many skills such as animal handling, field work, and lab analysis.

Programme Area: Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme

Supervisors: Dr. Brian McCarthy, Dr. Deirdre Hennessy, Dr. Michael Dineen and Dr. Zoe McKay

Funding Source: Teagasc