Quality Legume-Based Forage Systems for Contrasting Environments: COST Action 852

Agricultural systems that reduce environmental degradation, sustain agricultural productivity and economic viability, maintain stable rural communities, enhance the quality of life and respond to increasing demand for livestock products are promoted in developed countries. Though major challenges exist, forage legumes, adapted to a wide range of soil types, climatic conditions and management systems, will become increasingly important components of sustainable agricultural production systems in Europe. Temporal and spatial variation in legume performance often occurs. Compared to pure grass systems, legume-based systems may lead to increased N losses. To what extent ruminants can use the protein from forage legumes, and whether there are differences among species and cultivars are unknown. To improve reliability and the range of forage legumes, we must understand the constraints of environment, the reasons for divergence between species potential and actual performance and the most efficient way to use the herbage. The COST Action 852 - Quality legume-based forage systems for contrasting environments was set up to help resolve some of these questions