Sewing and Reseeding.docx

19. Sowing and Reseeding Grassland Why do we reseed due to weed Infestation this can start to develop which lowers the productivity of the field. Dock leaves are most common as their seeds can be spread when slurry is applied. Adding Clover- Clover raises protein levels & fixes nitrogen in the...

19. Sowing and Reseeding Grassland Why do we reseed due to weed Infestation this can start to develop which lowers the productivity of the field. Dock leaves are most common as their seeds can be spread when slurry is applied. Adding Clover- Clover raises protein levels & fixes nitrogen in the soil. Animal Activity may have poached the land, leading to poor quality pasture. Under-grazing a field can lead to large amounts of poorer-quality grass Over-grazing slows down regrowth.  Poor Soil Fertility soil tests should be carried out to check the soil pH & N-P-K levels.  Benefits of Reseeding include Improvement of grass and silage quality, Increased milk production, A  Longer grazing season reduces the need for silage which reduces costs  Seed mixtures for grazing should include a mixture of grasses with different heading varieties. This holds many advantages such as a Constant supply of fresh, leafy, high DMD grass over the grazing season.   Seed Mixtures for Silage has a similar heading date should be used to ensure grass growth The advantage of this is that all the grass will be ready to be cut at the same time. Methods of Sowing and Reseeding Grassland Direct Sowing is the most common method used in Ireland.  Plough the field which buries the weed seeds. Harrow to create a fine seedbed. Add the seeds using a seed drill, roll to create good soil/seed contact which increases germination rates. Fertiliser & Time of Sowing: Spring sown ley are Fertilised by spreading during seedbed preparation and harrowed into the soil. - Should be sown before May to avoid drought damages. Autumn sown leys fertiliser is not added until the following spring and should be sown before September to avoid frost damage. Minimum Cultivation Techniques (methods without ploughing) Direct Drilling/Direct Sowing is a method works best when the fields are grazed bare or a herbicide is applied before starting – very important if the field was infested with weeds. Slit Seeding/Stitching-In is a method is very similar to direct drilling. The Main difference is that the grassland is not killed off. The old sward should be tightly grazed beforehand.