Forage Chicory Conventional Untreated

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

One of the most beneficial herbs that can be added to pastures. Provides minerals and protein for livestock as well as being anthelmintic.

Special Features:

• Chicory is a suitable forage crop for cattle, sheep and goats and deer. Will add trace elements and interest to stock diets.
• High level of palatability.
• Chicory possesses a deep tap root which can extract moisture from great depths in the soil. Chicory is rich in minerals due to its deep tap root which can absorb minerals that are inaccessible to shallower rooted plant species. In general, most of the macro-minerals in chicory are similar, or exceed those found in grasses and legumes.
• Its deep taproot also helps break through soil compaction and improves drainage.
• Chicory is a biennial plant with a two-year lifespan, but most varieties can be managed as short-lived perennials with a practical stand life of three to five years.
• Chicory has the potential to reduce the adverse effects of internal parasites, which can reduce anthelmintic use. Although chicory grazing has been shown to have little impact on controlling worms in adult sheep, it can result in lower egg counts in lambs, which may improve performance.

Management:

• Sow 1-2kg per ha in mixtures. 8kg per ha if sowing straight.
• Small seed so should be shallow sown.
• Needs to be regularly grazed or cut to prevent from trying to go to seed and developing a woody stalk.
• Persists for up to 4 years.