Drummonds Ltd

PLANTAIN

Narrow-leaf plantain is a deep-rooted, smooth-leaved perennial herb. The forage varieties of plantain are more uniform and more erect, with a higher number of vegetative shoots compared to its more native counterparts found along ditches throughout the country.

Plantain is highly palatable and many studies have shown that in a mixed pasture animals will selectively graze it. Palatability does not deteriorate as seed heads emerge in Plantain and protein content is stable at 18 – 20% throughout the growing season.

Like Chicory, 0.8kg/acre of Plantain is the standard for most multi species mixtures. In other parts of the World like New Zealand Plantain is sown as a monoculture at 4-5kg/acre. In these cases, Plantain is used as a buffer crop for drought prone regions and is mostly used to feed growing animals. Use of Plantain in the Northern hemisphere is predominantly in multi species swards.

 

Further Information

If you have any queries on aspects of fodder crops or wish to discuss your individual requirements just call one of our Drummonds Technical advisors who will be delighted to help.