The use of low-emission equipment has become mandatory for slurry distribution in a number of countries. However, the effects on yield, nitrogen (N) utilisation and silage quality are still intensively debated. In a 3-year field experiment at two experimental sites in Switzerland, we tested the effects of broadcast equipment (BC) and the low-emission devices band-spread (BS) and trailing-shoe (TS) on dry matter yield, N utilisation by plants and silage quality. The different equipment was tested in combination with two slurry consistencies (unaltered dilution; extra dilution), two timings of application (immediately or delayed after preceding harvest), and two sward types (with legumes; without legumes). BS compared to BC revealed positive effects on dry matter yield and N utilisation at one, but not the other site. Delayed application improved apparent N recovery but not yield, and only at one of the two sites. Extra slurry dilution proved positive for both yield and N recovery. In terms of silage quality, lowemission equipment had no relevant detrimental effects, while early application with extra diluted slurry was advantageous. We conclude that slurry application by low-emission equipment can be advantageous in terms of yield and N utilisation without being detrimental in terms of silage quality.
