Sward Repair

Damaged swards can produce >20% less dry matter in a year compared to a sward in good health.  If this dry matter has to be replaced by concentrates the cost would be equivalent to £600 per acre.  Repairing may require a full reseed, but often over seeding or direct drilling can be just as effective.

The type of action required depends on the level of damage.  If poaching is only a couple of inches this will fix itself after the next couple of grazings or with a pass of a grass aerator, not a roller.  I say not a roller as this will just squash down what is already potentially a compacted top soil and reduce oxygen levels in the soil, reducing soil microbe and earth worm activity, (these two are key to nutrient release in soil).

Deeper poaching may require a more aggressive approach, but before you jump for the plough consider other options.  Ploughing is great for burying trash/weeds and removing top soil compaction.  The problem with ploughing is it can also bring up new weed seeds and heavy/infertile subsoil, burying the good quality top soil and organic matter out of reach of the plant.  In some cases, ploughing is the only option, but there is often an opportunity to either minimal tillage the field or direct drill after spraying off.

A number of our clients have moved away from the plough now and use a sward lifter and heavy duty cultivator to make a rough seedbed and then either direct drill or use a seed box on grass harrows to sow the grass seed.  This is followed by a roll to gain good seed to soil contact.  This option is around two thirds of the cost of ploughing, doesn’t bring up fresh weed seeds and doesn’t bury the good quality top soil and organic matter away from the new plants.

If you would like some help planning a reseeding program or how best to establish grass contact Phil Cooper on 07798 673665 or email pcooper@fcgagric.com

Or contact our Buying Group on 01935 850993 if you would like to discuss grass seed mixtures for your farm at competitive prices.