St Patrick chose a shamrock as his symbol for environmental reasons also

St Patrick has been described as something of an environmental visionary for his focus on the humble shamrock by Irish scientists.

We all know how he used the three-leafed plant to simplify his religious teachings over 1,500 years ago.

Now research has shown its cousin, the white clover, is playing a vital role in the climate fight.

Scientists at VistaMilk, the Science Foundation Ireland agri-food research centre, say their studies show having clover planted in fields where cows graze can reduce the need for fertiliser nitrogen by up to 40 per cent.

Deirdre Hennessy, VistaMilk Funded Investigator and Senior Teagasc Research Officer, said: “It appears that St Patrick, even if he didn’t know it, was something of a visionary when it comes to the environment.

“We’re all familiar with his ‘three leaves’ explanation, so is it a coincidence that we have identified three main benefits for farms and the farmers that incorporate white clover into their grassland management processes?”

Farmers who grow clover among the grass in their fields can significantly lower the carbon footprint of their dairy produce while improving their milk yields and soil health.

Hennessy added: “Clover reduces the need for excessive fertiliser use, improves feed quality and increases milk yields. From a farmer’s perspective, this trinity of benefits has huge significance as well.

“It means they are reducing their reliance on artificial fertiliser, which saves money and time; they are improving productivity, which enhances their income; and they are mitigating environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide) from fertiliser use.

“All of this shows that through proper grassland management, we can avoid a reduction in the national herd and safeguard our farming heritage by sustaining the viability of family-run farms well into the future.”

As well as the benefits to dairy herds, white clover also provides an important source of nectar for pollinators like bees.

“Shamrock and other clovers are an essential part of Irish culture and I for one will be covered from head to toe on the 17th.

“My hope is that, in the near future, so will most of our pasture,” said Hennessy.