Plantain (Plantago lanceolata): from weed to multi-functional component in sustainable dairy-farm systems

Narrow-leaved plantain (ribgrass, Plantago lanceolata L.) has long been a common adventive species in managed grasslands globally. Its value as a livestock forage was enhanced with the development of productive and erect cultivars from the mid-1990s. Another major development has been the observation of its effect in reducing livestock urinary-nitrogen concentration. Low tissue dry matter content has been verified as the main contributor to this, but studies also point to effects of plant characteristics on livestock nitrogen partitioning and reduced drainage and rate of nitrification in soils. This functionality provides a way of mitigating nitrogen losses to air and water in intensive, pasture-based livestock systems that is relatively simple to implement. This chapter summarises the broad characteristics and uses of modern forage plantain and identifies scope for research relating to management for persistence, effects on animal health and milk composition and a better understanding of the biochemical mechanisms behind nitrogen cycle effects.