A new species of “supergrass” could help significantly reduce the impact of flooding, according to the Welsh scientists who helped create it.
Researchers at Aberystwyth University’s respected Institute of Biological, Environmental and Biological Research (Ibers) have found that their new grass hybrid can capture more water in soil than is possible with current agricultural grasses, meaning less water run-off on the surface of land therefore minimising the chance of flooding.
It is thought that the grass could be particularly beneficial to flood-hit farmers.
Scientists from Ibers alongside those at the Rothamsted Research site in north Devon, the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen, Lancaster University and the University of Nottingham, managed to cross a hybridised species of grass called perennial ryegrass, which has a high growth rate, with a species called meadow fescue, known for its well-developed root systems and efficient water capture.
The result is a new variety of grass called Festulolium.
Mike Humphreys, principal researcher at Ibers, said: “Festulolium, which are defined as natural hybrids between ryegrass and fescue species, are very much the grasses for the future.
“They are the way ahead for sustainable livestock agricultural practices.
“They bring increased resilience to climate change and more water and nutrient-use efficiency together with several examples of environmental service.
“This is mainly due mainly to their large well developed root systems.”
Dr Humphreys added: “Their root systems combat flooding, reduce soil erosion and compaction and offer opportunities for significant Carbon sequestration.”
Researchers have spent two years conducting field experiments on the new grass species in the south west of England, costing £65,000.
The results show that Festulolium significantly reduces water run-off from grassland compared either conventional varieties.
In trials, the hybrid reduced run-off by 51% against a leading UK nationally recommended perennial ryegrass cultivar – and 43% compared with meadow fescue, a closely-related species.
Scientists believe the reduced run-off is achieved because Festulolium’s intense initial root growth and subsequent rapid turnover, especially at depth, allows more water to be retained within the soil.
The hybrid grass also provides high-quality forage with resilience to weather extremes, making the grass doubly useful to farmers.
Kit Macleod, catchment scientist at the James Hutton Institute said: “Hybrid grasses of this type show potential for reducing the likelihood of flood generation, while providing pasture for food production under conditions of changing climate.
“In areas with similar climate and soils, then there is potential for reducing the likelihood of flood generation based on increased soil water storage within a river’s catchment.”
Grasslands occupy 76% of agricultural land in the UK and are most prevalent in the west and north – also the areas of greatest rainfall and catchment areas for many of our rivers.
A spokesman from Aberystwyth University said: “More detailed and longer studies are required to fully determine the full potential of Festulolium for flood control but the signs are very promising.
“If the results at a larger scale reproduce outcomes found in the pilot studies then a very cost effective technology becomes available for flood control.”
The research was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Council chief executive Douglas Kell added: “We usually think of improving food crops solely in terms of traits such as the yield and quality of the food itself, and apart from root crops such as potatoes and carrots these are easily visible, above-ground traits.
“However, there is increasing recognition that the health and utility of plants can be greatly enhanced by improving below-ground traits such as root growth.”
Researchers have not released any details about when and if Festulolium will be available for commercial use.