Manure spreading oen leads to nutrient losses with negative environmental impacts, especially in cold climates where harsh winters can affect grass sward density. Nutrient efficiency in cattle slurry depends on the plant coverage at the start of the growing season. To simulate winter damage variation, random mechanical disturbance was applied to a grass field. Aerial images were obtained and analysed using the Grasision® tool to estimate plant cover. ree fixed treatments with uniform cattle slurry and N fertilizer application across all plots, and two treatments adjusting slurry and N fertilizer based on autumn or spring plant coverage were tested. Above-ground yield was measured post-first and second cut. Adjusting N rates based on spring plant coverage or using a low N rate resulted in similar agronomic N use efficiency as high N application rates, albeit with lower dry matter yield.
