CO2 emissions following cultivation of a temperate permanent pasture

Our results suggest that when aiming to reduce C losses resulting from cultivation of permanent grassland, it is preferable to cultivate when conditions for soil microbial activity and photosynthesis are sub-optimal; for our study site this meant in autumn instead of spring because of lower soil moisture availability. We also recommend minimising the duration of the period between spraying the old sward and establishment of the new sward or crop.