Ecotain^™

Nature and science working together

Ecotain reduces N leaching and increases the availability of quality feed

When it comes to N leaching management Ecotain is four steps in the right direction, but reducing N leaching is one thing, while doing it without compromising production is another.

Ecotain is the only plantain that is capable of reducing nitrate leaching in four ways, so it's a superior product in that category. Being a quality bred plantain cultivar Ecotain provides enhanced forage feed availability particularly in summer, kicking in when grass availability starts to drop off.

Stacking up the benefits

Huge reduction in N leaching – up to 89% from the urine patch depending on sward blend and conditions (see Science)
Very similar annual DM quantity and quality to ryegrass pasture
Increases feed quality and/or supply during summer and autumn
Improves speed of sward recovery after summer dry
Improves cool season activity of pasture base
Suitable as a 2 - 3 year crop option
Positive impact on milk production when grass quality drops in summer.

Download the Performance & Establishment Guide

Watch our science lead Glenn Judson explain the agronomic benefits of Ecotain

Research has demonstrated that not all plantains (current cultivars or breeding lines) are capable of reducing nitrate leaching through the four aspects Ecotain can – dilute, reduce, delay, restrict. In all other agronomic aspects, as well as environmental, Ecotain is an excellent example of a high quality, productive forage.

Drymatter performance

Very similar DM quantity and quality to ryegrass pasture.
Can add value in terms of both DM and quality to any farming system.
Contributes invaluable DM production, typically at times of the year when ryegrass and other species, e.g. white clover, are not performing.

There is little compromise with Ecotain – it sets the standard both environmentally and agronomically.

Pros & cons of using different Ecotain options

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pure species	Dedicated weed control and grazing management. Maximum benefit from Ecotain.	Slightly slower winter growth rates than ryegrass. Requires nitrogen fertiliser.
Ecotain with clover	Dedicated weed control and grazing management. High benefit from Ecotain. Increased nitrogen and benefit of clover filling sward gaps.	Slightly slower winter growth rates than ryegrass. Potential bloat risk if clover dominates. Reduced weed control options.
Ecotain in diverse pasture mix	Increased pasture production and nutritive value in summer/autumn. Longer growing season.	Grazing management cannot be optimised for all species. Quality of herbs diluted. Limited weed control options.