Grass Protects Water Quality

A new project supported by the Green Development and Demonstration Program (GUDP) will map the climate and environmental impacts of converting maize, cereals, and rapeseed into environmentally optimized grass production in an area near the Limfjord. At the same time, the project will develop and document the economics of grass as a resource for green protein production, biogas, and feed.

By growing perennial crops such as grass and clover-grass instead of cereals, yields can increase while nitrate leaching and pesticide use are reduced. Perennial crops therefore help reduce pressure on Denmark’s water environment.

Researchers, together with a range of partners, will investigate whether producing grass for green protein can sufficiently reduce nitrate leaching to protect groundwater and waterworks catchment areas – while also meeting Danish water management plans.